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

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.

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.

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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.