Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe (2017 – 2023) Review

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe (2017 – 2023) At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is a rare proposition, offering a combination of two-door style with the bonus of extra practicality.

+High quality interior is packed with tech, six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines deliver serious performance, unusually spacious and practical for a coupe.

-Not quite as exciting as the styling or performance suggest, options can see the list price increase dramatically, air suspension only offered on AMG models after the 2020 update.

New prices start from £47,240
Insurance Groups are between 35–45
On average it achieves 80% of the official MPG figure

Unlike most coupes, which compromise on interior space, the E-Class can accommodate passengers and luggage with relative ease. It’s no people carrier, but will carry four in leather-lined luxury. Interior opulence is exactly where the E-Class delivers, feeling far more expensive than even its premium price tag suggests. The cabin is packed with the latest multimedia technology, while the engine range stretches from an economical diesel to a turbocharged AMG petrol. Just remember the E-Class is more of a refined cruiser than a true sports car.

 

When picking between a coupe or saloon model, choosing the sleeker two-door version typically means a compromise on interior practicality. By occupying a strange hinterland in the marketplace, however, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe manages to offer both grace and space. 

Being based on the E-Class executive saloon means that the two-door version is bigger than average for a coupe. It’s a noticeable step up in scale from rivals like the Audi A5 or BMW 4 Series, leaving the E-Class Coupe all by itself. It also manages to be more affordable than fancier alternatives like the BMW 8 Series or Lexus LC.

By filling this market niche, the E-Class Coupe is a (relatively) affordable premium two-door car that can cope with everyday life. Four adults will fit inside in comfort, courtesy of a generous level of rear legroom and headroom. The 425-litre boot will also swallow your luggage for a weekend away, and will be untroubled by your weekly food shop. 

Even without this considerable degree of usability, the E-Class Coupe would already be a desirable car. The proportions have created a truly handsome machine, while the sporty details provide real presence. It all makes for a bold statement, and leaves onlookers in no doubt that you are driving a ‘proper’ premium coupe. 

While it may look like a sports car on the outside, beneath the svelte bodywork is a much more relaxed and refined offering. Forget ideas of attacking your favourite country road, and adjust your mindset to enjoying the E-Class as a personal luxury car.

It does have clever steering and suspension, but these cannot overcome the sheer mass involved here. Models fitted with the optional air suspension have an enhanced level of ride comfort, but even standard cars feel pliant on rough tarmac. 

Engine choices range from affordable four-cylinder petrols and diesels through to turbocharged V6 options. All come with an excellent nine-speed automatic gearbox, with 4Matic four-wheel drive included on certain versions. The V6 motors may cost more to run, but their effortless pace suits the laid-back nature of the E-Class.

Ultimate performance can be found in the AMG E 53 4Matic+, which uses a turbocharged straight-six petrol engine. It has formidable pace, but still does not manage to transform the E-Class into a properly engaging sports car.

However, the sumptuous interior is enough to make you forget about how the E-Class drives. Leather and metal trim can be found throughout the cabin, with the floating dashboard design inspired by the opulent S-Class Coupe.

The latest models feature an advanced MBUX multimedia system, which is capable of using augmented reality for navigation instructions. Mercedes does also offer options packages to customise the E-Class, although these can add a hefty amount to the list price. 

It all means that while the E-Class Coupe is a rare beast, it manages to deliver an appealing package on many levels. A handsome exterior, luxurious interior and a wealth of equipment make it hard to ignore. The cosseting driving experience means you could find your motoring zen here. 

What does a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe (2017 – 2023) cost?