It is possible that the E-Class Coupe is the most beautiful car of its type on the road today,
writes Brian Byrne. A blend of classic and modernity which its premium competitors still struggle to emulate. Lines which reflect whatever is the 'golden mean' of automotive styling. A car which can adequately decorate high achievement, and yet could not in any way be described as bragging.
I liked the E-Class Coupe? Clearly I did. I make no bones about it — I will accept the excellent credentials of BMW, Lexus, et al, but when Mercedes-Benz do something well, they do it really, really well.
The shape, fluid and taut at the same time. The detail, every small thing a jewel as well as practical, like the blue ambient lighting when you step into the car at night, that underlines the curves of the dash as well as illuminating your space. The accommodation — well, at least for the two in front it is everything in luxury one could wish for. For the back seat people, well, they are occasional, not for when one or a couple are gone for an interesting drive.
There was a time when looking for a white Mercedes-Benz was a no-no. Black or silver or the salesman (a saleswoman never would) might sniff at a request for another hue. But the review car in Polar White was exactly the colour it should have been, with gentle contrasting details in the panoramic roof surround and a few other places. The AMG Line grade included body styling elements and floor mats and some badging. Standard was automatic transmission, rear view camera, and a long list of other stuff, including Artico finish on the upper dashboard.
A number of extras with the car included real nappa two-tone leather upholstery, that panoramic roof, an extra wide screen in the cockpit area, and LED headlights. The most expensive was the Driver Assistance Package at €3,423, which works very well at semi-autonomous driving on highways. We are going ever further in this direction whether we like it or not.
Driving a car like this certainly does something for how you feel. Get in from what may have been a cloud of grumble about something, and that cloud disappears as soon as you switch on and drive away. Stay driving for any length, and you will bring sunshine home.
The review car had the 195hp version of the brand's latest family of 2.0 diesels. Smooth. Quiet. Pretty thrifty even in my real-world 6.5L/100km result. The car also had agility control suspension, and for all intents and purposes is fine in Comfort mode. If you must, go for a more dynamic setting, but somehow this car doesn't need to be sportily driven to exhilarate.
One of my favourite experiences this year. PRICE: Starting at €53,690 in this spec; price of review car with extras €72,057. FAVOURITE EQUIPMENT: The LED headlights. RATING: 4.8.
