For The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, standard seven-speed automatic gearbox and comfort-oriented suspension that come with SE trim make for a fine touring Coupe. It's even reasonably economical.
Against Although there's nothing desperately wrong with the engine, it's not one to get excited about, either – it doesn't feel particularly strong or flexible. It's a bit of a squeeze for anyone in the back, and getting in and out isn't the most elegant of manoeuvres.
A reasonable car, but nowhere near as good as the V6 diesel – for driveability, smoothness or running costs. If you want a petrol engine, the four-cylinder 1.8 turbo in the E250 CGI is a better bet.
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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