Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe 350 BlueEFFICIENCY Sport 2dr Car Review - May 2013

The shorter wheelbase of the Coupe when compared with the regular E-Class saloon does help to improve the handling, and the steering responds quickly when it comes to cornering, with the Sport suspension helping to keep the body stable. The 3.5-litre petrol engine does come with plenty of pace, delivering acceleration from 0-62mph in just 6.2 seconds, with a top speed limited to 155mph. For those looking for a comfortable companion for long, leisurely journeys, the SE suspension set up is probably more forgiving, as the Sport set up also means that it can be a little rough over uneven roads.

Getting your bearings can be a little difficult when you step into the E-Class Coupe for the first time, as there are a lot of buttons on the dashboard and centre console that do take a little getting used to. At least you get to do this in comfort, as the seats are supportive and fully adjustable, as is the steering wheel. Visibility is also one of the car's plus points when compared with some of its rivals.

The E-Class Coupe enjoys many of the same good looks as its saloon counterpart, with the distinctive logo dominating the three-bar grille in an attractive front end. One of the interesting features is that Mercedes-Benz have opted to take out the central pillar between front and rear windows, which does improve the look of the car, and matches the shape of the vehicle as it sleekly arches towards the rear end. The Sport model comes with its own attractive set of alloy wheels, that help to complete the look nicely.

The standard equipment here is good rather than great, with sat nav and leather seats both being desirable optional extras, but cruise control and climate control do help make the car a little more comfortable on long journeys. Power heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity and a touch screen entertainment system do offer plenty of technology in the car, and the security equipment is also very good indeed.

The back seats of the E-Class Coupe are certainly not designed for regular use, with taller passengers feeling the squeeze of reduced headroom, while the two door set up makes getting in and out a little tougher too. The boot is of a reasonable size, and the rear seat do fold forward to offer a fairly large, if shallow, load space.

Safety is one of the major selling points for the E-Class, including a Pre-Safe crash preparation system, blind spot warnings and a driver drowsiness alert system, which combine with the usual range of nine air bags and stability and traction control. Mercedes-Benz also enjoys a very good reputation for making reliable cars, which is supported by the extensive roadside breakdown package.

At a list price of £41,955, this is towards the top end of the E-Class Coupe range, while there are smaller engines available for those looking for a lower purchase price and better fuel efficiency. The 3.5-litre engine helps the car to deliver an average 40.4mpg, but the high insurance group and the high emissions band for car tax do add to the overall cost of owning this model.

Among the benefits of owning a Mercedes-Benz is that the brand does tend to hold its value quite well, so a well-cared for model should hold its value quite well when it comes to selling the car. Another incentive for regular servicing of the car at a dealer is that it can extend the roadside breakdown assistance package for the car up to thirty years, while it is also supplied with a three year unlimited mileage warranty.