2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe Test Drive

?2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Coupe?
A Stunningly Gorgeous Two-Door Hardtop
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Two-door hardtop Coupes are seen infrequently these days, particularly at the price point of the Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe. This means that 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.

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The new 2018 E400 Coupes in either rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC AWD have grown in stature and are larger in all dimensions than before. The same holds true for the E400 Cabriolet. Both the closed and open E400s now provide significantly increased rear seat passenger room.
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A 3.0L, DOHC, 24-valve, biturbo V6 engine equipped with ECO Start/Stop is the power source for all E400s. The potent turbocharged V6 delivers 329 horsepower in a range 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 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
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In terms of its visual appeal, the 2018 E-Class Coupe displays alluring styling with its attractive proportions, simplistic, yet elegant lines and sensual organic forms. Leading off, the large Mercedes Star emblem centered in the bold, radiating diamond-block grille; the iconic Mercedes-Benz 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.
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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.
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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 AIR BODY CONTROL 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 bowed in the 2017 E-Class Sedan.
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My test 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe was the 4MATIC version. The exterior finish was Lunar Blue metallic, while the interior was executed in Saddle Brown and Black leather tones with the disigno? treatment featuring Piano Black lacquer Flowing Line Wood trim accents. The base suggested retail price was set at $61,400., while the final tally came to $86,685. after factoring in the Paint and Trim, 19? AMG Sport 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels shod with high performance tires, rear side airbags, Multicontour front seats with a massage function and feature as well a heating and ventilation, AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension, PO3 Premium 3 Package with a host of driver assistance, convenience, and connectivity features, RBU Warmth and Comfort Package, 321 AMG Line and Destination and Delivery charge.

SUMMARY: 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.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Coupe

Base Price: ??????????? ????$61,400
Price as Tested:??????????? $86,685.

Engine Type and Size: ??????3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve Biturbo V6 with ECO auto stop/start.

Horsepower (bhp):???????????329?@ 5,260-6,000?rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.):?????????354?@ 1,600-4,000?rpm

Transmission:??????????? ???9G TRONIC 9-speed automatic with steering wheel?mounted paddle shifters.

Drive Train:??????????? Longitudinally mounted front engine / 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive.

Suspension:??????????? ?Front – Independent multi-link suspension with coil spring, single-tube gas pressure with variable damping and torsion bar.
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 alloy wheels.

Wheelbase:??????????? ?113.1?inches
Length Overall:????????190.0?inches
Width:??????????? ??????80.9?inches with mirrors
Height:??????????? ?????56.3?inches
Curb Weight:??????????? TBA?lbs.
Turning Circle:????????37.52?ft.
Fuel Capacity:??????????17.4?gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates:????20?mpg city / 26?mpg highway
Drag Coefficient:???????Not listed.
0 – 60 mph:??????????? ? 5.2?seconds ? Top speed 130 mph

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.

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