Mercedes-Benz E350 2009 review

But it's a gorgeous thing with a range of engines and transmissions that is sure to win many hearts, including those of current CLK owners.

You could say the coupe is a replacement for the current CLK, but that is not quite true because there's likely to be a replacement for that model down the track.

Although the coupe sits on a modified version of the sedan platform, it has a shorter wheelbase and the two don't share any body panels. They do, however, share the same engines, transmissions and other running gear.

The rear-wheel drive, four-seat coupe goes on sale here in July, with the E350 and E500 to kick things off — but there's more to come in September when the fuel efficient diesels will be introduced.

Benz is not talking prices yet, suffice to say it will be more expensive than the sedan. But it's going to be less expensive and better equipped than a CLK.

Drivetrains

The launch marks the introduction for the first time of two four cylinder engines in keeping with the European trend to smaller, more fuel efficient, more environmentally friendly solutions.

The 3.5-litre petrol V6 delivers 215kW of power and 365Nm of torque between 3000-5100rpm and is paired with a slick seven-speed auto that adds shift paddles to the wheel allowing the driver to change gears manually. The new 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder offers 150kW/310Nm, and the range-topping 5.5-litre V8 offers 285kW/530Nm.

The 2.1-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel in the E250 CDI has 150kW of power and an impressive 500Nm of torque — the latter available from a low 1600 revs — and is mated to a choice of standard six-speed manual or five-speed auto. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel in comparison delivers 170kW/540Nm.

Fit-out and equipment

Inside, the coupe will be trimmed and specified differently, with a unique set of sports seats for driver and front passenger featuring adjustable side bolsters.

The pick of the colours is pearlescent white that, teamed with the optional glass panoramic roof, looks a million bucks.

Headroom in the back is restricted because of the sloping roof, but Benz figures these cars will be driven mostly two up. The back provides individual seating for two passengers.

Agility adaptive control suspension is standard on all models with dampers that adjust automatically to the current conditions.

The coupe comes with an arsenal of safety equipment as standard including seven airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and Attention Assist that monitors the driver's reactions using 70 different parameters to prevent falling asleep at the wheel. The bonnet is also designed to pop up in the event of an accident to cushion pedestrian impact.

The top of the range E500 will come with an AMG sports package as standard that includes AMG garb, bigger wheels and sports suspension — but no extra oomph.

Driving

On the road the E350 did not disappoint, with plenty of power and torque from the super smooth V6. Weighing in at 1670kg, the car can sprint from 0-100km/h in a rapid 6.5 seconds, with fuel consumption rated at 8.5 litres/100km (we were getting 9.5).

The surprise packet, however, turned out to be the four-cylinder diesel, which might not be quite as quick out of the gates as the V6, but does a terrific job of carving up the curves, powering out with a big finish thanks to all that lovely torque.