9 February 2011
New Car Report; Shining new star
Big Merc Coupes have turned heads for decades, and the new E Class Coupe is no different, carrying on the tradition with its imposing presence.
Replacing the C Class-based CLK range of coupes, the new car is built on the larger new E Class Sedan platform, and while E Class componentry is used throughout, the new coupe is more compact than the sedan, being 170mm shorter, 68mm narrower and 73mm lower.
Despite being narrower, the coupe has more headroom than the sedan, offering a feel of spaciousness for front seat occupants. Space for the two rear seat occupants is a little more limiting with reduced head and legroom. But for such a pretty car, the restriction on rear passenger space is a compromise worth living with.
When compared against its 4 door counterpart, the Coupe has been given a more aggressive frontal styling treatment, with the trademark Mercedes-Benz Coupe huge 3 pointed star taking centre stage in the bold 2 bar grille.
An AMG sports package is part of the New Zealand standard specification on the range-topping E500 Coupe.
The AMG package includes 18" high sheen AMG 6 spoke alloys, AGILITY CONTROL sports suspension, speed-sensitive sports steering, AMG front and rear apron and side sills, and bigger brakes.
The 5.5 litre V8 powered E500 Coupe we drove packs a mean punch. With 285kW of power and 530Nm of torque propelling the 1715kg luxury coupe via a seven speed 7G-TRONIC transmission, 100km/h is reached from standstill in just 5.4 seconds. Fuel consumption of 10.9L/100km is quoted for mixed cycle running.
And like every Mercedes, equipment and comfort levels haven't been skimped on either.
The COMMAND APS multimedia system combines navigation, audio and telephone functions, displaying information on a 7 inch colour display. The central controller adds to the numerous operating possibilities available on the multifunction steering wheel.
Standard equipment includes a reversing camera, Keyless-go, luxury climatised front seats and a light package including variable distribution light system with bi-Xenon headlights.
A 450 Watt Harman Kardon sound system with 12 speakers including a subwoofer automatically regulates the volume depending on the vehicle's speed. Our test car was fitted with a huge electric glass panoramic sunroof (an $1,100 option) and heated windscreen washers (adding $500 to the price tag).
A huge array of safety features completes the extensive equipment package.
DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control is an active cruise control feature which can operate between 0 and 200km/h, keeping the car at a safe distance from the vehicle in front, bringing it to a complete standstill in the event that the traffic stops.
Another safety feature, ATTENTION ASSIST warns the driver to take a break in the event that drowsiness is detected. This system operates with the aid of sensors that analyse driving behaviour, detecting any changes compared to the previously determined driver profile.
And a PRE-SAFE system recognises critical driving situations in advance and initiates preventative measures to protect the occupants, including moving the seats into a more favourable position.
These systems complement the various expected safety systems such ESP, ABS, BAS (Brake Assist), ASR (Anti-skid control) as well as 9 airbags including a driver's knee airbag.
Offering opulent luxury in 2 door coupe configuration, the E500 Coupe is a highly evolved machine. Technology abounds. Handling and performance are impressive and the music from the twin tailpipes playing the sweet tune of five and a half litres of V8 power make it a difficult decision whether or not to crank up the Harman Kardon sound system.
It's a car that's truly hard to fault. If there was one tiny criticism, it would be that everything is just too far evolved, requiring little input from the driver.
But at $172,900 (or $174,500 as tested), it's only reasonable to expect the car to do everything for you.