Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet upgraded

The covers have officially come off the upgraded 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet -- and the revised Mercedes-AMG E 53 versions -- in a live-streamed global unveiling overnight.

When they arrive in Australia in October, the large two-door E-Class siblings will bring sportier designs, a host of technology upgrades including semi-autonomous driving aids and likely a price increase to match.

Changes for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet mirror those seen with the updated E-Class sedan and wagon models revealed earlier this year.

Up front, new LED headlights have been reshaped to look more slim, sitting either side of the E-Class’ new ‘A-shape’ diamond grille featuring chrome-plated dots.

At the rear, new LED tail-lights have been redesigned from the inside out, while a reversing camera has been integrated into the three-pointed star badge.

Improvements to the driver-assistance systems include an all-new intelligent steering wheel with hands-off detection, while control surfaces are finished in high-gloss black and surrounds have a silver shadow finish.

Under the bonnet, the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet will be available with a range petrol and (in Europe) diesel engines including inline four- and six-cylinder options ranging in power from 143kW to 270kW.

Petrol models include 48-volt mild-hybrid technology with an integrated starter-generator (ISG), adding 10kW/150Nm of extra torque in four-cylinder variants (E 200 and E 300) and 16kW/250Nm in six-cylinder versions (E 450 4MATIC and new E 53 4MATIC+ AMG).

E 450 4MATIC models are powered by a 270kW/500Nm 3.0-litre inline-six and Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, sending Coupe models to 100km/h in five seconds (plus 0.2sec for the Cabriolet).

Every 2020 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet sends its power through Merc’s 9G-TRONIC nine-speed auto, which has been redeveloped to suit the second-gen ISG where applicable.

Inside, the cabin has been treated to a refresh as well, with a range of interior options such as fabric, vegan ‘leather’, nappa leather with diamond quilting and even sun-reflecting leather (for the cabrio).

On the dash, the updated E-Class gets Mercedes’ latest generation MBUX multimedia system, with twin 10.25-inch screens as standard, while an adaptive driver’s seat allows users to enter the driver’s height so that the seat automatically moves into a suitable position.

Intelligent software to help fight crime is also available in the Urban Guard Vehicle Protection and Urban Guard Vehicle Protection Plus packages, to provide 360-degree monitoring of the parked vehicle, as well as discovering stolen vehicle locations “even if the thief has deactivated the vehicle tracking function”.

Meanwhile, four new exterior colours are now available for E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models – including High-Tech silver, Graphite grey metallic, Mojave silver and Patagonia red – along with new wheel options.

The range-topping Mercedes-AMG E 53 models have also been upgraded along similar lines, but come with carryover 3.0-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid powertrains.

The mid-life update for the AMG E 53 4MATIC+ models includes a new grille with vertical louvres, a new front bumper with larger air intakes and re-styled ‘sharper’ LED headlights, along with a revised backside.

At the rear, twin round exhaust outlets are available in silver chrome or gloss black, better air flow around the wheel-arches comes thanks to redesigned mud flaps, and a boot-mounted spoiler is colour-coded to the vehicle – but can be optioned in carbon-fibre.

As standard, E 53 Coupe and Cabriolet models ride on 19-inch alloy wheels, with larger 20s available to order.

Beneath the E 53’s curvaceous bonnet, the same gutsy 320kW/520Nm 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder biturbo engine is carried over, along with 48-volt mild-hybrid tech, matched to AMG’s SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G automatic.

An EQ Boost starter-alternator can briefly provide an additional boost of 16kW/250Nm, while feeding the 48-volt on-board electrical system.

Once again E 53 models come standard with 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, with Coupe variants good for a 0-100km/h dash in 4.4 seconds (4.6sec for the cabrio) and both offering a top speed of 250km/h.

AMG Dynamic Select allows drivers to choose between a range of driving modes, including Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.

Each E 53 also comes with AMG Ride Control+ suspension, which comprises multi-chamber air suspension that adjusts the damping at each wheel depending on the driving situation and condition of the road.

Inside the cabin is the brand’s latest MBUX infotainment unit as found in the new E-Class, while the instrument cluster has three AMG display styles and the steering wheel has had a complete makeover with new switches and a ‘hands-on” sensor mat, as well as getting larger shift paddles that are also positioned lower than before.

AMG-specific interior features include red seat belts and carbon-fibre trim elements, as well as a range of upholstery options with red contrasting top-stitching and AMG badging.

Exterior paint options include Graphite grey metallic and Brilliant Blue Magno matt – the latter for the first time, previously reserved for AMG GT models.

AMG E 53 models can be optioned with the AMG Dynamic Plus package which includes the Race drive program with Drift Mode, an upgraded steering wheel and red brake callipers with AMG lettering.

Another optional package for E 53 is the AMG Night Package which blacks-out the mirrors, window frames and trim elements in the front and rear apron – or the Carbon Package, which adds hints of, you guessed, carbon-fibre around the exterior.

Local pricing and specs for the two-door E-Class line-up will be announced closer to its arrival Down Under in October.