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.

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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.

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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