First Drives, Luxury Cars, Mercedes-Benz

First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé

May 11, 2009

The E550 is clearly the same car as the E350, but the driving experience is enhanced in all dimensions. Braking is sharper, cornering somewhat tighter, and acceleration and throttle response are more muscular and satisfying in typical V8 fashion. The exhaust note is not raucous by any means, but it is definitely and appropriately present.

The cabin is virtually silent, no matter the road surface or vehicle speed, and the LOGIC7 audio system, should this be fitted, is a genuine high-fidelity experience, even at low volume. Gauges are large and easy to read, and very similar in layout, in fact, to Mercedes-Benz products of two decades ago. Unlike the rear fender treatment mentioned above, this isn’t homage; it’s simply a superior and enduring layout.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé. Click image to enlarge

I did have a few minor quibbles. The spring-loaded trunk lid releases rather energetically (at least it did in one of my test vehicles), popping up with enough force to deliver an effective uppercut if you open it with the remote key fob and are standing too close. And the rubberized dash and upper door panels seem somewhat generic in execution, perhaps shown up a little by the superior visual and tactile qualities of the genuine wood and aluminum trim.

The exterior design is appealing from all angles, but the secondary LED lights at the front seem an afterthought.

Visibility through the rear window is sufficient, but is compromised somewhat by its size, shape and angle; it fills about one-half of the rear view mirror. Entry and exit to the rear seat, even with automatic front seat assist, is tight for adults, and rear headroom is limited; I couldn’t sit up straight. Trunk space is adequate for two suitcases and sundry bags, but is likewise limited by the style of the vehicle. That said, this is a coupe, and supplying voluminous rear headroom and cargo capacity would require changing the entire shape of the car, say, into a station wagon, presumably. So, these aren’t complaints about passenger and cargo space, but merely observations.

According to Mercedes-Benz, its coupe buyers purchase vehicles based largely on emotional appeal, which surely applies to coupe buyers of other brands, as well. They like the lines and the sporty image, and are quite willing to trade a bit of practicality for the enjoyment and appeal of a machine that stands apart from the sea of sedans and SUVs on the road today. In this regard, the E-Class Coupé fits the bill perfectly, just as it fits right into the spectacular Tuscan landscape, its occupants cruising from villa to vineyard in high style.

Mercedes-Benz, after showing the E-Class Coupé at the Geneva Auto Salon in March, will have this car available in June 2009. Pricing has not yet been released, but the current E-Class sedans start at $65,800, and coupés often sell at a premium compared with their sedan siblings.

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