2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe
My initial contact with the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe left me in a state of complete admiration. Of course, since the event took place in the enchanting Tuscan landscape, it might have had something to do with the atmosphere, the flavours and the pristine pavement of this renowned part of Italy. I was almost dreading the opportunity to resume our relationship (yeah, let’s call it that) on the rougher, less bucolic roads of Canada.
One quick glance is enough to appreciate all the attention to detail.
Lo and behold, the transition was smooth. True, the multiple electronic aids make your daily routine ever so pleasant, but the E-Class keeps impressing and surprising as a full-fledged premium sedan.
Style and substance
I won’t elaborate on the new E-Class styling. One quick glance is enough to appreciate all the attention to detail. The long, swooping roofline caps a graceful architecture with no B-pillars, while the prominent grille up front serves as the brand’s powerful signature. Both elements combine with dozens more to create a unique and elegant package.
It’s also one that fails to turn heads despite a strong presence… which is a good thing, mind you, especially for typical E-Class buyers who want to fly under the radar like a buttoned-down aristocrat at the king’s ball.
The interior carries over the understated approach to design. Incredibly opulent and filled to the gills, it works wonders except when it comes to offering a different layout than what we’re used to from Mercedes. One or two complaints here: the cruise control stalk is still positioned in a not-so ergonomic spot, and rear-passenger room is limited like in most of today’s coupes.
On the other hand, the front buckets had no problem handling my generous behind and providing me with all the support I needed, even for long trips.
Power and performance
On the road, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe treats the driver’s inputs as God-given orders. The 268-horsepower, six-cylinder engine which I found a bit hesitant during my first time out with the car finally proved to be quite docile and pleasant, both in and out of the city.
The interior carries over the understated approach to design.
If need be, this coupe can deliver brisk accelerations (although not always as explosive as one may wish). Overall, the available power more than met my daily requirements. Throughout the week, I particularly enjoyed the engine’s incredibly silent operation and relative fuel economy, two attributes worth not overlooking.
The seven-speed automatic transmission isn’t exactly suited for sporty driving, especially during downshifts, yet it shows little sign of displeasure as it shifts through gears in a breeze. Even hard braking manoeuvres feel effortless and always predictable.
In fact, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe might have only a single flaw: its weight. The heavy steering and ponderous ride become a handicap when opposed to more agile competitors like the all-new BMW 5-Series or Audi A5. On the flip side, the “other” German star makes a stronger case with regard to comfort and sophistication.
The new E-Class comes around and pushes the envelope by adding some real fun and performance into the mix.
Not only that, the 2010 E-Class could very well be the most technologically advanced midsize sedan in the world, combining a state-of-the-art powertrain with cutting-edge safety features such as a rear-view camera, Adaptive Braking and even Attention Assist (to alert drowsy drivers). Throw in must-have systems like Distronic Plus (active cruise control) and Parktronic and you get about a quarter of the picture.
Essence of the new E-Class
Definitely sharper and better executed than its predecessors, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is the direct descendant of a long lineage of great Mercedes coupes. Comfort is way beyond reproach, driving dynamics leave little to be desired and, while the car could use a bit more power at times (not to the extent of the available V8, though), its character can never be questioned.
The Stuttgart-based automaker used to put all its eggs in the comfort basket, but now, the new E-Class comes around and pushes the envelope by adding some real fun and performance into the mix.
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