By LAWRENCE TAN
Following the
launch of the re-styled E-Class sedan a few months ago, Mercedes-Benz will
showcase its coupe sibling, which replaces the CLK.
Stuttgart is
championing the new E-Class coupe’s aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, as it
claims this new two-door to be the most aerodynamic coupe with the lowest drag
coefficient of 0.24.
On the efficiency
front, four of the five models in the new E-Class coupe range will be
fuel-sipping beasts, powered by Mercedes’ much lauded BlueEFFICIENCY engines,
with fuel economies from 44.4 mpg in the E250 diesel to 27.7 mpg in the E350
gasoline.
The only model not
singing the green tune is the range-topping E500, which hides an AMG-tuned V8,
spewing 388hp.
Mercedes-Benz has
done away with the B-pillar for its new E-Class coupe, offering fully
retractable side windows, while retaining the same rhomboid headlamps of the
new E-Class sedan and a sports radiator grille with large central star first
showcased in its ConceptFASCINATION design study in Paris last
October.
In typical E-Class fashion, Mercedes-Benz has loaded this
new coupe with a dizzying array of gadgetry.
This includes safety features like Attention Assist for
drivers nodding off behind the wheel, the award-winning Pre-Safe system to
offer maximum protection, and if necessary, take over the braking for
accident-prone drivers, and Active Bonnet to cushion pedestrians in the event
of a rear impact.
The new E-Class coupe also comes with Adaptive Main Beam
Assist to rein in high beam-friendly drivers, and Agility Control which jigs
the suspension to adapt to different driving behavior. Prices begin at 44,684
Euros (or US$56 000) for the base model.
Mercedes-Benz