Mercedes E-Class 2013 Review

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.

DISTINCTIVE

The 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-MODEL

This 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.

ENGINES

Power 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.

DRIVING

We 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.

VERDICT

It's a highly desirable indulgence no matter which model you pick.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe/cabriolet

Warranty: 3 years/100,000 km
Resale: 57 per cent
Service interval: 12 months/25,000km
Capped price servicing: No
Safety rating: 5 stars
Engines: 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; RWD
Thirst: 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/A
Spare: None