Mercedes-Benz E 300 Coupe 2020 Review

For a vehicle that holds the esteemed mantle of Mercedes’ best-selling model series globally, there is very little ‘bread and butter’ around the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

From its bristling displays, sporty AMG-themed styling and a clever new steering wheel, you’d probably be better framing the latest sedan, coupe and cabriolet trio as objects strictly for the well-heeled.

And you’d be right, because that’s essentially what the E-Class has become amid the era of the super-selling luxury SUV.

For 2020, Mercedes-Benz has sharpened the luxe and tech factors on its esteemed large passenger family car. Officials certainly don’t expect the wholesome sales volumes of yesteryear, and nor should they.

Let’s get into it.

Exterior changes see the upgraded Mercedes-Benz E-Class more closely resemble newer Benz vehicles such as the CLS-Class, with the brand aiming for a more “dynamic” stance via curvier headlights and a new diamond grille and front bumper treatment.

The side profile and roofline are unchanged, but a more contemporary rear-end adds slimmer tail-lights, a redesigned rear bumper and a new boot lid.

All Australian-delivered E-Class models are also now fitted with the AMG Line exterior package, which features 19- or 20-inch AMG alloy wheels (depending on the variant) and a variety of other sporty cosmetic additions.

The entry-level turbo-petrol four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz E 200 is priced from $96,900 plus on-road costs, representing a rise of $365. The E 300 sedan starts at $117,900, up almost $4000, while the entry-level high-performance E 53 AMG models (from $159,900) have dropped in price by between $13,000 and $17,000 depending on the body style.

Here, we’re testing the mid-level Mercedes-Benz E 300 Coupe, which starts at $117,400 – an increase of $1765.

Our separate E 300 pricing story has the full rundown.

Along with the E 220d, E 350d and E 450 model grades, the wagon-based All Terrain E-Class has been axed from the line-up. However, the importer has not ruled out bringing a wagon model to Australia in future.

In terms of other standard equipment, the entire Mercedes-Benz E-Class range receives an update to the MBUX infotainment system plus an upgraded steering wheel with embedded sensor mats in the rim. The latter features a ‘hands-on’ detection system and allows autonomous driving with only the lightest of touches on the steering wheel.

Also standard is the Driving Assistance Package Plus, which includes systems that can accelerate, brake and steer the car in slow-moving traffic and at higher speeds on the freeway. As ever, the safety suite elsewhere is strong with nine airbags and the latest acronyms in driver aids.

Twin 12.3-inch screens headline the interior, controlling infotainment and instrument displays (the centre screen now via touch capability). Wireless phone charging, 360-degree parking camera and active parking assist, 64-colour ambient LED interior lighting, tinted windows and hands-free boot access are also standard across the range.

Elsewhere there’s keyless entry and start, heated and power-adjustable front seats with three memory settings, dual-zone climate control and the latest version of the MBUX operating system which features Mercedes me Connect app functionality.

Our E 300 Coupe test vehicle packages full leather upholstery, multibeam LED headlights, adaptive air suspension and metallic exterior paint.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, while servicing provisions are spaced across 12-month/15,000km intervals. According to Benz, a three-year service plan is available for $2450 when purchased up-front.

There are varying cylinder counts and some electrification employed across the Mercedes-Benz E-Class line-up.

Both the entry Mercedes-Benz E 200 and E 300 employ 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol power with varying states of tune – the former offering 145kW/320Nm and the latter 190kW/370Nm.

As ever, the E 200 and E 300 drive the rear wheels via a conventional nine-speed automatic transmission.

In the case of our test vehicle, the 2.0-litre engine offers an official 0-100km/h time of 6.4 seconds, and a claimed fuel consumption average of 8.0L/100km.

The E 300 also brings to play adaptive air suspension which is tailored to varying sport and comfort settings, along with the car’s steering and engine response.

Even though most Mercedes-Benz models nowadays share a common interior theme with dual screens and familial switchgear, there is still a true sense of occasion inside the E-Class.

From the flowing design of the dashboard to the intricate lighting, soft seats and contact points and spacious proportions, the Mercedes-Benz E 300 Coupe ably balances opulence and day-to-day practicality.

The integration of touch capability on the centre screen, plus a touch pad instead of the predecessor’s rotary dial, have helped cultivate a more user-friendly experience than before.

The new-look steering wheel is another neat touch, and its capacitive touch panels are quite easy to navigate on the move.

Spatially, the E 300 Coupe offers considered proportions front and rear. We successfully carried a 170cm-tall adult and a child seat in the second row for an hour with minimal complaints.

Taller occupants may find headroom a little tight, but otherwise large door openings, separate air vents and ample window line mean the second row is suitable for occasional passage.

A 425-litre boot offers adequate space for a full-size suitcase, accessed via a decent opening. Shame there’s no spare wheel to speak of – only an inflation kit.

Unsurprisingly, a similar theme of luxury and refinement transcends the Mercedes-Benz E-Class driving experience.

The latest safety systems have been integrated tastefully, gently assisting the driver with their interventions rather than dictating the experience.

Similarly, the new steering wheel seems to have mitigated errant alarms asking you to maintain control of the vehicle (read: keep your hands on the wheel).

Elsewhere, our E 300 Coupe combines traits of everyday comfort with a helping of sportiness. In regular conveyance, the 2.0-litre creates adequate and accessible power, using the nine-speed automatic to gently cycle up to speed. Once there, the drivetrain covers highway and open road mileage with ease, the tachometer barely sitting above idle and helping an as-tested fuel use figure of 8.5L/100km.

There’s a spritely element to the four-pot as it climbs the dial as well, particularly when either of the Sports modes have been engaged.

Ultimately, though, the E 300’s circa 1800kg kerb weight overrule the engine’s 190kW/370Nm output on a twisty, undulating road. Outside of its natural mid-range cadence, the engine can feel somewhat languid.

The E 300 grips well and corners proficiently on a winding back road, although with limited flair or feedback.

Elsewhere, the E 300’s adaptive air suspension has a natural springiness to it that occasionally invokes a floaty feel on rougher, undulating surfaces – often 10 or 15 metres after an event.

The ride is controlled, however, and displaces all but the harshest of imperfections with a tolerable firmness despite fitment of huge 20-inch wheels.

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class builds on the appeal of the W213 model introduced in 2016, ably balancing luxury and comfort with a helping of sportiness.

The E 300 Coupe does not rewrite the dynamic rulebook, but it does extend the E-Class legacy. Best-seller or not.

How much does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Coupe cost?
Price: $117,400 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 190kW/370Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 182g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2016)

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