2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe review

EXPECTATION and reality are often vastly different. And if you’re expecting the E400 to be a performance-based four-seat, two-door coupe, then you’ll be disappointed.

Yet, that’s not the whole story, and as far as a design statement is concerned, it’s striking. Smooth lines, frameless doors, and B-pillarless profile results in a cohesive silhouette – not to mention the jewellery contained in the front grille and rear tail-lights.

The cabin commands its own identity over the sedan via turbine-style air vents, while the twin 12.3-inch screens complete the thoroughly modern and tech-savvy interior. It’s a sumptuous place to be, one that isolates you from the outside world in a way a $145,611 GT car should.

Under the bonnet is a refined 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6. Its 245kW/480Nm figures might be down on the E43 Sedan, but it’s still enough for purposeful, albeit muted, acceleration. Especially when matched to 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and the seamless nine-speed auto.

The air suspension affords a true wafting Benz nature (even in Sport+ mode) and with loads of grip you can really hustle along with the heavy kerb weight aiding a sure-footed nature. It also defies its size and heft on direction changes, given it’s no longer based on smaller C-Class underpinnings.

But the air suspension doesn’t quite control vertical movements as well as it could and sharp potholes can send a crash through the cabin – largely down to the sizeable 20-inch wheels running 30-profile rubber. Ultimately, if you expect elegance, luxury, comfort and a hint of performance, then the E400 Coupe will more than fulfil your reality.

2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe specs:
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo
Power: 245kw
Torque: 480nm
Weight: 1845kg
0-100km/h: 5.3sec
Price: $145,611