Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes E Class Coupe E350 CDI review

The Mercedes E Class Coupe looks the part, but how does it drive? Read our review to find out.

"Concept car looks are one thing, but the E Class Coupe is flawed"

What is it?
Over the last decade Mercedes has been going through a bit of a bad patch; dropping the ball with its bland designs, and saving cash by not adopting the over-engineering that it had done previously. But Merc’s turned a corner, not just with its really rather fabulous SLS AMG gullwing supercar, but with its more mainstream models too – the new E-Class is a huge improvement. But what about the more niche CLK-replacing E Coupe? Let’s find out

What’s it like on the outside?
The E Class Coupe is a funny shape, appearing taught, small and pointy at the front, where it shares the face of the normal E Class, moving back to where its hips swell with those creases in the wings above the rear arches. It’s certainly a more aggressive, interesting, angular shape than the old CLK. It also appears a lot more brash and bling with its chrome details and blindingly bright LED taillights.

The car has a lot of road presence too, its long, low profile making it appear dynamic and imposing. The shape is also great for the aerodynamics too, its 0.24 Cd makes it the world’s most aerodynamically efficient car. I think I like the way it looks, but I’m not sure – I only drove the car for a week and Mercs are notoriously slow burners, taking a good while to wheedle their way into your affections.

What’s it like on the inside?
The first thing you think when you swing inside the Merc’s low-slung seat is ‘where did all the space go?’ The inverted Tardis effect is definitely in effect, so if you’re an adult of even a decent height, stay well away from the tiny rear seats that have very little head or leg room to speak of.

Up front things are much better though. The angular dash is well screwed together and simply laid out, and all the surfaces your fingers come into contact with feel expensive. The seats are seriously comfortable too, and came with seat heaters that you could fry an egg on. My car also had the optional panoramic roof, which is nice but means headroom becomes an issue for those over six feet tall.

What’s it like to drive?
The Coupe isn’t exactly averse to high speed cornering, and it certainly feels more agile and keener to turn-in that the conventional E Class thanks to its shorter wheelbase. But it’s the sort of car that you feel a bit guilty about chucking around because it rewards unflustered cruising much more greatly.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The torquey V6 diesel barely murmers away in the distance, the seven-speed auto slithers between gears effortlessly, and the aerodynamic shape keeps wind noise to a minimum. The relatively soft set-up squashes bumps at high speed too. Only at load speeds does the ride get upset, crashing through potholes with a surprising lack of grace.

Verdict
The E Class Coupe is a funny one. It’s very good at looking the part – Merc’s designers have done a great job at distilling the current E Class into a more sporty, rakish almost concept car-like shape. Its engine is creamy smooth and its comfort is seriously premier league too. But, as tested, my car costs £40 grand, which seems rather a lot for a car that shares its platform with the normal C Class.

Car Specs - Mercedes E350 CDI Coupe

Engine:3.0-litre diesel, 231hp
0-62mph:6.7 seconds
Top speed:155mph
Economy/emissions:41.5mpg/179g/km CO2
Price/On sale £36,630/Now

We rate:
Excellent comfort
Concept car looks

We slate:
Impact on the wallet
Not as good as a 3 Series Coupe

Rating: Image removed.

By Tom Phillips

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Renault 4 first glimpse! Retro-renaissance continues with new all-electric small SUV
Renault 4 front fascia teaser
News
1 Oct 2024

Renault 4 first glimpse! Retro-renaissance continues with new all-electric small SUV

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
1 Oct 2024

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
27 Sep 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024