Mercedes-Benz debuts new E-Class Coupe, Cabriolet
MERCEDES-BENZ has ripped the covers off its upgraded E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet, both of which will be offered with the same engines as the sedan and wagon due to touch down locally late this year.
While it is not known yet which individual variants will be offered Down Under by Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific, all models promise updated styling, increased safety, more standard kit and improved efficiency.
Just like the sedan and wagon, a myriad of powertrain options will be offered ranging from 2.0-litre turbo-diesel fours right up to full blown, twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six hybrids.
That said, the entry-level 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder unit with 48V starter-alternator available in the other body styles has been left on the bench.
Also like the sedan and wagon will be the availability of Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system on certain variants, including the range-topping AMG E53 4Matic+.
In terms of styling, the new Coupe and Cabriolet again mirror the changes made to the family haulers – apart from the obvious two-door body styles – and include flatter headlights (LED), new ‘A-shape’ diamond radiator grille and redesigned two-piece tail-lights (also LED).
The flagship AMG variants brandish more aggressive styling cues to let the world know it is not just dealing with a regular Mercedes.
As usual, these include a bigger, AMG specific, 12-louvred radiator grille, more aggressive, frowning style headlights, power-domes on the bonnet, bigger front intake, unique 19-inch alloy wheels, twin exhaust tips, more aerodynamic side-skirts, more aggressive rear apron and lip spoiler.
Standard kit in all variants largely mirrors that of the sedan and wagon ranges, which means you get the latest generation of the MBUX multimedia system, the now familiar twin 10.25-inch digital screens (bigger 12.3-inch units are optional), new ‘intelligent’ steering wheel available in either leather or a ‘super sport’ version as well as Energising comfort control.
Two trim colour options are available to choose from – open-pore grey ash wood and aluminium with light carbon-fibre grain – while customers can choose between comfort oriented avant-garde seats or more aggressively bolstered sports units with integrated headrests.
A range of upholstery options are able to be specified including fabric, Artico artificial leather, embossed leather and diamond quilted Nappa leather while the Cabriolet also adds the choice of sun-reflecting leather.
As with previous generations, the Cabriolet’s folding roof is made of cloth and features multiple layers of sound and weather proofing to keep things as quiet and civilised as possible in the cabin when erected.
New safety features for the two-doors include active brake assist, hands-off detection, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Stop and Go Assist, lane keep assist, blind spot assist and park assist.
Mercedes-Benz has been flaunting the reveal of the new Coupe and Cabriolet via its social media channels for several weeks now in a bid to generate some extra hype around their launches.
According to Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia head of media relations Jerry Stamoulis, the two-door E-Classes have always had a “loyal following” with interest in the models expected to spike in the wake of their debut.
“In 2019, the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet finished second in their segment and will continue to be an important part of our local line-up,” he said.
Exact specification levels and local pricing will be revealed closer to the E-Class’ arrival and subsequent launch Down Under in October.
As mentioned by Mr Stamoulis, the E-Class Coupe/ Cabriolet was the second best-selling vehicle in the $80,000+ sportscar segment with 577 sales, second only to the smaller C-Class (2496).
So far this year ending April, the E-Class has slipped to third in the segment with 77 sales, overtaken by the BMW 4 Series (121) while the C-Class continues to dominate with 384 deliveries.
