2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe For When The S Coupe Is Too Big And The C Too Small

Bigger and roomier yet sexier looking than its predecessor, the all-new 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe has been revealed online about a month before it debuts in the flesh at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

While bearing the E-Class nameplate, the Coupe does a nice job differentiating itself from its sedan and estate stablemates with coupé proportions and a rakish roofline, but on the other hand, the styling strongly mimics the two-door versions of the smaller C-Class and larger S-Class.

So much so, that unless you pay attention to certain details, such as the third side window, slimmer and longer tail lamps, the dual power domes on the hood and the softer and less pronounced side lines, you could easily mistake it for the C-Class Coupe.

There’s no mistaking the interior though, as with the exception of some minor touches like the jet-inspired air vents, certain panels and trimmings, and the individual rear seats that are unique to the Coupe, the rest of the cabin is sourced from the other new E-Class models. This includes the available twin 12.3-inch displays for the instrument panel and infotainment system. The entry-level model combines two round dials along with a 17.8cm color display cluster (1000 x 600 pixel resolution) and a central display with a 21.3 cm screen diagonal (960 x 540 pixels).

With a length of 4826 mm (190 in.), a width of 1860 mm (73.2 in.) and a height of 1430 mm (56.3 in.), the new E-Class Coupé outstrips its predecessor in terms of length by 123mm (4.8 in), in width by 74mm (2.9 in.) and in height by 1.3 in. (32mm). Together with the 113mm (4.4 in.) longer wheelbase at 2,873mm (115.7 in.), Mercedes claims that the new E-Class Coupe offers a lot more space for all passengers.

At launch, Mercedes has confirmed four models for the European market, including the 194PS (191hp) E220d with a 2.0L inline-four diesel, the 184PS (181hp) E200 and 245PS (242hp) E300, both powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four petrol, and the E400 4Matic featuring a 333PS (328hp) twin-turbo V6 petrol. As their names suggest, the first three are rear-wheel drive, while the E400 4Mmatic is all-wheel drive.

The US and Canada will get the E400 in both rear- and 4Matic all-wheel drive variants powered by the same 329hp 3.0L V6 turbo gasoline engine.

All models, regardless of market and engine, are equipped as standard with a 9G- TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission.

Mercedes will add more engines to the lineup later on, including the sporty AMG 50, possibly featuring a +400hp version of Merc’s new straight-six engine, and the E63 AMG with a twin-turbo V8 delivering up to 563hp (571PS).

Buyers will be able to choose from three suspension set-ups, the base steel-sprung Direct Control system that sits 15mm lower than the E-Class sedan, the Dynamic Body Control system with adjustable damping and the Air Body Control with multi-chamber air springs. As with the E-Class sedan, there will be a comprehensive long list of standard and optionally available comfort, tech and safety features.

The new E-Class Coupe will reach European and North American showrooms in the summer of 2017.