Test drive Mercedes-Benz E 350 CDI Coupe: Ideal Proportions

The new Mercedes-Benz E 350 CDI Coupe does not only have two doors less up against the limousine. But it also enjoys a well defined personality and promising dynamics, if you should choose the 350 CDI version.

Built up on a middle class platform (the C-Class), the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe successfully approaches the idea of a 4-seats Coupe. It proves to be a long drive Coupe, which does not have much in common with the limousine version. Apart from other competitor models, Mercedes launched the E Coupe together with the cabriolet and limousine versions. It does not derive from a body shell version that was already on the market.

This is where its well furnished character comes from. With lines that have a genuine continuity once you go beyond the first part of the car. Choose the exterior AMG package and the E-Class Coupe can be demurelessly called the most audacious model in the Mercedes-Benz E range! I myself have tested all the declensions of this class. And I tend to favor the Coupe version. I like best the way that the two rear doors have been „stolen”. Meanwhile the side line is a genuine statement of elegance and sports.

Mercedes-Benz E 350 CDI Coupe – On The Other Side of the Doors

The interior naturally continues the design policy of the exterior. It simply counts on the same elegance spiced up with a sporty touch, especially if you select the multicontour seats, also present in the model that we tested. We were surprisingly delighted with the minimalist dashboard. Together with the thin pillars, it allows me good visibility. The mid console provides more space due to the fact that the gear lever relocated to the steering column. Choose the extended leather package that covers up the upper side of the dashboard and you can spoil yourself in a bay of hand-picked materials and best combinations of the E-Class.

The optional multicontour seats are comfortable for a long drive. They also feature one of the best thighs support. With a long cushion area and multiple possibilities to set up the most comfortable driving position, they do not let you down along the loops. The chance of getting into the passenger’s seat are down to minimum.

The same thing happens to the rear seats. The rear bench can accommodate two adults. Tut for top comfort, they would better not be taller than 1,80 m. The access is pretty easy for such a body shell. The plunging shape needs to sacrifice some practical aspects in the name of beauty.

Also at the rear, for some extra relaxing, an armrest for relaxing your arms would have bettered the comfort for a long drive. The sufficient, but not generous space at the rear, made room for a very deep boot and perfectly shaped also for holidays. Choose the strongest diesel engine out of the offer – 3-liter V6 and 258 HP connected to the automatic 7-speed transmission – and you will not only enjoy careless holidays, but also the pleasure to drive to your destination.

How does it actually drive?

If I felt the need for more power on the highway in the the 250 CDI motorized sedan, well, this V6 turns the E Coupe into a very dynamical car without influencing too much the fuel consumption. I can guarantee that not even the „stammering” of the transmission will be felt in any adamant gear change, as the 620 Nm torque, already in handy at 1.600 rpm, saves the day.

„Refinement” and „speed” are the two basic words when we talk about the dynamics of the E Coupe. The refinement comes from the quietness of the diesel at work, together with a perfectly gauged suspension. I never exploit this term, but, assuming the risk of reaffirming it, the suspension of this E Coupe is amazing.

Even though the tyres come with only a 35 reinforcement, the comfort is surprisingly good. On bends, the motion of the body shell is down to minimum, the power is linearly delivered and the parametric steering is pure delight by a very good feedback. A long drive Coupe must mix the settings of comfort, sport and efficiency best and the E-Class Coupe 350 CDI does it as good as it gets.

Foto: Adrian Cobzașu

Technical data Mercedes E 350 CDI Coupe