The ever-shrinking violet that is the Mercedes CLK is no more – the new Mercedes E-class Coupe is here at last. After months of speculation, concept cars and E-class coupe spyshots, CAR Online can finally reveal the finished article a fortnight ahead of its 2009 Geneva motor show unveiling.
In recent years, Mercedes has been referring back to its iconic 1980s cars for inspiration, and the new 2009 E-class Coupe seems no different. A big, brash Mercedes medallioned grille dominates the front, while twin rectangular headlights echo the new E-class saloon and a generation of quad eyed Mercs from the back catalogue.
Merc E-class Coupe: the design unravelled
The angular waistline combines with a sleek, swooping C-pillar to stir memories of the old W126 Merc SEC, as is the non-existent B-pillar. The bulging rear wheelarches, on the other hand, are very much the influence of the latest E-class saloon.
The rear sees a curvier variation on the E-class sedan's tail lights, and the higher rear bumper imparts a sense of sporting prowess.
Inside, the Coupe's dash is almost identical to the saloon's, so a good old-fashioned gearstick is present rather than a BMW/Jag-style gear-gimmicks. The sports seats are, naturally, electrically operated but, in Sport guise, also inflate to increase back support when you need it.
Is there space in the back of the E-class Coupe?
The saloon's practical rear bench has been scrapped for two individually sculpted chairs, which can be folded down to increase boot space. We haven't sat in it yet, but Merc types who have claim the rear seats are quite usable by adults on shortish journeys.
And the technical bits?
The E-class Coupe will be offered with three petrol engines and two oil-burners. The most efficient is the E250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, which delivers 201bhp (a third more than the old four-pot diesel) yet has an mpg figure of 53.3 and puffs out a positively tree-hugging 139g/km of CO2. Want more diesel grunt? Then go for the 350 CDI with 231hp, 41.5mpg and 179g/km.
Petrol E-class Coupes are led by the brand new direct-injection four-cylinder E250 CGI which delivers 204 hp with a fuel consumption of 40.4mpg and a CO2 rating of just 164g/km (down 13% on the old motor).
Plutocrats and monied types can blow their wedge on a the range-topping E 500 V8, which delivers a respectable 388hp. Economy slips to 25.9 mpg and, unsurprisingly, this is the only derivative of E-Class Coupe that doesn't warrant the BlueEFFICIENCY banner.
>> Click 'Next' to read more about the tech on the new E-class Coupe (2009)
>> Check out today's scoop on the new Merc E-class Convertible here
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