A last cabin comment goes to the high belt line of the E-Coupe, which looks great from an outside perspective but tends to swallow smaller occupants once they climb inside. The height of the doors can leave smaller folk feeling as though a phonebook is needed under their butt.
It took a bit of time to overcome the initial sense of being a short chump at a tall counter but I have to accept that sitting low in the vehicle is all part of the Coupe mystique. After a few miles of seat time, one begins to appreciate the Coupe as its strengths emerge—some of which reside under the hood.
Holdover engine still a delight
Although the E 350 Coupe is a completely new vehicle, its heart has—and continues to—sustain life elsewhere within the Mercedes-Benz lineup, and that makes sense given the engine’s desirable traits. It’s a 3.5-litre DOHC V6 that generously offers-up 268 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque @ 2,400 rpm.
Managing the engine’s output is a 7-speed automatic transmission that directs power to the rear wheels. Shift paddles add a sporty touch to manually shifting the transmission when so desired. And given the spirited nature of the E 350 Coupe, those moments may arise more than expected.
Plenty to enjoy behind the wheel
Fire-up the E-Coupe and an arm will extend forward to hand you the seatbelt—nice touch. After playing with the multitude of driver-seat adjustments, I was ready to set off. I carefully inserted my tester into the heavy traffic flow and quickly appreciated its direct, responsive steering dynamics.
After separating myself from the masses, I dropped the side windows and marveled at the sense of openness created by the absence of B-pillars. It was refreshing to feel the open coupe concept, which was further enhanced by my tester’s panoramic roof. Ah, I was beginning to appreciate the appeal of this vehicle.
The motoring pleasure imparted by the E 350 Coupe isn’t limited to its open-air cabin; performance capabilities contribute heavily to the experience. Although its output numbers don’t eclipse the 300 threshold in either horsepower or torque, I was pleasantly surprised by the punch beneath my right foot.
Mercedes-Benz supplies a 0-100kph time of 6.4 seconds, which I’m not prepared to quarrel with. In all acceleration scenarios, the car performs admirably—and again, beyond my expectations. Those in need of greater velocity can set their sights on the V8-powered E 550 Coupe.
It took a bit of time to overcome the initial sense of being a short chump at a tall counter but I have to accept that sitting low in the vehicle is all part of the Coupe mystique. After a few miles of seat time, one begins to appreciate the Coupe as its strengths emerge—some of which reside under the hood.
 |
| The heart of the E350 coupe is heart is a 3.5-litre DOHC V6 that generously offers-up 268 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque @ 2,400 rpm. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Holdover engine still a delight
Although the E 350 Coupe is a completely new vehicle, its heart has—and continues to—sustain life elsewhere within the Mercedes-Benz lineup, and that makes sense given the engine’s desirable traits. It’s a 3.5-litre DOHC V6 that generously offers-up 268 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque @ 2,400 rpm.
Managing the engine’s output is a 7-speed automatic transmission that directs power to the rear wheels. Shift paddles add a sporty touch to manually shifting the transmission when so desired. And given the spirited nature of the E 350 Coupe, those moments may arise more than expected.
Plenty to enjoy behind the wheel
Fire-up the E-Coupe and an arm will extend forward to hand you the seatbelt—nice touch. After playing with the multitude of driver-seat adjustments, I was ready to set off. I carefully inserted my tester into the heavy traffic flow and quickly appreciated its direct, responsive steering dynamics.
After separating myself from the masses, I dropped the side windows and marveled at the sense of openness created by the absence of B-pillars. It was refreshing to feel the open coupe concept, which was further enhanced by my tester’s panoramic roof. Ah, I was beginning to appreciate the appeal of this vehicle.
The motoring pleasure imparted by the E 350 Coupe isn’t limited to its open-air cabin; performance capabilities contribute heavily to the experience. Although its output numbers don’t eclipse the 300 threshold in either horsepower or torque, I was pleasantly surprised by the punch beneath my right foot.
Mercedes-Benz supplies a 0-100kph time of 6.4 seconds, which I’m not prepared to quarrel with. In all acceleration scenarios, the car performs admirably—and again, beyond my expectations. Those in need of greater velocity can set their sights on the V8-powered E 550 Coupe.
 |
| In all acceleration scenarios, the car performs admirably. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |