Mercedes-Benz E220CDI Coupe Sport 17 | 08 | 2010Scotcars rating
Take an E-class, remove two doors and add BlueEfficiency technolgy; result is stunning
MERCEDES-BENZ, understandably, has a long reputation for doing things well; so it should come as no surprise that as the global demand for stylish executive coupes has increased, the German manufacturer should deliver a gem in the shape of the all-new E-Class Coupe.
An even slicker version of the excellent E-Class saloon — often the premier choice for the company executive — the new Coupe comes in a choice of two specs, the SE and Sport. Both, as you would expect, are well equipped. But while the SE comes with 17in alloys, parking guidance, Bluetooth handsfree, leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather steering wheel, climate control and aluminium trim details, the Sport is simply stunning.
For an extra £1995 — money exceedingly well spent in my opinion — you upgrade to 18in alloys, AMG bodykit, Intelligent Light System which includes a system to stop dazzling oncoming drivers, LED daytime running lights, sports-tuned suspension, steering and braking, sports steering wheel and sporty seats, stainless steel pedals, AMG floor mats and aluminium details. Phew!
So that’s the kit dealt with; now the engines. Here the choice becomes more complicated and even more comprehensive with five engines available. There’s the four-cylinder 2.1-litre (250CDI) and six-cylinder 3.0-litre (350CDI) diesels; and four-cylinder 1.8-litre (250CGI), six-cylinder 3.5-litre (350CGI) and eight-cylinder 5.5-litre petrols (500). As you would expect, all boast improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Inside the svelte new coupe, the cabin exudes traditional sumptuous qualities
Traditionally sumptuous
In fact, combined with Mercedes' Blue Efficiency technology, optimum gearchange indicator, low rolling resistance tyres, energy saving alternators, fuel pumps, power steering pumps and air con that switch off when not in use, the result is a 17% reduction on fuel consumption over the previous model.
In real terms, that means the best-selling 250CDI will return about 55.4mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 135g/km of carbon dioxide, and the 350 CDI will yield 41.5mpg and emit 179g/km of CO2. The 250CDI also won’t be left behind at the traffic lights, accelerating from standstill to 60mph in 7.4seconds and then on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. The 350 CDI will complete the same sprint in 6.7s.
Inside the svelte new coupe, the cabin exudes the traditional sumptuous qualities associated with higher-end Mercedes. You simply sink into the cosseting and supportive leather seats and all the controls, the door trim and dashboard have a quality and longlasting feel to them. The driver can also ensure he has the best driving position by dint of the electronic rake-and-reach adjustment on the steering wheel.
Safety remains paramount
Safety, of course, has always been paramount in all Mercedes vehicles and the E-Class Coupe is no different with a total of nine airbags fitted as standard. Additional safety systems include stability control, adaptive braking with hill hold, attention assist (a system to alert the driver if it thinks he or she is drowsy), Pre-Safe (a system which primes seatbelts and other safety systems if it thinks an accident is imminent), crash responsive head restraints and agility control.
The new Mercedes Coupe is also equally at home negotiating the tight, narrow country roads which run parallel to the Carse of Gowrie — like the E-Class saloon, it has one of the tightest and smallest turning circles, making it incredibly manoeuvrable — or wafting along the M9 between Stirling and Glasgow.
Prices too are competitive with the range starting at £30,045 for the entry-level 200CGI BlueEfficiency SE — the better-specced Sport costs £32,040. The cheapest diesel — the E220CDI BlueEfficiency SE, is priced £30,565. All of which makes the new E-Class Coupe something of a catch.
Jim McGill
| Quick Stats |
| Price OTR/As Tested |
£30,565 / £32,065 |
| Engine / Power: |
2148cc / 168bhp |
| How fast?: |
0-60 mph 8.5secs, Max 146mph |
| How big/heavy?: |
H4393mm W2015mm L4698mm / 1710kg |
| How thirsty/CO2?: |
Combined 53.3mpg / CO2 142g/km |
| InsGP/Road tax: |
37 / |
| Alternatives: |
BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 |