Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes E-Class Coupe (2009-2016) review

The Mercedes E-Class Coupe is a more stylish two-door version of proven executive saloon

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Pros
  • Good looks, comfortable ride, high-quality finish
Cons
  • Cramped rear, rivals more agile, Sport models too stiff
Find your Mercedes E-Class
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Mercedes E-Class Coupe delivers all the class and luxury of the standard E-Class saloon in a more stylish coupe body. It’s a more expensive option than its Audi A5 and BMW 3 Series coupe rivals, and a more mainstream choice than the Infiniti G coupe, but it comes well equipped for the money. There’s a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, with the diesels promising to be cheap to run thanks to their impressive fuel economy and low emissions. And while the E-Class Coupe isn’t quite as sharp to drive as the 3 Series Coupe, most models score on comfort.

Engines, performance and drive

Diesel versions of the E-Class Coupe offer a decent mix of performance and efficiency, with the E350 CDI Coupe delivering the best balance of the two. But drivers looking for the strongest performance should choose from the petrol range, with the top-spec E400 AMG Sport Plus featuring a 3.0-litre biturbo V6 engine and covering 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds. This engine replaces the old 4.7-litre V8-powered E500, and will be introduced in October 2013. Whichever engine you choose, handling is never thrilling because of the numb steering and soft suspension. Nevertheless, ride comfort and refinement are both excellent.

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Although the E-Class Coupe looks expensive to buy when compared to rivals from BMW and Audi, you get plenty of equipment for your money. Plus, every model in the range gets Mercedes BlueEFFICIENCY technology, and as a result promises competitive economy and emissions figures for the class. Even the lower-powered petrol cars are reasonably eco-friendly, but the best choices for green-minded buyers are obviously the diesels: the E220 CDI model claims 60.1mpg economy and 126g/km emissions, while even the much faster E350 CDI returns 49.6mpg and puts out 150g/km of CO2. Servicing costs are higher than for rivals, though.

Interior, design and technology

The Coupe is arguably the prettiest model in the Mercedes E-Class line-up, with its dramatic sweeping roofline and sharp edges. The rounded headlights and bold grille help the car stand out, while optional stylish LED daytime running lamps help create a real premium feel. There are only two trim levels, but even lower-spec SE versions get 17-inch alloy wheels, heated seats with electric adjustment and dual-zone climate control, while build quality inside is as solid as you would expect from Mercedes. Unlike other models in the Mercedes range, though, there are no performance flagship AMG versions of the E-Class Coupe.

Practicality, comfort and boot space

Buyers who choose the E-Class Coupe over the saloon obviously have to compromise on practicality in the pursuit of style – the two-door’s wheelbase is 116mm shorter than the four-door’s, so passengers in the rear don’t have as much room to stretch out in. But there’s still a decent amount of space, while a large glovebox and deep door pockets provide plentiful storage for odds and ends. The rather shallow boot has a capacity of 450 litres – on a par with coupe versions of the 3 Series and A5 – but a tray pulls out from the ceiling of the load area, and folds down to create a handy shopping container.

Reliability and Safety

The Mercedes E-Class saloon has performed well in the Auto Express Driver Power satisfaction surveys over the years, and the E-Class Coupe carries over the four-door’s strong reputation for reliability and build quality. It also comes with a long list of safety equipment as standard. Attention Assist provides a warning if sensors detect that the driver might be falling asleep at the wheel, while all models feature an active bonnet, which pops up by 50mm to help protect pedestrians in the event of an accident. Stability control is included as standard, too, as is a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Advertisement - Article continues below

For great deals on in stock Mercedes-Benz E-Class head to BuyaCar.co.uk

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £1,803 off RRP*Used from £18,900
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,028 off RRP*Used from £15,990
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £7,495
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £15,200
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change
Protyre area manager Simon Hall inspecting a Vauxhall Corsa's tyre

Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change

The number of MoT failures caused by worn tyres is on the rise, and experts are calling for mandatory follow-ups on advisories
News
12 May 2025
EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs
BYD Atto 3 - front cornering

EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs

Running costs for car share club EVs are £6k higher than ICE equivalents according to new data
News
8 May 2025
Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future
Mazda MX-5 EV exclusive image - front

Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future

The next Mazda MX-5 roadster is set to be offered as a pure EV, and our exclusive images preview how it could look
News
10 May 2025