The CLK has turned into the new E-Class.
Unlike its predecessors, the E-Class coupe eschews the three-pointed star hood ornament for a prominent, grille-mounted replacement that, in the latest Mercedes-Benz design language, signifies “sport,” rather than luxury. Accordingly, the E-Class coupe has been tuned more towards performance than providing the coddling personal luxury-style accommodations of Mercedes coupes of yore.
Inside, that means you’ll find an angular dashboard lifted from the E-Class sedan, which boasts Mercedes’ latest COMAND software, but also a console-mounted automatic transmission lever, rather than the steering column stalk-mounted setup in the four-door.
The E350 features Mercedes’ 3.5-liter V6 engine, rated at 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque in this application, while the E550 is powered by the automaker’s 5.5-liter V8, which cranks out 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft. of torque. Both engines are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that also includes steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual-style control.
Safety, both passive and active, is a priority for the E-Class coupe. Attention Assist, which monitors steering inputs to detect driver drowsiness, comes standard. The system uses front and rear-mounted radar sensors to estimate when a driver deviates from his line of course by taking into account lane drifting followed by rapid corrections.
The E-Class coupe also features a class-leading nine airbags active head restraints that move forward during a rear impact for added safety.
Both models offer an optional Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe braking, which charges the brakes when it detects and impending impact in order to limit the severity of the wreck as much as possible.
Several option packages are available line-wide. The Premium 1 package includes a navigation system, 450-watt harman/kardon premium audio system, Sirius satellite radio, a rear sunshade and heated seats. The Premium 2 package adds ventilated front seats, bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, adaptive high-beam assist (which can automatically dim high-beam headlights when it detects oncoming traffic) and keyless starting and entry.
A Sport Package upgrades the E350 to 17-inch wheels, a sports suspension and ventilated brake discs, all of which are standard on the E550. It adds sports seats, rubber-studded pedals and a unique trim package to both, while only the E550 gets an AMG-designed sport steering wheel.
The optional Distronic Plus package adds the aforementioned adaptive cruise control with Brake Assist Plus and Parktronic parking assist that can help guide the car into parking spots via a rear-mounted camera.
Individual options include full leather trim, a leather and wood-covered steering wheel and TeleAid emergency assist.
At the model’s introduction, the E350 is available with a special Launch Edition package that pairs unique Olivine Grey paint with a Natural Beige/Black interior, the Sports Package, Premium 2 Package and a wood and leather steering wheel.
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