Overview

First unveiled in 2009 the Mercedes E-Class coupe was never intended to be a direct replacement for the CLK that came before it, but it was impossible not to draw some parallels. Stylish, refined, comfortable and able to seat four this GT-style coupe is ideal for covering big distances in comfort, even if it’s not the sharpest car in the sector.

Five Engines

Not only has the model-line up remained simple – changing from SE and Sport to SE and AMG Sport – but there’s a clear choice of engines too. The old E500 has vanished, replaced (in the UK at least) with the new E400 sporting a turbocharged V6 petrol engine with 327bhp.

More important might be the new E200 though, it’s 2.1-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol producing 181bhp but emitting only 140g/km while returning up to 47.1mpg.

If economy is your bag the diesel range should be more appealing though; you can choose from a 60.1mpg E220CDI, 58.9mpg E250CDI or 49.6mpg E350CDI. The latter will also sprint from 0-62mph in only 6.4 seconds.

Comfort

With a theoretical range of over 850 miles between fuel stops, it’s important to feel comfortable behind the wheel – and in the rear – and it’s here the E-Class Coupe excels.

While rear seat room may not rival the saloon, compared to its Audi A5 and BMW 3 Series competitors the Mercedes acquits itself very well, the individual chairs supportive and comfortable. And thanks to the long pillarless side windows it even feels bright and airy back there.

Opt for the AMG Sport and up-front the multi-contour seats feature adjustable air bolsters for extra support or comfort on the move.

2013 revisions

Apart from the more-efficient engines, the new E-Class Coupe received an updated design inside and out for 2013.

The nose is now much bolder and aggressive, taking its cue from the similarly re-faced saloon and Coupe models. That means there’s a set of sharp new headlamps, with integrated LED Daytime running lamps and in the case of the AMG Sport version a set of deep front air intakes below the Mercedes Sport grille arrangement.

Inside the automatic gearlever moves from the centre console to the steering column and the infotainment screen has been upgraded.

There’s a host of new technology to be found including the firm’s Intelligent Drive which introduces the new 3D camera (aids parking) plus extended and improved functions for the Attention Assist system.

So it’s more sophisticated than ever, better looking, boasts greater efficiency across the board and remains just as comfortable and cosseting. Read our Mercedes E-Class Coupe review to find out if that’s enough to see it take top honours in the four-seat Coupe class.