Mercedes E-Class Coupe 2018 review | Mat Watson Reviews

TL;DR

The 2018 Mercedes E-Class Coupe is stylish and luxurious.

Transcript

This is the Mercedes E-Class Coupe, and it's just as elegant as the saloon, only a little bit more youthful. So, you can think of it as being like Pipper Middleton compared to her older sister, Kate. Anyway, was that a little bit sexist? Okay. Yeah, maybe we should do something again, a little less misogynistic, bit more inclusive. This is the Merc... Read More

Key Insights

• The Mercedes E-Class Coupe is priced around £40,000 and is available in AMG line in the UK, offering various features as standard.
• The car's interior is elegant, featuring sport seats with leatherette covering, a wood veneer, and an electric steering column.
• The infotainment system includes an upgraded 12-inch screen with Command Online, which is visually appealing but not very user-friendly.
• Despite its coupe design, the E-Class offers decent practicality with split-folding rear seats and a sizable boot, although headroom can be limited for taller passengers.
• The car provides a smooth driving experience with its N-speed automatic gearbox and upgraded air suspension, making it ideal for long-distance cruising.
• Visibility is somewhat compromised due to the car's size and design, particularly with the rear window and side pillars.
• The E-Class Coupe offers various engine options, with the 2L turbo petrol being preferred for its smoothness and performance, despite its average fuel economy.
• Some drawbacks include flimsy interior plastics, a rattly 2L petrol engine at idle, and artificial engine noise in sports mode.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the standard features available in the UK version of the E-Class Coupe?

In the UK, the Mercedes E-Class Coupe is available in the AMG line, which includes a variety of standard features. These features encompass sport seats with leatherette covering, an electric steering column, and heated, electrically operated seats. Additionally, the car comes with a wood veneer interior and an upgraded 12-inch infotainment system with Command Online for models with a six-cylinder engine.

Q: How does the E-Class Coupe perform in terms of practicality?

The E-Class Coupe offers decent practicality for a coupe, with split-folding rear seats that allow for flexible cargo space. The boot is spacious, although its shallow design can limit what can be stored. There are also convenient features like tethering points and a hook for hanging shopping bags. However, headroom in the rear seats may be limited for passengers over six feet tall.

Q: What are the driving characteristics of the Mercedes E-Class Coupe?

The Mercedes E-Class Coupe provides a smooth and comfortable driving experience, particularly suited for long-distance cruising. It features an N-speed automatic gearbox that shifts seamlessly and an upgraded air suspension that enhances ride quality. The car is quiet and luxurious, with enough engine power to provide a satisfying drive. However, it is not as sporty as some competitors, with a tendency to roll in corners and a slightly rubbery steering feel.

Q: What are some of the drawbacks of the E-Class Coupe's design?

The E-Class Coupe has a few design drawbacks, including limited rear visibility due to its large size and sweeping side pillars. The interior, while generally high-quality, includes some flimsy plastic components, particularly in areas like the door bins. Additionally, the 2L petrol engine can be rattly at idle, and the car's sports mode produces artificial engine noise through the speakers, which some may find unappealing.

Q: What engine options are available for the E-Class Coupe, and which is preferred?

In the UK, the Mercedes E-Class Coupe offers three engine options: a 2L diesel, a 2L turbo petrol, and a 3L diesel. The 2L turbo petrol is preferred for its smoothness and performance, offering a more enjoyable driving experience. However, its fuel economy is average, returning around 32 miles per gallon. The 3L diesel, although more expensive, provides all-wheel drive and a V6 engine, which suits the car's character well.

Q: How does the infotainment system in the E-Class Coupe compare to others?

The infotainment system in the E-Class Coupe features an upgraded 12-inch screen with Command Online, which is visually impressive. However, it can be challenging to use, particularly due to the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel that require some getting used to. While the system looks great, it lacks the user-friendliness of some competitors, making it less intuitive for everyday use.

Q: What are some of the unique features of the E-Class Coupe's interior?

The E-Class Coupe's interior includes several unique features that enhance its luxury appeal. It has frameless doors that add to its sleek design, and an electronic butler that hands the seatbelt to the driver for convenience. The car also offers customizable ambient lighting with various color options to suit different moods. Additionally, the green paint option is highlighted as a particularly attractive choice.

Q: What is the overall verdict on the Mercedes E-Class Coupe?

The overall verdict on the Mercedes E-Class Coupe is that it should be shortlisted by potential buyers. While it is a bit expensive and not particularly sporty, it offers a luxurious and stylish experience. The car excels in comfort and long-distance cruising, making it a desirable choice for those prioritizing elegance and ride quality over sportiness. Its drawbacks, such as limited visibility and some interior design flaws, are outweighed by its overall appeal.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The 2018 Mercedes E-Class Coupe blends elegance and youthful style with a range of standard features in the AMG line. It offers a luxurious interior with leatherette sport seats, wood veneer, and an electric steering column. However, the infotainment system, while visually appealing, can be challenging to use.

• Practicality is a highlight of the E-Class Coupe, with split-folding rear seats and a large boot, although taller passengers may find headroom limited. The car excels in comfort and ride quality, thanks to its automatic gearbox and air suspension, making it a great long-distance cruiser.

• Despite its impressive features, the E-Class Coupe has some drawbacks, such as limited visibility, rattly petrol engine at idle, and artificial engine noise in sports mode. The car is recommended for its luxury and style, but it's not particularly sporty to drive.