Therefore, I am rather glad that Mercedes-Benz opted to use it as template for its other coupe models, the C-class and more recently, the E-class which I had on test for a few days.

Just look at it

It would be fair to say that the E-class Coupe rates as something of a oddity in the local market. It never really moved off the showroom floors at the same rate as pricier versions of the C-class. This new model however offers so much more in terms of tech and refinement that it is finally worth considering.

The model that arrived for testing was the E400 4MATIC with an AMG styling pack. Viewed on first glance, the E400 strikes a elegant look but with a touch of aggression thanks to that AMG touch. Its pronounced shoulder line and sculpted rear end is rounded off by embedded LED taillights and the classic frameless windows.

One thing I will say is that you need to ensure that you have the right size wheels. Even though the car I drove had sporty 18-inch alloy fitted, they tended to look a bit small due to the cars curvy proportions.

Classic, modern interior

The interior is classic Mercedes-Benz but with a modern and classy execution. Like the S-class, two large high definition screens occupy the dashboard. A newly designed steering wheel with touch sensitive multi-function controls also features.

However, as with the taillights, the interior features a subtle design element which I absolutely fell madly in love with. The turbine air vents for example are concept car details and came finished in a matte aluminium finish.

Infotainment system

In the same mould as the S-class, the E-class has always shined when it comes to technology and the coupe is no exception. Although the minimalist interior design looks thoroughly up-to-date, the majority of the features are hidden within the car’s infotainment system, which is controlled via rotary dial and touchpad.

The problem is that many of these settings are unseen and one really needs to familiarise yourself with the menus and sub-menus to find everything. I did however managed to find the option that lets you customise the look of the digital instrument cluster.

That engine

Under the bonnet, and despite it ‘400’ designation, sits a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 motor which develops 245kW/480Nm. Mated to a smooth shifting 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox with drive going to all four wheels, the E400 felt sure-footed and agile despite its size.

A mode for everything
My test model also came fitted with Benz’s obligatory Dynamic Select system with a number of driving modes to choose from. In addition, the sublime Dynamic Body Control and Air Body Control system were also fitted, meaning a luxurious ride and very little body roll.

While the Dynamic Select offers a Sport and Sport+ mode, both of which do a good job of launching the E400 when you put your foot down, the car feels more suited to being a grand tourer rather than a traffic-light hero. The E400 also offers a host of active safety tech such as Distance Pilot Distronic. It is a handy semi-autonomous feature that maintains a safe distance  between the car in front of you. Another item is Steering Pilot which will keep the car within the lane at speeds to 130km/h.

Conclusion

I can conclude with the fact that the Mercedes-Benz E400 is indeed a well accomplished grand tourer that will likely eat up the long road with little fuss. It’s also easy to live with on a daily basis, and jam packed with technology.

It looks good and is definitely unique. Unfortunately, at a base price of just over R1-million, not accounting for all the must have extras, I feel that opting for a fully kitted-out C-class Coupe might be a better buy, especially since the E-class range starts off at R758 034 for the base four-cylinder E200.