Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes E-Class Coupe (2009-2017) - Engines, drive & performance

Sport versions of the Mercedes E-Class Coupe offer the most engaging drive

Carbuyer Rating

3.2 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Engines, drive & performance Rating

3.0 out of 5

A wide stance and low driving position mean you immediately feel more connected to the car in the Mercedes E-Class Coupe than you do in the saloon version.

The SE model feels softer than the Sport on the road, giving you the choice of a comfortable cruiser or a more engaging driver's car. The over-riding impression is of smoothness, with the automatic gearbox working swiftly and slickly, but it's not as much fun to drive as a BMW 4 Series.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There is the choice of three diesel engines: the E220 BlueTEC, E250 CDI and E350 BlueTEC, and two petrols: the E200 CGI and E400.

Mercedes E-Class petrol engines

Avoid the entry-level E200 petrol version if you want effortless performance, as the E250 diesel makes a lot more sense in this regard and doesn’t cost a whole lot more. Further up the range, the engine differences are less notable – the petrols tend to be more responsive and the diesels more flexible, yet no less rapid.

In the updated E-Class range, the E400 replaces the E500. It's powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 instead of a 4.7-litre V8. It's a tenth of a second slower from 0-62mph (5.2 seconds), but feels just as quick as the old car. Most importantly, the E400 has better fuel economy and costs £7,000 less than the E500 did.

Mercedes E-Class diesel engines

For pure economy you can’t beat the E220 BlueTEC, although at 8.3 seconds for the 0-62mph sprint, it’s the slowest model in the range.

The E350 CDI is the pick of the diesels for speed – it's smooth and quiet, but feels really quick. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 6.1 seconds, but it's the useable power at all speeds that's most impressive.

We’re big fans of the relaxed seven-speed automatic gearbox, as it suits the car well and most of the time the gearchanges are smooth and fast.

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

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

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

All-new Dacia Bigster: flagship SUV arrives with 4x4, hybrid power and off-road kit
Dacia Bigster front quarter
News
9 Oct 2024

All-new Dacia Bigster: flagship SUV arrives with 4x4, hybrid power and off-road kit

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV
Renault 5 front quarter
In-depth reviews
7 Oct 2024

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV

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