2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe makes public debut in Detroit

The wheelbase has also been extended by 113mm over that of its predecessor at 2873mm, while the front and rear tracks are up by 67mm and 68mm respectively, at 1605mm and 1609mm.

The larger footprint provides the basis for a roomier cabin with an additional 18mm of head room, 50mm more shoulder room and 38mm more elbow room up front. The increase in interior space is mirrored in the rear, which gets an added 74mm of knee room, 15mm of head room, 34mm of shoulder room and 13mm more elbow room over the old model, which used the same platform as the superseded C-Class saloon.

Technology

The design of the four-seat cabin leans heavily on that of other new E-Class models, but it has a number of bespoke touches, including newly designed air vents, automatically extending feeder arms for the front seatbelts and exclusive trim panels.

Key elements include two optional 12.3in displays for the instruments and infotainment system, the latter being operable either via touchpads on the steering wheel or a rotary control and touchpad on the centre console.

Outside, unique design features include a twin-blade grille and frameless doors.

Engines and prices

Three E-Class Coupés are offered at launch in the UK, with the choice of one diesel and two petrol engines, ranging in power from 191bhp to 328bhp.

The line-up starts with the E 220 d Coupé, running Mercedes’ latest aluminium-block 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 191bhp.

It is joined by the mid-range E 300 Coupé, which is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 242bhp. Prices for cars with this engine start at £41,025.

Crowning the regular line-up is the E 400 4Matic Coupé. It is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine producing 328bhp and is priced from £50,775.

All models come fitted as standard with Mercedes’ in-house-produced nine-speed automatic gearbox. The E 220 d Coupé and E 300 Coupé are rear-wheel drive, while the E400 4Matic, as its name suggests, comes as standard with Mercedes’ four-wheel drive system, which provides a nominal 45% front, 55% rear apportioning of drive.

A choice of three different suspension set-ups are offered on the new two-door: a base steel-sprung Direct Control system, a steel-sprung Dynamic Body Control system with adaptive damping and an Air Body Control system with multi-chamber air springs.

In combination with the Dynamic Body Control and Air Body Control suspension, the E-Class Coupé also gets Mercedes’ Dynamic Select system, which allows the driver to alter the characteristics of the car between four modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.