Comprehensive range of enhancements for E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet
05/26/2020
Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet are the most emotionally appealing representatives of the luxury-class family of models and the latest measures make these two dream cars even more desirable. The styling has been sportily honed with the front sections, in particular, being given a fresh look. The all-LED headlamps have been given flatter housings, while the interior of the LED taillamps has been completely revised. These two-door models also take on the key upgrade features of the other body variants as part of the facelift, including an electrified, and therefore more efficient, engine with an integrated starter-generator and 48-volt technology, the next generation of driver assistance systems and the intuitive MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system with Voice Control. The redesigned 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet will go on sale in the U.S. by late 2020.
The emotional appeal of these two dream cars has been further reinforced with this refresh. The E-Class Cabriolet with the classic fabric top offers spaciousness and comfort on long journeys for up to four people. The Cabriolet is standard- equipped with the AIRCAP electric wind-deflector and AIRSCARF neck-level heating systems to further extend the top- down convertible driving season. Unrestricted usability all year round is similarly ensured by the acoustic soft top, a standard feature that helps to optimize the level of noise experienced in the interior. Its multi-layered structure with sophisticated insulation also ensures a comfortable environment, whatever the season, and reduces wind and driving noise. The occupants are therefore able to enjoy relaxed conversation in the vehicle, even at higher speeds. With its expressive coupe-esque proportions, clear and sensual design and comfort for four people, the new E-Class Coupe combines the beauty and classic virtues of a grand tourer with state-of-the-art technology.
Refined styling: diamond radiator grille with "A-shape" design
The design modifications undertaken, particularly to the front sections of the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet, bring added refinement. The more dynamic impression comes courtesy of flatter headlamps which feature all-LED technology. The inner workings of these LED High Performance headlamps are quite exceptional. Among the hallmark Mercedes-Benz design features are the torch-flame effect and optionally available Intelligent LED headlamps with two round lights.
The "A-shape" design of the new diamond radiator grille, which is likewise standard on all versions, adds a particularly dynamic touch. The grille also features a single louvre and a central Mercedes star. With AMG Line, the dots are chrome-plated.
A new highlight of the muscular rear section is the completely redesigned inner workings of the two-piece taillamps, featuring LED technology. The star module with integrated reversing camera is inset into the trunk lid.
As part of the facelift, four paint colors are newly available for the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet including Cirrus Silver Metallic, Graphite Grey Metallic, Mojave Silver Metallic and designo Patagonia Red Metallic. The wheel line-up has also been expanded and now includes aerodynamic wheels, the special design features of which help contribute to fuel savings and thus to sustainability.
The interiors of the Coupe and Cabriolet combine contemporary style with sporty luxury. The essential lines of the interior are clearly defined. The upper section of the dashboard appears to hover; it rests on generously proportioned trim elements that flow into the doors. The exceptionally high-quality materials selected, together with the quality of craftsmanship employed, serve to emphasize the car's sporty, stylish character and exude outstandingly high-class appeal. New trim options such as open-pore grey ash wood further enhance the interior.
The seats combine hallmark Mercedes-Benz practicality over long distances with avant-garde styling to meet expectations in terms of comfort, but at the same time provide excellent support in dynamic driving situations. The adaptive driver's seat adjustment is a particularly intelligent feature: when the driver's height is entered on the media display or via Mercedes me, the seat automatically moves into a position generally suitable for someone of that height, which then only needs to be fine-tuned by the driver.
The integral-look sport seats feature prominent side bolsters and integrated head restraints. The seat contour follows the pronounced side bolsters and, depending on the specification, the center section has sporty transverse or modern longitudinal seams. The colors of the center sections of the seat backrest and cushion are coordinated with the overall sculpture of the seats. Numerous material combinations ranging from embossed leather to Nappa leather with diamond quilting and even sun-reflecting leather (for the Cabriolet) are all possible.
Next-generation driver assistance systems: more enhanced driver support
The new E-Class offers the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driver assistance systems providing cooperative support to drivers. This results in an especially high level of active safety: the Coupe and Cabriolet are able to react quickly and intelligently if the driver is unable to do so. The hands-off detection feature of the steering wheel now works on a capacitive basis, thereby enhancing user-friendliness when driving in semi-automated mode. To inform the assistance systems that the driver still has control of the E-Class, it is sufficient for the driver to hold the steering wheel. Steering torque - a slight steering movement - was previously required as feedback in order for this to happen. The new steering wheel features a pad with sensors in the rim. These register whether the driver is holding the wheel. If the system detects that the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for a certain time, a warning cascade is started, which finally activates Emergency Brake Assist if the driver continues to be inactive.
As standard, the E-Class comes equipped with Active Brake Assist, which in many situations is able to use autonomous braking to prevent a collision or mitigate its severity. The system is also able to brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians at typical city speeds and even to prevent collisions, depending on the situation. With the Cross- Traffic function, this is now also possible when turning across the oncoming lane.
Even more comfort in the interior: a new generation of steering wheels, plus MBUX
The E-Class is fitted with an entirely new, intelligent steering wheel as part of the facelift. This is available as a leather steering wheel and as a super sport flat-bottom version with the available AMG Line. The control surfaces sport a high- gloss black finish, while the trim elements and surrounds have a silver shadow finish. The functions of the instrument cluster and media display are operated using touch controls, which have been imporved from optical to capacitive.
The new E-Class is equipped with the latest generation of the MBUX multimedia system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). As standard, it includes two large 12.3 inch screens arranged side by side for a sublime widescreen look. The information in the instrument cluster and on the touchscreen media display is easily legible in high-resolution. An emotional presentation with brilliant graphics underlines the comprehensibility of the intuitive control structure.
E as in efficiency: electrification of the powertrain is extended
The electrification of the powertrain takes another step forward with the facelift of the E-Class. The in-line six-cylinder gasoline engine (M 256) with 48-volt technology with ISG is now available for the first time in the Mercedes-Benz E- Class Coupe and Cabriolet, as with the Sedan and All-Terrain models. Familiar from the CLS, GLE and GLS in the U.S. market, its electrical boost of up to 21 hp and as much as 184 lb-ft of torque reinforces the sporty character of the Coupe and Cabriolet, ensuring the driving enjoyment offered by both of the sporty two-door models is even more pronounced.
The combination with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system further accentuates the dynamism of these two models. The systematic electrification of the engine is a major factor in the exceptional efficiency of the powertrain and evidence of the company's forward-looking drive system strategy.
The E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models at a glance:
E 450 E 450 4MATIC
Transmission automatic 9G-TRONIC 9G-TRONIC
Engine 6/in-line 6/in-line
Displacement cc 2,999 2,999
Output hp 362 362
at rpm 5,500-6100 5,500-6,100
Add. output with EQ Boost hp Up to 21 Up to 21
Peak torque lb-ft 369 369
at rpm 1,600-4,500 1,600-4,500
Add. torque with EQ Boost lb-ft 184 184
Acceleration 0-60 mph s TBA TBA
Top Speed* mph 130 (electronically limited) 130 (electronically limited)
The success story of the two-door E-Class models
The tradition of sedan models in the segment now occupied by the E-Class is a long one, and extends back to the very origins of the Mercedes (and Benz) brands. The Stroke/8 Coupe (model series 114) of 1968 marked the introduction of a second body variant. Further coupe models in this vehicle segment followed - for a while also under the name CLK. Each generation combined elegant design with agile sportiness and contemporary luxury at a high level.
The Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) of September 1991 marked the premiere of an elegant cabriolet model: this four-seater vehicle with a fabric top formed part of the 124 model series, renamed the E-Class in 1993, and was available from the spring of 1992, initially as the 300 CE-24. This cabriolet revived the long tradition of two-door open- top vehicles in the brand history of Mercedes-Benz after a hiatus of some twenty years: production of its predecessors in this body style in the S-Class, the 280 SE Cabriolet and 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet (W 111), having ceased in 1971. In the intervening period Mercedes-Benz had continued to maintain the culture of open-top driving with the two-door SL sports cars. The success of the A 124, of which 33,592 examples had been produced by 1997, was followed seamlessly by the CLK Cabriolets of the model series A 208 (1998 to 2003) and A 209 (2003 to 2010) as well as by the E-Class Cabriolets of the model series A 207 (2010 to 2017) and A 238 (since 2017).
The redesigned 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet will go on sale in the U.S. by late 2020.