Mercedes unveils new executive coupé

Next month (March 2009), Mercedes will give the new E-Class saloon its public debut at the Geneva Show, but the solid new four-door could be all but ignored next to its pretty two-door sister.

The E-Class Coupé was unveiled by Mercedes for the first time today (February 17th) and first impressions are that it'll go down a storm with executive coupé buyers thanks to distinctive, sporty lines, an impressive engine line-up and masses of standard technological features.

Mercedes will offer SE and Sport models, with the latter receiving an AMG visual makeover, plus more driver-focused chassis settings and bigger brakes.

Five engines will be available, with four of them tagged 'BlueEfficiency' to emphasise their environment credentials. Given the sporty large coupé remit of the new car, the figures are quite impressive.

Entry level is the E 250 CDI, which, despite producing more than 200bhp (and a significant 369lb.ft of torque) returns 53.3mpg on the combined cycle and emits just 139g/km of CO₂.

The more powerful E 350 CDI is the only other diesel option, though its gains in performance are at the expense of fuel economy and emissions that creep up to 179g/km. However, thanks to its V6 layout it will sound sportier than the four-cylinder E 250 CDI model.

Top of the range is the E 500, powered by a 383bhp V8, though more buyers will be interested in the two new direct-injection petrol units on offer. The E 250 CGI model boasts the same peak power as the diesel E 250, though torque is down and fuel economy is worse - although 40.3mpg isn't bad at all. The E 350 CGI model also features direct injection and plugs the gap between the E 250 and E 500.

Standard equipment varies from model to model, but UK cars should be well equipped. Safety devices will include Attention Assist to warn drivers that they are becoming dangerously drowsy at the wheel. Pre-Safe is also fitted to all E-Class Coupés, as is an Active Bonnet to reduce pedestrian injury.

Following its world debut in Geneva, deliveries of the E-Class Coupé will start in June.

Shane O' Donoghue