For Merc's 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine has long been highly regarded, but in its latest guise it's better than ever – smoother, more powerful and greener with it. SE trim is the luxury option, with supple suspension that puts comfort ahead of the last word in handling.
Against It's a bit of a squeeze in the back, particularly for headroom, and getting in and out isn't the most elegant of manoeuvres despite tilt 'n' slide front seats. If you load the car up with options the dashboard becomes a rather busy place.
Given a free choice, this is the E-Class Coupe we'd settle for. It has a smooth, punchy and frugal engine, an excellent ride, a stylish interior and a spec that needs only a few options to make it the ideal car.
The E-Class Coupe is more than just a two-door version of the saloon, though. It has a 115mm shorter wheelbase, trading some interior space for greater agility, and it has the option of individual electronic suspension control with the AMG-tuned suspension that is standard on Sport models.
The E-Class genes are plain to see in other areas, though, from the edgy, deliberately disharmonious styling to the up-to-the-minute safety features, including a driver drowsiness detection system. Its five engines – four-cylinder and V6 petrols and diesels and a V8 petrol – are all taken from the E-Class, too. All bar the V8 have Merc's Blue Efficiency measures to trim fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, aided by excellent aerodynamics that, at launch, made the car the most streamlined model in production.
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