Mercedes are launching two sporty E-Class models that live up to the usual high standards
MERCEDES are about to launch heavily revised versions of their upmarket E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet.
ARRIVING just a few months after the saloon and estate range underwent major improvements to styling, engineering and equipment.
These new sporting versions have gained the striking new looks of the E-Class, especially up front, with bi-xenon headlamps, a wide, aggressive grille, V-shaped bumper and large air intakes.
The rear has also been revised, with new tail lamps, a wide rear bumper and stylish chrome-trimmed twin
sports exhausts.
Interiors of both models are up to Mercedes’ usual high standard, with stylish materials, well-designed seating and top quality wood and leather trim.
Both models have a new instrument cluster and three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, behind which is the gear selector plus paddle shifters on most models.
As with the saloon and estate, the newcomers are offered in SE and AMG Sport specifications, with a choice of six petrol or diesel engines.
The soft-top cabriolet is a four-seater, and I drove the E250 CDI AMG Sport, which will probably be one of the most popular choices in the UK. It costs £44,100.
Power comes from a 2143cc, 204bhp engine that gives acceleration of 0-62mph in just 7.3 seconds and a claimed top speed of 153mph. It produces 129g/km of CO2.
With the soft top down, it’s probably one of the most civilised cabriolets around.
There’s very little turbulence thanks to an Aircap wind deflector system on top of the windscreen, which automatically pops up at speeds above 25mph.
There’s also a deflector that deploys behind the rear seats to protect occupants further.
With the hood up, the cabriolet is pretty quiet. Suspension settings are good, with rough surface intrusion well suppressed.
The coupe I tried was the top-range E400 AMG Sport.
This is a serious bit of kit that comes with 18in alloys, agility control sport suspension with adaptive damping system, upgraded front brakes, perforated discs, heated front seats, twin exhausts and new LED headlights and daylight running lights.
It’s powered by a V6, twin-turbo 2996cc engine producing 333bhp and it’s quick. Standstill to 62mph comes up in a claimed 5.2 seconds and it has a top speed of a limited 155mph.
Fuel consumption is claimed to be 35.8mpg and, like all new coupes and cabriolets, it is fitted with a stop-start system.
Acceleration is smooth through the seven-speed automatic box and it has phenomenal braking power for added safety.
This powerful coupe will set you back £46,265, which is £2435 over the outgoing Sport model, but Merc say it has £3700 more equipment.
There’s plenty of standard and optional state-of-the-art safety equipment on all variations of the car, including 11 airbags, an active blind spot warning, Junction Assist to detect cross traffic and pedestrians, and a system that recognises an imminent rear end collision.
Also available is Traffic Sign Assist.
The new E-Class range is on sale next month and will appeal to wealthy, younger drivers looking for a classy car. They will not be disappointed.
Daily Record
ARRIVING just a few months after the saloon and estate range underwent major improvements to styling, engineering and equipment.
These new sporting versions have gained the striking new looks of the E-Class, especially up front, with bi-xenon headlamps, a wide, aggressive grille, V-shaped bumper and large air intakes.
The rear has also been revised, with new tail lamps, a wide rear bumper and stylish chrome-trimmed twin
sports exhausts.
Interiors of both models are up to Mercedes’ usual high standard, with stylish materials, well-designed seating and top quality wood and leather trim.
Both models have a new instrument cluster and three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, behind which is the gear selector plus paddle shifters on most models.
As with the saloon and estate, the newcomers are offered in SE and AMG Sport specifications, with a choice of six petrol or diesel engines.
The soft-top cabriolet is a four-seater, and I drove the E250 CDI AMG Sport, which will probably be one of the most popular choices in the UK. It costs £44,100.
Power comes from a 2143cc, 204bhp engine that gives acceleration of 0-62mph in just 7.3 seconds and a claimed top speed of 153mph. It produces 129g/km of CO2.
With the soft top down, it’s probably one of the most civilised cabriolets around.
There’s very little turbulence thanks to an Aircap wind deflector system on top of the windscreen, which automatically pops up at speeds above 25mph.
There’s also a deflector that deploys behind the rear seats to protect occupants further.
With the hood up, the cabriolet is pretty quiet. Suspension settings are good, with rough surface intrusion well suppressed.
The coupe I tried was the top-range E400 AMG Sport.
This is a serious bit of kit that comes with 18in alloys, agility control sport suspension with adaptive damping system, upgraded front brakes, perforated discs, heated front seats, twin exhausts and new LED headlights and daylight running lights.
It’s powered by a V6, twin-turbo 2996cc engine producing 333bhp and it’s quick. Standstill to 62mph comes up in a claimed 5.2 seconds and it has a top speed of a limited 155mph.
Fuel consumption is claimed to be 35.8mpg and, like all new coupes and cabriolets, it is fitted with a stop-start system.
Acceleration is smooth through the seven-speed automatic box and it has phenomenal braking power for added safety.
This powerful coupe will set you back £46,265, which is £2435 over the outgoing Sport model, but Merc say it has £3700 more equipment.
There’s plenty of standard and optional state-of-the-art safety equipment on all variations of the car, including 11 airbags, an active blind spot warning, Junction Assist to detect cross traffic and pedestrians, and a system that recognises an imminent rear end collision.
Also available is Traffic Sign Assist.
The new E-Class range is on sale next month and will appeal to wealthy, younger drivers looking for a classy car. They will not be disappointed.
Daily Record
No comments