With the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, just around the corner, Mercedes-Benz has released preview images of the 2013 E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet. These join forces with the E-Class Sedan and Wagon that Mercedes-Benz previewed a month ago.
Likely to arrive in South Africa in the final quarter of 2013, the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet models have been set apart from their family-focused, four-door, family members in two cosmetic ways.
The two-door models get a new stepped, big LED headlight design and along the profile can be seen the same flare line over the rear wheels that featured within the outgoing model. As with the fettled profile, changes to the rear end of the E-Class are limited to new taillights and a new rear bumper with exhaust-tips.
The front ends on each car look sharper and sportier. They also get their own unique bumper design, with the Coupé model receiving larger air intakes at the front.
When the vehicles do arrive on showroom floors, under the bonnet you’ll find a choice of either the E350 V6 with 225 kW and 370 Nm of torque, or the E500 with 300 kW and 600 Nm of torque from its 4.6-litre twin-turbo V8. Rear-wheel drive is standard of course, for both Coupé and Cabriolet models, but an all-wheel drive drivetrain will be available as an option on certain models.
Other markets around the world will receive a range of varied petrol and diesel models, including the E400, which South Africa doesn’t get, but locally we will no doubt persist with the smaller E250 turbocharged 4-cylinder model, which now also features piezo injector direct-injection to make it more efficient for its 135 kW power output.
More importantly, however, all models come with Mercedes-Benz’s new 7-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters; a feature that was sorely lacking on the E250, 5-speed, automatic we drove last year.
The E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet will come standard with very clever Agility Control suspension with selective damping, adapting to the road surface to improve the ride and handling balance. A further Advanced Agility Control sports suspension is available, for those with a taste for sportier response.
Electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering is also standard, as it is with the E-Class Sedan and Wagon. Mercedes-Benz claims this results in more direct steering, greater comfort, as well as adding a few percentage points in fuel efficiency.
Inside the latest Coupé and Cabriolet, you’ll find updated premium appointments, including a 7-inch high-res display for the COMAND infotainment system. The COMAND system is standard and includes radio features, a DVD/CD player, memory card slot, auxiliary input, Bluetooth hands-free calling and apps like Facebook, Yelp, Google Local Search and more, through the Mercedes-Benz Apps system.
On the safety tech front, Mercedes-Benz stays ahead of the opposition by offering ‘Intelligent Drive’ systems like: Collision Prevention Assist and Attention Assist as standard equipment. Optional extras like Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection, Pre-Safe Plus, Active Lane Keeping Assist, BAS Plus with Intersection Assist, Active Parking Assist, and a 360-degree camera system.
Pricing for the local market and more specification detail will be announced later in 2013.
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