2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe revealed ahead of Australian debut
The new 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe has been revealed ahead of its European launch in the first quarter of next year.
It's no surprise that the E-Class coupe looks very much like the smaller C-Class and larger S-Class Coupes, though the mid-sizer does have some unique features.
The tail-lights are the first on any Mercedes-Benz to have a 'welcome' feature, with the LEDs illuminating successively from the centre outwards when the vehicle is unlocked, and in the opposite direction when it is locked.
Mercedes-Benz says the crystal optics used in the tail-lights give a glow reminiscent of a jet engine.
The rear of the E-Class coupe is also less rounded than the C-Class and S-Class coupes, with the bumper more squared off in its shape and appearing to sit higher than its stablemates.
Up front the bonnet is longer and lower than the sedan, incorporating power-domes, along with a low-positioned front grille that features a large central Mercedes star.
The headlights also utilise the dual-LED daytime-running light design seen in the regular E-Class sedan and wagon range, while four frameless side windows help to emphasise the coupe's sporty and luxurious character.
Justifying its place in the new Mercedes line-up, the 2017 E-Class Coupe comes in at 4826mm long, 1860mm wide and 1430mm tall, the new coupe is 123mm longer, 74mm wider and 32mm taller than its C-Class-based predecessor, while also riding on a 113mm longer wheelbase.
Inside, the E-Class coupe's cockpit is, as expected, very similar to the sedan and wagon. The dual-screen layout (optional in Europe) incorporating two 12.3-inch high-resolution displays carries over, along with the familiar shape of the centre console and dashboard.
Unique to the coupe are newly-designed air vents that are influenced by the look of a turbine engine, finished in 'silver shadow'.
Like the regular E-Class, the coupe's steering wheel features 'Touch Control' buttons which allow the driver to navigate through the menus of the instrument cluster and infotainment system with swipe gestures.
The E-Class coupe is also available with a touchpad on the centre console as opposed to the standard rotary dial that controls the Comand infotainment system, which is allows for handwriting recognition.
Inside the new coupe also features LED interior lighting, including an ambient lighting feature that can be customised with 64 different colours.
Occupants are also treated to the latest Comand Online infotainment system, which also features support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The gains in exterior dimensions have also allowed for improved space in the cabin, with the new coupe sporting 74mm extra rear legroom, 18mm more headroom in the front and 15mm in the rear, along with 50mm more shoulder room in the front and 34mm more in the back.
Under the bonnet are a choice of four engines at launch, including three petrols and one diesel.
The sole diesel offering is the E220d, which uses the familiar 2.0-litre (1950cc) four-cylinder turbo-diesel producing 143kW of power and 400Nm of torque.
0-100km/h takes 7.4 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 241km/h.
Next up is the entry-level petrol in the form of the E200. Motivated by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, the E200 develops 135kW of power and 300Nm of torque.
Despite the relatively small outputs, the base turbo four-pot is good for a 0-100km/h dash in 7.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 240km/h.
Stepping up to the E300 gets you a more powerful version of the 2.0-litre turbo four, this time producing 180kW and 370Nm of torque.
The extra grunt gets you from 0-100km/h in a more brisk 6.4 seconds, with the top speed electronically limited to 250km/h.
Finally, sitting atop the range, for now, is the E400. Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 unit producing a meaty 245kW of power and 480Nm of torque.
0-100km/h takes just 5.3 seconds while the top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.
All models are equipped with the company's nine-speed automatic transmission.
Under the sleek body the E-Class coupe rides on 15mm lower suspension than the sedan, with the option of standard springs, adjustable dampers and multi-chamber air suspension - the latter two offer selectable modes including Comfort, Sport, Sport + and Eco (air suspension only).
Safety-wise, the E-Class coupe is packed to the nines with driver assistance technologies, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), and new semi-autonomous systems named Drive Pilot and Remote Parking Pilot.
Drive Pilot is an extension of the company's Distronic adaptive cruise control system, and is able to not only keep the correct distance with the vehicle in front but can also follow them automatically at speeds of up to 210km/h.
Meanwhile, Remote Parking Pilot is like your own personal valet assistant, allowing owners to summon their vehicle in and out of garages and parking spaces remotely through a smartphone app.
Features that will be optionally-available in Europe include automatic LED headlights - with 84 individual LED bulbs - and Magic Vision Control, which integrates the windscreen washer jet into the wiper blade to maximise the cleaning effect while limiting the vision impairment to the driver.
Australia
Australian timing for the new E-Class Coupe is still to be confirmed, but, with UK deliveries expected in April 2017, it's likely the new coupe will arrive in the second half of 2017.
Stay tuned for an update.
0
Video: ‘Top Gear Australia’ first preview and release date
