New Mercedes E 400 d Coupe 2020 review

Verdict

These revisions add improved tech and the potential for lower fuel bills to a package that was already very hard to fault. Of course, this six-cylinder diesel is a big jump in price over the four-cylinder option, which is equally luxurious and comfortable to drive. However, it can be argued that with this engine, the E 400 d competes with the BMW 8 Series in the class above – and you wouldn’t feel short changed if you saved £13k and chose this over the 840d.

The E-Class Coupé is the latest Mercedes to receive a facelift. This throws in some minor styling updates, in addition to select powertrain tweaks.

The interior updates don’t focus so much on layout changes, but on improvements to the in-car tech. All E-Class Coupés now get Merc’s latest MBUX infotainment set-up: a pair of 12.3-inch screens that stretch across the dash. The central display now features touchscreen functionality and sharper graphics, while the party trick comes in the form of the augmented-reality navigation system, which superimposes directions onto footage transmitted in real time from a forward-facing camera. Impressive.

A smart new steering wheel features a mix of touch-sensitive and clicky controls that feel intuitive, while apart from a couple of new trim finishes, the basic layout is as before. Everything looks expensive, and prodding the switchgear confirms as much. There’s even space for average-sized adults to make themselves comfortable in the back.

Used - available now

2023 Kia

Sportage

23,965 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £29,100

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2020 Volkswagen

Polo

27,680 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £15,000

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2021 Audi

A6

28,294 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £26,300

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2023 MINI

Cooper Electric

37,043 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £12,300

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Engine options comprise two petrol and two diesel units, with four-cylinder options propping up the base of the range. The 400 d diesel we’ve driven here has six cylinders and four-wheel drive, and is an excellent fit for the E-Class Coupé.

However, the price gap between it and the smaller four-cylinder diesel, the 220 d, is a hefty £12,765. Nevertheless, this six-cylinder diesel is a fantastic engine; refinement is superb, and the huge reserves of torque mean that it barely lifts a finger to match the speed of some bona fide performance cars.

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All that torque makes life easy for the nine-speed automatic transmission that’s standard across the range, too. And despite the performance on offer, the car hits 40mpg in everyday driving, and more on a cruise.

And it’s at a cruise where the E 400 d really excels. This isn’t a sporty car, but one that is absolutely at its best covering long distances in supreme comfort. Road noise is well insulated from the cabin, and only a slight whisper of wind noise is heard at speed. The ride is taut enough to maintain a decent level of body control through the turns; it’s not a hugely fun car to drive, but it’s secure, controlled, and deeply relaxing.

Equipment levels are generous in either trim level it’s offered with. The AMG Line Premium model comes with 19-inch alloys, LED headlights, the pair of 12.3-inch displays with augmented-reality navigation and a 360-degree parking camera.

Opting for Premium Plus trim will cost you an extra £1,700, and for the money, this adds 20-inch alloy wheels, black exterior detailing, a panoramic sunroof and a Burmester Sound system.