Another world premiere for Mercedes-Benz in Detroit was the unveil of the E-Class Coupe. The luxury two-door cruiser runs on an all-new architecture and electronics that it borrows largely from the E-class sedan. The 2018 model is 4.8 inches longer than its predecessor.
Compared to the previous generation, the shape has improved as the A-pillar flows backward, and the lack of a B-pillar creates a beautiful teardrop of side glass. A large glass panel in the roof gives that feeling of open space.
At the rear, horizontal LED taillights provide visual width that makes the model appear planted to the road. The hood is long and low, leading to a sharply raked windshield, frameless side mirrors and a very short rear deck.
Inside, the E-Class Coupe features a luxurious, driver-focused cabin with beautiful materials. Like the sedan, a wide display runs from in front of the driver to the center to the dashboard.
In the United States and Canada, Mercedes will only offer the coupe as the E400 with either rear- or all-wheel drive. The 3.0-liter biturbo V6 produces 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, and it’s paired with a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Mercedes claims the two-door can get to 60 miles per hour in as little as 5.2 seconds.
Options include an adjustable air suspension, LED adaptive headlights, and the ability hold itself in a lane and follow behind another car at speeds up to 130 miles per hour.
The E400 Coupe will go on sale in the U.S. in the summer of 2017.
[Photos: John Hietter @jhietter]
