Just as night follows day, Mercedes-Benz has announced facelifts for its E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet ranges, a few weeks after similar refreshes were confirmed for the E-Class Saloon, Estate an All-Terrain line-ups.
Unlike most Mercedes makeovers you can quickly spot what’s changed about the four-year old design, although those differences are most obvious at the front.
What’s different about the way it looks?
Gone is the previous ‘smiling’ E-Class grille, which was wider at the top than the bottom, replaced by an inverted design that’s been gradually spreading across the rest of the range. It’s supposed to look more aggressive, a theme that works successfully on these sportier, two-door models.
It’s flanked by shallower, full LED headlamps and a revised front bumper design. Similarly, the rear bumpers have been changed and although the look of the rear LED lights has been altered, their shape is exactly the same as before.
Four new colours have been added to the palette – three silvers and a red – along with a wider choice of alloy wheel design, including a selection designed to promote fuel efficiency.
Once aboard the changes are fewer, but more immediately obvious as they are points your hands will frequently come into contact with, such as the multimedia touchpad controller and the new steering wheel with haptic buttons on the spokes that gently vibrate when operated.
Advanced on-board technology
Dominating the dashboard is the plinth designed for a dual-screen set-up. Previously, lower-spec E-Classes made do with conventional analogue instruments ahead of the driver, but these are now gone. Less expensive versions feature a twin-screen arrangement of 10.25 inches each, while higher grade models enjoy a pair of 12.3-inch screens.
Additionally, the interior mood lighting, music and seat massaging functions can be amplified when the driver is wearing a compatible Garmin smartwatch, using data from it to adapt the car’s interior ambience to be more relaxing and less stressful. We’ll see how soothed we feel when we get to test the car later in 2020…
Safety has long been a Mercedes hallmark and improvements elsewhere in the range have cascaded into the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet’s equipment arsenal.
Among those changes are the revised steering assist function that now has sensors to tell whether the rim is being touched rather than simply having a turning action applied to it, plus enhancements to Active Brake Assist – which includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) – that can now recognise when the car is crossing oncoming traffic, such as at crossroads.
Revised E-Class engine range
While there’s no plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option for the two-door E-Classes as can be found with their more practically-bodied siblings, mild-hybrid technology does make an appearance.
Under the marketing guise of EQ-boost both the revised 2.0-litre diesel – now of a 1993cc capacity, up from 1950cc – and the 3.0-litre petrol feature a 48-volt integrated starter-generator unit, which in essence allows the engines to be turned off while you’re braking or simply lifting off the throttle, using electrical energy instead.
Precise performance and efficiency figures will be released in due course, as will the definitive engine range for the UK line-up, but all versions announced so far are capable of completing the 0-62mph acceleration benchmark in 8.0 seconds or less.
All E-Class Coupes and Cabriolets will be sold in the UK with a revised nine-speed automatic transmission as standard, while 4Matic four-wheel drive will be available with a small selection of engines.
Performance-focused AMG E 53
While fans of AMG’s V8-engined ’63’ models might be disappointed that such an engine still hasn’t found its way into the E-Class Coupe or Cabriolet’s engine bay, what it offers instead wants for little in performance, even if it lacks such visceral aural delight.
Using the 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder petrol engine, together with the electrical EQ Boost, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4Matic+ to give its full title, delivers 457hp and 770Nm of torque to all four wheels, albeit being rear-wheel drive in the main to maximise driving engagement.
It’s certainly quick, with a 4.4-second 0-62mph time for the Coupe, 4.6 for the Cabriolet and a top speed electronically pegged at 155mph. This is increased to 167mph with the optional AMG Driver’s Package, which includes a tutorial package for high speed driving.
There’s also a wide variety of driving modes – they sound like too many on paper – with five under Dynamic Select and a further three within AMG Dynamic Select.
Essentially they vary how comfortable or sporty the E 53 behaves, altering a number of parameters including the throttle and gearbox response, the suppleness of the suspension and how quickly the four-wheel drive system kicks in. Again, we’ll report back in more detail when we’ve driven it.
Externally, the E 53 looks the part courtesy of two power bulges in the bonnet, wider air intakes in the bumper, twelve vertical grille slats, vestigial air deflector and wings, plus a new design of 19-inch alloy wheel.
Inside, body-hugging seats, darker trim and a Supersport display option for the digital instruments, which focuses upon a central rev-counter complete the look.
How much will the 2020 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet cost?
There’s no word yet on pricing, but we expect them to be a little higher than equivalent models in the outgoing range when order books open in the summer, so expect prices to start higher than £45,000 for an entry-level Coupe.
COVID-19 issues permitting, we expect deliveries to customers to begin in autumn 2020.
Parkers will be among the first to drive the refreshed two-door Mercedes-Benz E-Class ranges, so keep this page bookmarked for the latest news and views.
Further reading
>> How good is Mercedes’ large four-door coupe? We review the CLS
>> Looking for a sporty coupe? These are the best ones around
>> Find out how much your car is worth with a Parkers valuation
