Emphasis is on style in all-new black on black on black with a touch of red E300 Coupé
Launched last week, we have already had the chance to test Mercedes-Benz’ all-new E-Class Coupé. In fac this one was a bit like Darth Vader’s wheels. Well that’s what at least two of the people we happened across said. They’re coupled at the tote, old Darth Vader and black.
Anyway, if this is the freshly facelifted Mercedes-Benz E 300 Coupe AMG Line. And it does one thing really well. It very much looks the part. But it also does a hell of a lot else very well, too.
E 300 COUPÉ ACCELERATES STRONG, HANDLES WELL
Acceleration is impressive, smooth; road holding and handling involving – especially at an elevated pace. For a larger family-coupé, that is. This latest 190 kW 370 Nm turbo four-pot has a fruity exhaust note and works the chassis well enough. Although that four-cylinder noise may be a disappointment to the petrol heads expecting a V8 burble. Welcome to tomorrow, Darth Vader.
Tight, fast cornering is a pleasure and road-feel positive, if a tad noisy over rougher tar surfaces. Probably because of those tyres. Otherwise it’s silent as a ghost. The E 300 Coupé reduces the effects of gnarly speed-reducing road-bumps and humps to a far smoother, more acceptable experience. We noticed a tendency to creep without notice when stopped and idling.
But there’s more to this car than just the go. It has the show in spades, too. Ours had the coolest black on black wheels and LED headlights on the outside. And if technology exists, it’s in this AMG line specced cabin.
PARTY TIME AS TECH MEETS CRAFTSMANSHIP
This E300 Coupé has an impressive and immaculate party time red and black trimmed leather cabin. Red? Oh dear – don’t tell Darth. It’s an intriguing space where Mercedes tech meets craftsmanship. Unique turbine vents compete with that twin 12.3-inch widescreen in a spectacular trade-off for the most attention.
Mercedes-Benz has also taken its already hugely impressive multifunction steering wheel tech another step forward. It takes a but of getting used to, but the expanded touch tech on this new wheel takes multifunction to a new level altogether. Merc’s rivals were still trying to catch up to the touchpad tech on the last level multifunction wheel. Now it’s just moved further ahead…
You get a kaleidoscope of ambient lighting, a reversing camera, split folding rear seats and that bigger 12.3-inch screen. Trying hard to be an IMAX cinema on wheels, with proper smartphone connectivity to boot. And Miss My Mercedes at your beck and call.
ROOMY FOR A MERC COUPÉ
The seats are adjustable in every direction, so in spite of a lower driving position visibility is great. Add a panoramic roof and splendid 13-speaker Burmester stereo. And even a Driving Assistance pack for semi-autonomous motorway driving. It had a Lane Tracking pack, which I’d never have. I stopped to turn it off post haste. But if that floats your boat…
Most of all, this E 300 Coupé is sensibly roomy and without much compromise. Which is good for a Merc coupé. Four adults fit inside. All their baggage in the cavernous trunk. And those pillarless windows bring a bit of Subaru-esque je ne sais quoi, mind you.
So if looking good and driving cool is high on your agenda, this Vader-like E-Class Coupe defines Mercedes at its imperious best. Not quite the boy racer, it’s more of a sporty posh luxury sled. It away takes that driving stress, rather than piling it on.
And It’s half the price of its S-Class Coupe big bro, so maybe best without the badge. It is a serenely relaxing experience, all the same. – Mario Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Mercedes-Benz E 300 Coupé AMG Line Engine: 190kW 370Nm 2-litre turbo petrol I4 Drive: 9-speed automatic RWD TESTED: 0-60km/h: 2.86 sec 0-100km/h: 6.28 sec 0-160km/h: 14.26 sec 400m: 14.3 sec @ 160 km/h 80-120km/h: 3.93 sec 120-160km/h: 5.82 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 250 km/h Fuel: 7.3 l/100km CO2: 164g/km Warranty/Service: 2y unl./5y 100Kkm LIST PRICE: R1.13M RATED: 8
