2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Coupe: A Striking, Elegant Two-Door Hardtop [Review]

 

2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Coupe: A Striking, Elegant Two-Door Hardtop [Review]
[Photo: Arv Voss]
Two-door hardtop coupes are seen infrequently these days, particularly at the price point of the Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Coupe. With an elegant, swooping stature, this latest version is quite a looker. There are no “B” pillars, and with front and rear windows down, there is a stylish full opening from the “A” to “C” pillar or sail panel, where the roof flows gracefully and smoothly into the short rear deck with an integrated lip spoiler. There is a small quarter window panel aft that that could be eliminated for a totally clean opening.

WHAT’S NEW

The new 2018 E400 Coupes in either rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC AWD and are larger in every dimension. The same holds true for the E400 Cabriolet. Both versions of the E400 now provide significantly increased rear seat passenger room.

My test car was the all-wheel-drive 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Coupe. The exterior finish was Lunar Blue metallic, while the interior was executed in Saddle Brown and Black leather tones featuring Piano Black lacquer and Flowing Line Wood trim accents. The base MSRP was set at $61,400, while the final tally came to $86,685. For your extra $25,000, you get features such as the paint and trim mentioned above; 19” AMG Sport 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels on high-performance tires; rear side airbags; multi-contour heated and ventilated, massaging front seats; sports suspension; and a host of driver assistance, convenience, and connectivity features.

A 3.0L bi-turbo V6 engine equipped with ECO Start/Stop is the sole engine for all E400s. Its a potent powerplant, delivering 329 horsepower from 5,260-6,000 rpm, while producing 354 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,600-4,000 rpm. The engine gears its motive force to the driving wheels exclusively through a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

In terms of its visual appeal, the 2018 E400 Coupe displays alluring styling with its attractive proportions, simplistic, yet elegant lines and sensual organic forms. Leading off, the Mercedes badge boldly centered in the radiating diamond-block grille, the iconic hood “power domes” (first seen on the 1954 300 SL Gullwing sports car), and distinctive crystal-like taillamps are unique styling cues that enhance the new E400 Coupe in addition to the bright finished elliptical exhaust outlets.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

The cabin provides a classic 4-seat layout with premium materials borrowed from the S-Class, creating a sporty, modern luxury aura. The standard central 12.3-inch high-resolution COMAND display can be augmented by a second, optionally available 12.3-inch widescreen instrument cluster that is merged under a single glass panel, producing a singular screen effect. Slide into the driver’s seat and you’re greeted by a curvaceous dash that sweeps eloquently across its entire width and into the front door panels.

The TFT instrumentation appears in two sections. Air vents are symmetrical in their arrangement and resemble aircraft turbine engines. A warm multi-color selectable glow appears beneath the bright trim strip that separates the dash’s two panels and just above the center stack’s supplemental controls and storage compartment. A long storage space is positioned under the dual-door armrest.

The E400 Coupe is a virtual showcase for comfort and convenience features as well as safety and security fare along with an extensive inventory of connectivity and infotainment touches. An optional multi-chamber air suspension is offered for $1,900, supported by a continuous, electronically controlled adaptive damping system. Also available is the extensive roster of driver assistance technologies that first debuted in the 2017 E-Class Sedan.

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Coupe is a fitting, elegant and luxurious mode of transport for the discerning man or woman that is surpassed only by its stablemate E400 Cabriolet. Okay, I must confess, I’m partial to open cars.

2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Coupe: A Striking, Elegant Two-Door Hardtop [Review]
[Photo: Arv Voss]

PERFORMANCE

The 329 horses put out by the 3.0-liter biturbo V6 delivers performance equivalent to many V8s, and it even sounds almost as good – especially in the Drive mode selector’s Sport + selection, which may be a little too aggressive for many. Not to worry, there’s also a Comfort mode which smoothes things out, a Sport mode for enhanced performance, but not to the extreme, and an Individual mode for customizable settings. The car’s 0-60 mph time is a reasonable 5.2 seconds, with a 130 mph electronically limited top speed.

Handling attributes register on the sporty and responsive scale with a spot-on responsive steering feel. The E400 is remarkably stable, with no excessive body roll trait and the ride quality is tunable to one’s personal preference through the Drive Mode Select feature.

For genuine audiophiles, the Burmeister High End 3D Surround Sound System is incredible, but if you don’t fall into that category, you can save $9,350.

Even though the rear seat room has been increased, space can be a little confining behind tall front seat occupants, especially for those who are tall themselves.

TFLCAR’S TAKE: Bottom line, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Coupe is a beautiful, comfortable and satisfying machine that delivers a stellar (as in Mercedes Star) motoring experience.

Price and Performance: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Coupe

Base MSRP: $61,400
Price as Tested: $86,685
Engine: 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve twin-turbo V6 with ECO auto stop/start.
Horsepower: 329 hp @ 5,260-6,000 rpm
Torque: 354 lbs. ft. @ 1,600-4,000 rpm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
0-60: 5.2 seconds
Top Speed: 130 MPH (limited)
Suspension: Front and Rear: Independent multi-link suspension with coil spring, single-tube gas pressure with variable damping and torsion bar
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs with ABS, BAS with Active Brake Assist and ESP
Tires: Michelin Primacy 3 – staggered – 245/40 R19 front / 275/35 R19 rear mounted on 5-double enclosed loop spoke AMG alloy wheels
Fuel capacity: 17.4 gallons
Fuel economy (EPA): 20 MPG City/26 MPG Highway

Dimensions:

Wheelbase: 113.1 inches
Length:  190.0 inches
Width: 80.9 inches (including mirrors)
Height:  56.3 inches
Turning Circle: 37.52 feet
Curb Weight: TBA