What is it?

The latest in Mercedes' long line of luxury coupes. Based on the E-Class executive sedan, the new E-Class Coupe offers cutting-edge technology in an elegant-looking package.

How much does it cost and what do you get?

We're driving the E300 Coupe, which sits in the middle of the brand's E-Class Coupe range. Priced from $110,900 plus on-road costs, the E300 features the brand's latest driver assistance suite with active cruise control, autonomous braking and limited self-steering features as well as a high-tech cabin loaded with luxuries. On the outside, this car has excellent multibeam LED lights and an AMG sports body kit with 20-inch wheels that mesh beautifully with its elegant lines and pillarless doors.

What's under the bonnet?

The drive for downsizing means there is no longer a V8 option in the two-door E-Class, which offers a choice of petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines as well as one petrol V6. Our E300 has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that uses around 6.4L/100km to make reasonable 180kW and 370Nm outputs, sending power to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles.

Able to hit 100km/h in 6.4 seconds before reaching a top speed limited to 250km/h, the motor offers adequate if not earth-shattering performance. It's a reasonably smooth unit that offers a touch of mongrel through a sports exhaust system that lends character to the coupe.

What's it like to drive?

Smooth, thanks to standard air suspension that does an excellent job taking the edge off imperfections. The E300 feels composed without being particularly athletic – built for comfort, not speed. It steers reasonably sweetly but feels somewhat weighty on the road, and there's no doubt it could handle more than double the power offered here.

The E300 is a classic luxury Mercedes – quiet, refined and beautifully styled without offering the last word in driver engagement or performance.

What's it like inside?

Cinematic, thanks to twin 12.3-inch digital screens stretching across the dashboard and centre console. They offer all the information you could want, as well as outstanding smartphone integration through Apple's CarPlay system.

Our test example was beautifully finished in black leather with black open-poor ash wood panelling and chrome brightwork.

It's a lovely place to be.

Is it safe?

Oh yes. The E-Class is one of the safest cars on sale, blending a strong body with a full suite of airbags to protect occupants. Clever touches include a burst of sound that triggers an auditory reflex in your ear to prevent hearing loss in the event of a crash, as well as seats that can shunt you away from a side-impact crash. Mercedes also offers outstanding driver aids to prevent a crash from happening in the first place – there are few safer coupes than this.

Would I buy it?

Yes, the E300 is an elegant and impressive machine with all the technology you could hope for.

What else should I consider?

Full-sized luxury coupes are a little thin on the ground these days. BMW's 6-Series is more expensive, and Audi doesn't do a two-door version of its E-Class-rivalling A6 or A7 sedans. Those brands will sell you smaller 4-Series and A5-based models for less than the E-Class coupe costs, and Lexus has its LC-Series. None of those have the space – and arguably the grace – of the E-Class Coupe, which feels a little like a throwback to days gone by.

2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 Coupe pricing and specifications:

Price: From $110,900 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 180kW at 5500rpm

Torque: 370Nm at 1400-4000rpm

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive

Fuel use: 6.4L/100km

• For all the latest info, visit our Mercedes showroom.