Mercedes-Benz E 300 Coupe AMG Line 2017 first drive

Yet another Mercedes-Benz E-Class variant. That’s right, in less than a year since the release of the Saloon, Mercedes has unveiled (and/or released), deep breath: an Estate, a Convertible, a beefed-up All-Terrain, the supercar-baiting E 63 saloon and now this, the Coupé. That’s the sixth E-Class model in an eclectic line-up, and coincidentally, the sixth generation of E-Class Coupé; a lineage that started way back in 1968 with the iconic W114.

And unlike the previous generation car, which was based on a Mercedes-Benz C-Class platform, this is a proper ‘E’ underpinned by Mercedes-Benz’s new MRA (modular rear architecture) platform. It’s a move which brings about an increase in dimensions – in short, it’s 23mm longer and 74mm wider, with a significantly wider track front and rear than its predecessor.

The benefits are obvious. Passengers are treated to a more spacious interior, the car sports a more imposing stance and Mercedes claims improvements in high-speed stability. Strangely, boot capacity has dropped by 25 litres, down to a total of 425 litres, but then again, who really buys a Coupé with practically as their first concern?

Buyers get the choice of three engines in the UK - one diesel and two petrol units ranging in power from 191bhp to 328bhp. We were smitten with the entry-level E 220 d when we tested it in Spain earlier in the month, thanks to its smooth power delivery, superb nine-speed gearbox and all-wheel drive traction. However, despite its impressive levels of refinement, it wasn’t the last word in performance or agility; a complaint that we hope this car might be able to address.

The car tested here is the E 300 Coupé which sits between the E 220d and the significantly more expensive E 400 4Matic Coupé. Under the bonnet lies a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine which produces a healthy 242bhp and 273lb ft of torque. Drive is sent through the same nine-speed box, but this being a non-4Matic model, 100% of the power is sent to the rear wheels.  

A little confusing, if we’re honest. Due to its larger dimensions, and Mercedes’ Russian Doll styling, most will have a hard time telling the new E-Class Coupé apart from its bigger and more significantly pricier S-Class Coupé cousin. With frameless windows, an arcing roofline and the standard-in-the-UK AMG Line design package, this really does feel like a grade A Luxury product. Well, until you thumb the starter button that is.