Mercedes-Benz E400 Reviews

There's no point in expecting objective criticism from us of the new Benz E-Coupe and Cabriolet because we are blinded by beauty. The previous model was arguably one of Benz's best lookers and this has carried through to the latest model.It still has a tantalising mix of “sexy and strong” about its flanks and is now a better value proposition with a new E200 variant slipping in under the $80 grand mark. All the other models have more kit than their predecessors and are priced sharper in most cases. But you'll pay quite a lot more to go roofless in the Cabriolet.DISTINCTIVEThe new E-Coupe and Cabrio' have distinctive carry-over features - no B pillar for example, a seat belt feeder so you don't have top stretch and proper rear seats large enough for adults. The Cabrio is a classic soft top design with roof operation taking only 20 seconds up or down at speeds up to 40kmh.The fabric roof itself is three layers thick forming an effective barrier to noise, wind and cold. And the Cabrio' scores Benz's “airscarf” neck warming system (optional on the 200) that feeds warm air up through piping inside each front seat. Both soft and hard top two doors have 11 air bags while the Cabrio' has twin retractable roll bars and additional chassis strengthening.MID-MODELThis isn't a ground-up new gen' car but is an extensive mid-model make-over which includes a totally redesigned nose in the current Benz idiom, new lights, bumpers, grille, bonnet and other stuff. “Intelligent” LED headlights are standard from the 250 model up. The stylish interior of both soft and hard top models is to a high-end luxury standard with some classic features like the analogue clock and a selection of fascia and dash finishes.Full internet connectivity is provided along with keyless go, 19-inch alloys, thermatic climate control, and driver assistance features such as Distronic Plus cruise control with speed limiter and steering assist, active park assist, active blind spot assist, cross traffic assist, attention assist and Pre-safe Plus collision preparation. It also has Pre-safe brake assist with active pedestrian protection. Steering is now electro-hydraulic offering a range of responses from light and quick to sporty and firm.ENGINESPower comes from a 2.0-litre, direct injection, turbo petrol in 135kW/300Nm (E200 Coupe and Cab) and 155kW/350Nm (E250 Coupe and Cab) tune, a 2.1-litre four cylinder turbo diesel with 150kW/500Nm (E250CDi Coupe only) and a twin-turbo, 3.0-litre petrol V6 with 245kW/480Nm (E400 Coupe and Cab).The latter replaces the previous E500 Coupe and Cabriolet V8 petrol engine with which the V6 shares performance figures but uses less fuel. All petrol engines pass EU6 emissions regulations and achieve as good as 6.0-litres/100km fuel economy. The diesel dips deep into the 4.0s. All models get a seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift and multi modes.DRIVINGWe drove the E400 Cabrio and the E250 Coupe and liked both though we can't see the rational behind buying the 400 when the 250 is such a good thing. Both offer strong smooth and quiet acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency.The seven speed auto is a pearl and ride quality from both vehicles is super comfy and yet sporty enough to engage the driver if called for. But the V6 petrol just doesn't cut it for feel or sound when compared with the old V8. The V6 biturbo is good but not as stirring. Benz has refined its Cabrio and Coupe breed over decades, previously as the CLK, and the latest is easily the greatest in terms of what you get for the money, the look and the features.VERDICTIt's a highly desirable indulgence no matter which model you pick.Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe/cabrioletWarranty: 3 years/100,000 kmResale: 57 per centService interval: 12 months/25,000kmCapped price servicing: NoSafety rating: 5 starsEngines: 2.0L turbo four-cylinder petrol, 135kW/300Nm (E200); 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, 155kW/350Nm (E250); 2.1L turbodiesel four-cylinder, 150kW/500Nm (E250 CDI);  3.0L twin-turbo six-cylinder, 245kW/480Nm (E400)Transmission: 7-speed auto; RWDThirst: 6.0L/100km (95RON), 141g/km CO2 (E200, E250 coupe); 6.5L/100km, 151g/km CO2 (E200, E250 cabrio); 4.7L/100km (diesel), 122g/km CO2 (E250 CDI coupe); 7.5L/100km, 174g/km CO2 (E400 coupe); 7.7L/100km, 180g/km CO2 (E400 cabrio)Dimensions: 4.7m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.4m (H)Weight: 1560kg/1710kg (E200 coupe/cabrio); 1600kg/1725kg (E250); 1700kg (E250 CDI coupe); E400 N/ASpare: None 

A few months ago we had the pleasure of driving the latest versions of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet and coupe in their home country of Germany as part of the international launch. Now the cars have reached Australia and we’ve had a chance to test them under local conditions.DESIGNThough the profile of the just superseded E-Class cabriolet and coupe was very good, the frontal styling was overly complex, with numerous shut-lines at the front interfering with the otherwise smooth shape. The new look is significantly neater and more attractive. Indeed, so great is the alteration to the appearance that it’s hard to believe the bonnet and front guards remain as before.  Cleverly, the appearance changes haven’t interfered with the impressively low coefficient of drag of 0.24.Inside, the latest E-Class cabriolet and coupe retain the same overall design theme as before, with the exception of a reworking of the central area of the dash. Changes to the colours and finish of the materials give the cabin a different look as well.ENGINESThe biggest news in the E-Class range is the introduction of a new V6 engine in the E 400. In keeping with Mercedes’ downsizing policy – to reduce emissions and trim fuel consumption – the engine displaces just 3.0 litres, but achieves V8-like performance thanks to its twin turbochargers.With up to 245 kW of power, it has a huge 480 Nm of torque all the way from 1400 to 4000 rpm. On our road test out of Melbourne we loved the effortless surge of torque. This Mercedes biturbo engine not only makes for effortless long distance touring, but also provides the safety of effortless overtaking on tight country roads.Also on offer are a four-cylinder turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel engines in the E 200 and E 250 coupe. The cabriolet only gets the petrol units as buyers of the previous model steered well clear of the diesel option offered at the time. Many buyers will be happy with the output of the E 250 petrol, we are yet to get behind the wheel of an E 200.PRICEFor the first time, Mercedes-Benz Australia offers an E-Class coupe for under $80,000 (plus on-road costs) in the form of the $79,990 E 200 coupe. The most expensive model in the upgraded range is the E 400 cabriolet with a recommended retail of $142,900.SAFETYSafety is of increasing importance to Australian drivers and these mid-sized Mercedes have many crash avoidance features designed for the much more expensive S-Class. To try and avoid crashes these German machines looks for potential dangers for 360 degrees around themselves. There’s also lane keeping assist, radar cruise control, automatic braking and pedestrian collision protection.If you should still have a serious collision these Mercedes E-Class sports models will do their very best to prevent or minimise injuries.DRIVINGWe are pleased to report that the sporty Mercs work as well here as in Europe. Tyre noise on coarse-chip surfaces doesn’t intrude to any real extent, even in the cabriolet when the roof is open. Similarly big bumps on roads that have seen better days are generally dispatched with disdain. However, we did bottom out the suspension a couple of times when pushing hard over big undulations. Nothing to worry about when you remember these are low slung sports models.Handling is excellent due to the low centre of gravity, as is the balance offered by the front-engine rear-drive layout and by the dynamic precision the suspension offers.Cabin space is better than you might expect given the sleek lines of these cars. If those in the front seats want to stretch right out the coupe and convertible are two-plus-two machines, rather than four-seaters. However, moving the front passenger seat forward to share legroom does give an adult behind that seat surprisingly good space.Though we were testing the car on a day of eight to nine degree temperatures, the heated seats and Airscarf that blows heated air onto your shoulders made for comfortable travel. The clever Aircap, that rises up from the top edge of the windscreen and lifts the airflow by about ten centimetres, further improves life inside the open-top car.VERDICTMercedes-Benz has long been a leader in sporting coupes and convertibles. This new E-Class pair, with their prices trimmed, performance increased and added standard features seems sure to attract even more buyers.The complete Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe and cabriolet range is:E 200 two-door coupe: $79,900 (automatic)E 250 two-door coupe: $96,400 (automatic)E 250 CDI two-door coupe: $98,900 (automatic)E 400 two-door coupe: $128,900 (automatic)E 200 two-door cabriolet: $88,900 (automatic)E 250 two-door cabriolet: $106,400 (automatic)E 400 two-door cabriolet: $142,900 (automatic) Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe/cabrioletWarranty: 3 years/100,000 kmResale: 57 per centService interval: 12 months/25,000kmCapped price servicing: NoSafety rating: 5 starsEngines: 2.0L turbo four-cylinder petrol, 135kW/300Nm (E200); 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, 155kW/350Nm (E250); 2.1L turbodiesel four-cylinder, 150kW/500Nm (E250 CDI);  3.0L twin-turbo six-cylinder, 245kW/480Nm (E400)Transmission: 7-speed auto; RWDThirst: 6.0L/100km (95RON), 141g/km CO2 (E200, E250 coupe); 6.5L/100km, 151g/km CO2 (E200, E250 cabrio); 4.7L/100km (diesel), 122g/km CO2 (E250 CDI coupe); 7.5L/100km, 174g/km CO2 (E400 coupe); 7.7L/100km, 180g/km CO2 (E400 cabrio)Dimensions: 4.7m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.4m (H)Weight: 1560kg/1710kg (E200 coupe/cabrio); 1600kg/1725kg (E250); 1700kg (E250 CDI coupe); E400 N/ASpare: None  

While the focus at Benz has shifted to the new, small A-Class, the larger E-Class four door sedan and wagon is the "core" of the company. They've been making E-Class for decades to the point where it's everywhere, in just about every country.For the latest model, Benz asked owners what they thought and implemented many of the suggestions that included a styling tweak, more power, improved economy and safety, more driver assistance features, better value.Benz has delivered on all scores with the mid-life update to the E-Class. The value equation sees prices reduced and some are down by 20 per cent compared to a similarly spec'd previous model. It has the Gorden Wagoner prominent nose with a "four eyed" face, three bar grille with large Benz emblem and more style lines along the body capped with a pair of large tail lights.VALUEThe entry level E200  goes for $79,900 and rolls on 18-inch wheels, gets park assist, blind spot warning, collision warning, sports pack and LED headlights and tail lights.The range goes up to the E400 V6 biturbo at $128,900. It replaces the previous E350 and E500 models. An AMG 63S version arrives later in the year at $249,900 complete with 430kW/800Nm V8 petrol power and all the goodies associated with the AMG brand.Estate (wagon) variants are available in a number of powertrain choices. All offer seven seat capacity. Some of the new E-Class range fall under the 7.0-litre/100km Luxury Car Tax reduction trigger point with commensurate price reductions.DESIGNThe classy interior is better than before with a sports multi function wheel, analogue clock, decorative features and a choice of three two-tone colour schemes. It's simpler to operate, better looking and has more features.TECHNOLOGYFrom the E250 up the cars get adaptive LED headlights while all variants score the exterior sports package popular on the previous model, direct control suspension, cross drilled discs and splashes of chrome inside and out. Technology improvements see 'Command III' make an appearance in E-Class, a system that integrates with the iPhone 5 or Android equivalent for direct internet connectivity.Under the bonnet, the base engine moves from a 1.8-litre turbo petrol four to a 2.0-litre with EU 6 credentials. In the entry level E200, this engine is good for 135kW/300Nm output while in the 250, it's uprated to 155kW/350Nm.Standard transmission across the range is a seven-speed auto driving the rear wheels. The E250CDi diesel retains the strong 2.1-litre turbo diesel engine from before. An E400 twin-turbo petrol V6 is coming soon as a replacement for the previous V8 model. It has a similar output but uses less fuel and generates fewer emissions.There's also an E300 'Bluetec' hybrid with an in-line electric assist motor and a lithium ion battery pack capable of super low fuel consumption. E-Class Bluetec has multi modes including the interesting `sailing' when the car is on electric power alone at freeway speeds.SAFETYDriver assist functions abound and include attention assist, high beam assist, and Distronic cruise control with lane keeping function. It uses a stereo camera to monitor the driving environment, altering the car's dynamics to suit, even to avoid pedestrians or potential cross street collisions. Active park assist makes an appearance for parallel and end on parking. DRIVINGWe drove the first three variants to arrive, E200, E250 and E250CDi. We would be happy with any of them with the sporty E250 petrol a stand out. The new E-Class has poise and control on the road, is quiet and sophisticated and can be super economical.There's plenty of room inside and a large boot. Even the base car will please in performance terms thanks in part to the willing new 2.0-litre engine and slick seven-speed transmissionVERDICTStill the benchmark in the medium large premium Euro segment. Looks better, goes better than the competition  and with price reductions and  extra kit, makes the proposition even more tempting.The complete 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon range is:E 200 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-door sedan: $79,900E 220 CDI 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-door sedan: $82,400E 250 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-door sedan: $97,400E 250 CDI 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-door sedan: $99,900E 300 Hybrid 2.2-litre turbo-diesel / electric four-door sedan: $109,900E 400 3.0-litre bi-turbo petrol four-door sedan: $129,900E 63 AMG 5.5-litre bi-turbo petrol four-door sedan: $249,900E 200 Estate 2.0-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $86,900E 250 CDI Estate 2.2-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $107,700E 400 Estate 3.0-litre bi-turbo petrol five-door wagon: $137,700Mercedes-Benz E200Price: from $79,900Warranty: 3 years roadside assistEngine: 1.8L four-cylinder, 135kW/270NmTransmission: 7-speed automatic, RWDThirst: 6.6L/100Km, CO2 154g/km

Mercedes-Benz has given its E-Class a facelift together with a combination of price reductions and extra equipment additions that combine to improve their value, according to Benz, from $7000 to $23,000 depending on the model.Earlier this year we were able to preview the coupe and cabriolet versions of the E-Class models in their home territory. They’ll be arriving here late in the year but have been preceded by the more mainstream sedan and wagon variants.STYLINGMore mainstream they may be but in terms of styling the four and five-door bodied E-Class models lose very little in comparison to their sporty siblings especially with M-B Australia’s decision to only bring in the Avantgarde specification with its big, bold three-point star embedded within the aggressive two-bar grille.External changes for the 2013 E-Class are minor with a new front end featuring one-piece headlamps and revised bonnet and bumper. The rear lights and bumper have also been changed with horizontal LED tail lights giving the new E-Class a lower stance that further enhances its sporty look.INTERIORThe interior of the new E-Class retains the same overall design theme as before but detail changes to the colours and finish of the materials work well and increase the feeling of luxury and sportiness.TECHNOLOGYWe’re used to new technology filtering down from more expensive models but in this case many of the latest features are making their debut in the E-Class prior to being passed up to the upcoming new S-Class.Most of this new technology is centred around what Benz calls its Intelligent Drive system which uses twin cameras mounted at the top of the windscreen, angled outwards at 45 degrees.These combine to provide a 3D view of the area around 50 metres in front of the car and work together with a radar sensor system to operate a range of advanced safety features such as Collision Prevent Assist which alerts the driver to a potential frontal collision and applies the brakes where necessary; Attention Assist (it monitors driver inattention and/or fatigue and issues an alert); Distronic Plus (keeps the vehicle centred within its lane on straight stretches); Cross-Traffic Assist (can detect crossing traffic or pedestrians and boost braking where a collision is imminent); Pre-Safe Braking (detects wayward pedestrians and applies the brakes if required); and Pre-Safe Plus which can recognise an imminent rear-end collision, activates the car’s hazard lights and triggers occupant protection features.Once again we just sit back and marvel at the scope and effectiveness of the safety enhancements that modern car makers are providing, effectively at no additional cost to the buyer.MODELSThere are ten variants in the 2013 E-Class range, seven sedans and three Estates. Prices range from $79,900 for the E 200 sedan through to the spectacular E 63 AMG sedan at $249,900.ENGINESAll engines in the standard E-Class models are now either four or six cylinders and turbocharged with the previous V8 E 500 now dropped in favour of a V6 in the E 400 sedan and Estate. Although the new V6 displaces just 3.0 litres it achieves V8-like performance thanks to the use to twin turbochargers with up to 245 kW of power and 480 Nm of torque all the way from 1400 to 4000 rpm, but with fuel consumption officially measured at just 7.4 litres per hundred kilometres.The E 63 AMG sedan is the only V8 model remaining and it also uses a bi-turbo to reach its stunning peaks of 430 kW and 800 Nm. All E-Class models get seven-speed automatic transmission with steering column mounted shift paddles.Another first for the E-Class, indeed for any Australian Mercedes-Benz model, is the E 300 Bluetec Hybrid. While luxury car rivals such as BMW and Lexus also offer hybrids Benz is the first to do so with a diesel rather than a petrol engine. The combination of 2.1-litre turbo-diesel and battery pull fuel consumption down to a frugal 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres.As before all E-Class Estate models are seven-seaters with the third-row bench seat facing rearwards. Benz are expecting a slight boost in sales with the previous seven-seat R-Class no longer being imported here.DRIVINGWith so many model variants in the new E-Class range our test drive options were limited however we will report in more detail when we carry out our extended tests within the next few months. We were able to drive the E 200 and E 250 petrol and E 250 CDI diesel during the launch in and around Melbourne.Expectations are always high whenever we drive any Mercedes-Benz and the new E-Class certainly delivers even in the lower-specced models. The chassis feels solid and tight and the car is superbly balanced. Ride comfort is firm but comfortable even on some of the coarse surfaces that we passed over.As is normally the case we’d opt for the diesel powerplant with the extra mid-range torque that all keen drivers savour. Having said that the 2.0-litre petrol doesn’t fall that much short if you’re planning to operate exclusively in commuter territory.VERDICTSafer, cheaper, stunning looks. All should combine to keep the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class around the top of the shopping list of anyone looking for an affordable prestige car.The complete 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon range is:E 200 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-door sedan: $79,900E 220 CDI 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-door sedan: $82,400E 250 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-door sedan: $97,400E 250 CDI 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-door sedan: $99,900E 300 Hybrid 2.2-litre turbo-diesel / electric four-door sedan: $109,900E 400 3.0-litre bi-turbo petrol four-door sedan: $129,900E 63 AMG 5.5-litre bi-turbo petrol four-door sedan: $249,900E 200 Estate 2.0-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $86,900E 250 CDI Estate 2.2-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $107,700E 400 Estate 3.0-litre bi-turbo petrol five-door wagon: $137,700Mercedes-Benz E200Price: from $79,900Warranty: 3 years roadside assistEngine: 1.8L four-cylinder, 135kW/270NmTransmission: 7-speed automatic, RWDThirst: 6.6L/100Km, CO2 154g/km

Mercedes has carried out an extensive redesign of its mid-sized E-Class coupe and cabriolet and at the same time has introduced an impressive all-new turbocharged V6 engine.Mercedes-Benz Australia offers an E-Class coupe for under $80,000 (plus on-road costs). The most expensive model in the range is the E 400 cabriolet with a recommended retail of $142,900. The E 250 carries a tag of $96,400 as a coupe, and $106,400 in open-top format.All E-Class models set up for Australia are very well equipped and we feel most buyers will find the car suits their tastes without any real need to tick many, if any, options boxes.We tested the E 250 after our enjoyable 300+ km behind the biturbo V6 engine and feel that many buyers will be happy with the output of this smaller capacity unit. We are yet to get behind the wheel of an E 200.Biggest news in the E-Class is the introduction of a new V6 engine in the model called the E 400. In keeping with Mercedes’ downsizing policy – to reduce emissions and trim fuel consumption – the company’s new 400 series engine displaces just 3.0 litres, but achieves V8-like performance thanks to the use to twin turbochargers.With up to 245 kW of power, with an amazing 480 Nm of torque through most of its rev range - that peak being maintained all the way from 1400 to 4000 rpm – the Mercedes E 400 engine can move the big coupe from zero to 100 km/h in only 5.2 seconds, yet the fuel consumption is officially measured at just 7.4 litres per hundred kilometres.So impressed is Mercedes-Benz Australia with this new E 400 that it plans to concentrate on it in place of the V8 unit currently used as the topline powerplant. Though some buyers may feel they need they image of a V8, a test drive of this high-tech V6 is likely to convince them otherwise. That, and the savings of around $50,000 when they opt for the high-performance biturbo six.More realistically for Australia, the biturbo engine provides the safety of effortless overtaking on tight country roads.Also on offer in Australia will be four-cylinder turbo petrol engines in the E 200 and E 250. For the first time,Though the overall shape of the about to be superseded E-Class was very good, the frontal appearance was regarded as being overly complex by many critics. The new look is significantly neater and more attractive. We spent some time chatting to the chief designer, Robert Lesnik, during the global media launch in Germany and Denmark, where he explained how he had done this work without interfering with the impressively low coefficient of drag; just  0.24.Sporty looks are a feature of the latest Mercedes models, no more so than in the new E-Class coupe and cabriolet thanks to their large three-dimension grille centred around the iconic three-pointed star. So great is the alteration to the appearance that it’s hard to believe the bonnet and front guards remain as before. By doing so body change costs having been minimised, thus leaving more in the budget to be spent in other areas.Inside, the latest E-Class retains the same overall design theme as the original, but detail changes to the colours and finish of the materials work well and increase the feeling of luxurious sportiness.Cabin room is better than anticipated and we managed a couple of hundred kilometres in a cabriolet with a fair sized bloke in the rear. We moved the front passenger seat forward to share legroom and all three occupants enjoyed decent space.Safety is of increasing importance to Australian drivers and these mid-sized Mercedes have many crash avoidance features designed for the much more expensive S-Class. Thus we see monitoring of all potential dangers for 360 degrees around the car; lane keeping; radar cruise control; automatic braking and pedestrian collision protection.If you should still be caught up in a serious collision the E-Class will do its very best to minimise injuries.Most of our driving time in the revised E-Class sporty models was done behind the wheel of the all-new biturbo V6 and we loved the effortless surge of torque as we took it over the high side of 200 km/h on several occasions on the famed unrestricted sections of an autobahn.Ride comfort proved excellent on the European roads, which are generally in better condition than those in Australia. Tyre noise doesn’t intrude to any real extent, even in the cabriolet when the roof is closed. Should you open the roof – and we must admit that with the temperature generally round the 12 to 14 degree mark we didn’t do a lot of topless motoring – you can still enjoy some comfort thanks to the heated seats and optionally-fitted Airscarf. The latter blows heated air onto your shoulders.Handling is good due to the low centre of gravity and the balance offered by the front-engine rear-drive layout and by the dynamic precision built into these sporting machines.

With two fewer doors and one less seat than the sedan on which it's based, the E Class coupe or cabriolet is always more about subjective choice than sensible decision.With the new (or at least massively revised) range, however there are seriously sound reasons to sacrifice the grimly practical for the madly stylish. For the first time in relevant history the E Class coupe starts under $80,000 and the cabrio for less than $90K.Here in August, two months after the new E sedan and wagon, all two door variants now represent better value. And, without being at all subjective, whether its lid is nailed on or droppable, it looks cooler.VALUEIt's slightly disconcerting to realise the lack of real rivals for this long standing line of grand tourer. Only Audi with its A5/S5 range can match each variant, but while the merits of these vary wildly, all are notable for lacking a Tristar emblem. And now it's the perceptibly less desirable marque that wants for value.The entry Es, on the other hand, want for little. It is only the 10 grand extra on top of the coupe's $79,900 sticker for the cabrio that seems a little rich.Both entrants, hard and soft top, run the wholly adequate 2.0-litre turbo petrol four, ride on 18-inch alloys and come standard with COMAND multi-media system with reversing camera, blind spot indicator and leather.It's the whole package, one likely to draw first timers to this lush part of  the Benz catalogue. Indeed this duo is priced in such a way as to have them leap over from C-Class or to not bother waiting for BMW's forthcoming 4 Series.Those returning to these pastures will gravitate to the E250, which in petrol form is $96,400 and $106,400. Only the 250 coupe comes also as a diesel ($98,900).No one wanted that scent and sound mingling with open air motoring, so the diesel cabrio goes. All 250s get 19-inch artwork for wheels, Drive Assist active safety package and LED lighting. At a price slightly down on the cars they replace, they are reckoned to contain some $15,000 in added value.No more V8. No need. The bi-turbo V6 of the E400 runs all of 0.1 second slower to 100km/h, much leaner and some $50,000 cheaper at $128,900 for the coupe and a cheeky $142,900 in the cabrio.Standard is digital radio (as hard to do without when you've become used to it as on demand cable TV) 360 degree camera and, in the coupe, full length sun roof. So do you really need to drop the extra on the drop top?Various option packages can be had, though rightfully only the top model should be seen sporting AMG kit - a $7100 ask that brings enhanced dynamics to match the visual bling. The cabrio's key addition remains Airscarf, which with the top down, blows warm air around your neck as the seat heaters send it to where the sun don't shine.TECHNOLOGYEven in its mildest E200 form the turbo four is mighty impressive. In full fat 155kW and 350Nm mode it consigns naturally breathing V6s to the dustbin. Only at 110 miles per hour, not our legal limit of 110km/h, does it begin to run out of accelerative puff. Not really an issue away from the open roads of the first world then.It's long way up, price and performance wise, to the E400. Scaling that dizzy height rewards with 245kW/480Nm, a 5.2 second 0-100kmh run time yet as little as 7.4L/100km in premium petrol use.Benz's seven speed autos are similarly hard to fault, especially this familiar torque converter unit, which suits the E250's grand touring remit better than the racier and more abrupt twin clutch of the A-Class and Benz's hotter models lines.All engines are turbo charged and all attain Euro 6 emission standards. The ultra low slung new CLA coupe is only Benz that punches through the air with less resistance.Selective damping and powertrain response are, like the shifting paddles, there because they're supposed to be. You could go many a moon without touching any of these.DESIGNA new, cleaner, meaner front end is about all there is to tell it externally from the 2009 vintage. But does it make a difference. LEDs and daytime running lamps ablaze, air vents agape, the two door E looks properly serious.Within the mildest application of chrome lifts an interior that verged on the funereal. Without singling Audi out for slapping, the perceived superiority of its interiors is now surely that - perception. A highlight is the cabrio's rear shelf, cooly colour matched to the exterior shade. It looks the goods in ice white.SAFETYThe boast that autonomous driving has become one step closer is not one some of us greet with joy. Apart from its implications for an already questionable standard of urban driver awareness, removing more responsibility from our shoulders seems not unlike removing someone's foot and saying they're a step away from being able bodied.That said, the so-called Intelligent Drive systems are sophistication embodied. Of these Distronic Plus with Steering Assist is possibly the best indication of the future. In typically sardined urban driving its sensors all but keep you in your own lane and can follow the vehicle in front.If somehow the immense battery of accident prevention devices fails you, or rather you fail them, the E-Class is rated a five star crasher.DRIVINGWhile the wares of BMW are being diluted by the brand's own uncertainty about what it is and who it's for, the E-Class is what it's always been. That is a grand tourer of loping rather than frantic pace, one that takes corners with wafting serenity rather than apex hunting eagerness.Nope, there's still not many more cosseting ways of getting across vast stretches of bitumen. On some of the few expanses of patchwork bitumen in northern Germany, the E250 cabrio pretty much canters in the unruffled way it does on the snooker table smooth autobahn, making light of its hefty 1765kg kerb weight.Want something more substantial under the bonnet? Well, you surely don't need it. This peach of a compact engine lacks only a nice note. Indeed, no soft top has any right to ride this quietly. Aside from almost ambient wind rush, it's pin drop silent. That's lid up.This Carsguide reporter's singular record of attracting rain when and wherever he's driven any sort of open top car makes him suspect he's a mass of positive ions. It poured. The top stayed up.The elements are not an issue in the coupe. Nor is much of anything, except the need for passengers to clamber into the back. A backseat, however, is what all other considerations take when the E400's exceptional bi-turbo V6 is front of you.What a thing it is, a lagless leaper off the mark, pouring on the torque with the least throttle opening, barely bothering to kick down a gear. Seldom will the right foot meet the floor. The note is nicely imitative of the V8 with which you'd no longer bother.If you're all interested in what's beneath the bonnet, this surging but refined powerplant is among world's best practice.VERDICTNo real rivals. If you want the refinement and effortless ability of the E-Class in a classy, cool shape (and who the hell doesn't?) it's never been better value.Mercedes-Benz E250 ConvertiblePrice: from $106,400Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrol; 155kW/350NmTransmission: 7-speed auto; RWDThirst: 6.2L/100kmMercedes-Benz E400 CoupePrice: $128,900Engine: 3.0 litre biturbo V6; 245kW/480NmTransmission: 7-speed auto; RWDThirst: 7.4L/100km

Playing it safe has always been a Mercedes-Benz hallmark but the German carmaker is breaking with tradition by installing its updated mid-sized E-Class as the occupant-protection pioneer. It is part-acknowledgement that technology evolves too quickly to delay innovations for the new flagship S-Class due late this year and partly a reflection of the fact the E is now a more important vehicle for Benz as sales of large limousines continue to decline. Either way, it’s a win for E-Class buyers when the car goes on sale in Australia in August.Pricing for Australia hasn’t been confirmed but company spokesman David McCarthy says an “assertive” strategy will mean minimal changes to the existing numbers, which start at $80,000 for the petrol-powered E200 four-cylinder car.  “We’re still finalising specifications for the range,” McCarthy says. “Expect the E-Class to lead the way on pricing and features.” Holding the prices in check will be a big achievement for a car that has had 2000 new components.There will be a choice of three petrol and three diesel engines in the sedan. The highlights are a bi-turbo V6 petrol E400 that will give Mercedes a vehicle to rival BMW’s 535i and a diesel hybrid that uses just 4.1 litres over 100km. Wagon buyers will have the option of a four-cylinder diesel or the bi-turbo V6.There are 11 new or updated safety systems in the E-Class, headed by automatic braking to prevent rear-end crashes and a system that detects pedestrians or crossing traffic at an intersection and hits the stoppers to avoid them. A single windscreen-mounted camera has been replaced by dual cameras linked to radar sensors to provide a virtual 3D field of vision that constantly monitors a 50m space around the car for potential hazards.Unlike the new Volvo V40, Australian E-Classes won’t read speed signs. Put that down to rural signs often being used for target practice by gun and 4WD owners and the fact many of our major cities have such a gaggle of signs that it is almost pointless to try and monitor them. “Like all our safety features, until it works perfectly every time, we won’t implement it,” McCarthy says.The basic structure of the E-Class hasn’t changed but just about everything else has. The headlamps are now a single unit with a pair of daytime running lights in a tick layout. The lamps are housed in a new front end that still comes in two guises - the traditional “Elegance” design with a bonnet-mounted three-pointed star and three-strake grille and the sportier-looking “Avantgarde” style that uses a larger Mercedes roundel mounted in a two-band grille.The interior updates are more subtle but reflect the move to improve refinement. It’s a sum-of-the-parts equation: touches like a new “split view” seven-inch screen that can project one display for the driver and another for the passenger and an analogue clock nestled between the redesigned vents aren’t instantly obvious but in combination make a big difference to the cabin ambience.Mercedes is still assessing which features will go into which cars, but the range-topping regular model, the bi-turbo V6 E400 will pick up everything. That includes adaptive cruise control with “steering assist”, which uses the dual cameras to keep the E-Class in the centre of the lane. A lane-keeping assist function also scans the road for solid and broken lines.It automatically brakes a wheel to avoid crossing solid lines and alerts the driver with a vibration in the steering wheel if they are veering over a broken line. If the system detects oncoming traffic in that situation, it also brakes a corner to bring the Mercedes back into its lane. A five-star rating from ANCAP is pretty much guaranteed.The four-cylinder models are expected to account for the vast majority of E-Class sales and the performance from the lightweight engines is more than acceptable. The pair of 250 engines - the entry level E200petrol wasn’t available at the international launch in Spain - pull the 0-100km/h sprint in around 7.5 seconds.The E220 CDI is the diesel price-leader to take on BMW's 520d, which heads 5 Series sales. The E250 diesel is the pick, courtesy of an expected $95,000 price backed by 500Nm that gives a decent shove in the seat at any speed.Step up to the hybrid and the reward comes in even less fuel use. The diesel-electric system adds around 100kg but still uses just 4.1 litres over 100km. That weight can be felt in the wagon over badly broken roads, where there’s a muted bang over seriously big bumps. We’re reserving judgment on that until we can try the car on local roads but around town the behaviour is impeccable.The E400 is a weapon and it’s only the sound from the bi-turbo V6 that gives away you’re not in a V8. The electric steering now has more weight at speed without sacrificing feel and makes the mid-sized car a lively vehicle when the road starts to wind.

Heads up because the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class touches down in Australia in six months. And, while it does not look or feel radically different from the current model, you get the feeling there has been a changing of the guard.The V8 powered E500, previously the top of the E-Class tree, has been unceremoniously dumped - consigned to an earlier time when fuel consumption and/or its detrimental effects on the environment were not the priority they are these days. To hammer home the point, the E-Class line up will also include a hybrid for the first time - and not just any old hybrid . . . but a diesel one.Benz hasn't revealed any prices yet. That won't happen until closer to the Australian launch in August. But expect prices to be "assertive'' to use their words, which in some cases might mean cheaper than the model it replaces.Benz is keen to deliver more E-Class sales and the way to do this is to kit out the car with better engines, more tech and a longer list of standard equipment. Prices for the current range start at just under $80,000 - expect the new E-Class to be close if not slightly less than this figure.Safety features are something the company is loathe to skimp on and automatic braking, to prevent costly rear-enders in traffic - is sure to be standard.One of the biggest changes has been the consolidation of the twin front lights into a single headlight cluster. It has been a hallmark of the car for three generations and was the subject of much discussion prior to its introduction.Suffice to say Benz has managed to create a twin light effect, using LED technology to separate the one light into two distinct groups instead. You wait until you see it.The other big change is the adoption of two front facias, just like Benz has done with the smaller C-Class - Elegance and Avantgarde. There's no prizes for guessing which style will be most popular with Aussies, where Avantgarde outsells the more conservative Elegance look with its raised Benz three-pointed star at a rate of almost 10 to 1.Five stars for sure. Benz wrote the safety book when it comes to technology. It doesn't get any safer than this, with the usual fare, including multiple airbags and electronic traction and stability control - plus a long list of standard/optional safety features.They include the aforementioned steering assist, high beam assist and rear ender prevention. The latter detects the presence of pedestrians up to a speed of 50km/h, at which point it will stop the car automatically and quicker than you could ever hope to do so yourself.The chance of injury continues to be lessened up to a speed of 72km/h - after which you're on your own. The high-beam assist system is so new Benz it hasn't even been seen in the S-Class yet, and the company is faced with the daunting task of having to talk the Government into it - there's just no rules to accommodate it.The system is able to dip the all-LED head lights, but only in a narrow gap around an on-coming car - not completely (maintaing the driver's view of the road ahead). Also a combination of radar/cameras and ultra-sonic sensors create a 360 degree safety envelope, 50 metres around the car which can even warn of traffic entering the path of the car from either side.We'll be getting three petrol, two diesel and one hybrid model. There's the E200 four cylinder petrol model, the entry to the range with 135kW of power, 300Nm of torque and fuel consumption of 6.0 litres/100km, the E250 four cylinder petrol with 155kW/350Nm/6.1 litres/100km, and the new E400 Bi-Turbo 3.0-litre petrol V6 with 245kW/480Nm/7.7 litres/100km.The entry level diesel is the four cylinder 250CDI, with 150kW/500Nm/5.2 litres/100km, the V6 E350 Bluetec with 185kW/620Nm/5.7 litres/100km and the four cylinder E300 Bluetec Hybrid, with 170kW/750Nm/4.4 litres/100km.The latter is basically the same engine as the E250 CDI with the addition of an electric motor to give it some extra oomph and to reduce fuel consumption. The wagon will be available withe the E250 CDI diesel, as well as the E400 Bi-Turbo V6 - but the jury is still out on whether there will be an AMG version of the wagon - Benz only sold five last year.Details of the coupe and cabriolet will not be revealed until closer to launch later in the year. All are hooked up to a 7-speed automatic in Australia and all are fitted with fuel-saving stop/start technology.We got to drive three of the models at the international launch of the E-Class this week in Spain. The E250 CDI diesel is expected to be the biggest seller in the range again and deservedly so with 500Nm of torque, for most people all you'll need.The Hybrid with its extra power and lower fuel consumption figures could be a sleeper, providing the same kind of performance, if a little smoother - depending of course on the price. The E400 Bi-Turbo petrol V6 while not quite as quick off the line as the V8, at 5.3 versus 4.9 seconds for the 0-100km/h dash is pretty damn good and will go head-to-head with BMW's twin turbo six - something that has been lacking until now.It won't be anywhere near as expensive either - but it's still a big hop, step and a jump up to an AMG for a V8. Benz says the percentage of diesels it sells is now close to 50 percent in E-Class, but drive the Bi-Turbo V6, with its satisfying snarl and rapid throttle response and you won't want to give it back - trust me.