A two-door Mercedes-Benz has been a long-standing symbol of success.

Now, more than ever, there is even greater choice, ranging from the (reasonably) affordable C-Class to the ultra-luxurious S-Class Coupe and the high-performance AMG GT.

In a bid to cover all bases, Mercedes has added another into the mix with the second-generation E-Class Coupe; a genuine four-seater that mixes modern technology with conventional luxury.

Designed to appeal to traditionalists more than newcomers to the brand or those wealthy enough to enjoy the flagship models, there’s only three variants to choose – a four-cylinder petrol, a four-cylinder diesel and the range-topping twin-turbo V6 we’re testing here – and giving the two-door C-Class that sits below it some breathing space.

WHAT DO YOU GET?

The range kicks off at $96,000 for the E220d, rises to $110,900 for the E300 and tops out at $145,900 for the E400 4Matic. Unlike the C-Class, there are no plans for a high-performance AMG variant.

Even in its most basic specification, the E Coupe comes with a lengthy list of standard equipment, including 19-inch alloys and an AMG body kit, full leather trim in the cabin, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and twin 12.3-inch colour displays with sat nav, digital radio, smartphone mirroring and keyless entry with push button start.

There’s also a comprehensive suite of safety gear, with nine airbags, automated parking, autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control and semi-autonomous driving functions.

The E400 goes further with larger 20-inch alloys, air suspension, LED headlights, a head-up display, panoramic roof, metallic paint with privacy glass and a high-end Burmester audio system with 13 speakers and 590Watt amplifier.

All E-Class Coupe models are covered by Mercedes-Benz’ standard three-year/100,000km warranty and capped price servicing that will cost $2280 for the first three years with intervals every 12 months or 25,000km.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

By virtue of its badge, the E-Class Coupe is larger than the two-door C-Class even though they share much of the same basic underpinnings. It is significantly bigger than the model it replaces, measuring 123mm longer, 74mm wider and riding on a wheelbase that is stretched by 113mm.

The net result is more interior space with reasonable room in the back for two adults to travel without too much discomfort, including front seats that fold forward easily to get in there and rear windows that wind down for more fresh air.

The experience from the front seats are similar to that in the sedan, with the flowing dash dominated by the big digital screens and the cabin is cloaked in high-quality materials with comfortable seats, good vision and decent small-item storage spaces.

UNDER THE BONNET

As the flagship variant of the E-Class Coupe family, the E400 is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 that delivers 245kW and 480Nm with a claimed average fuel consumption of 8.5L/100km.

While the engine is an older-generation unit, and will be replaced in time by a high-tech in-line six cylinder that features cutting edge mild hybrid technology, it is still creamy smooth in the way it revs, particularly in the middle of the range where it has a strong surge of pulling power and produces a muted growl under heavy acceleration.

It manages to remain in its sweet spot, either effortlessly loping along at low revs while cruising in the default Comfort setting or staying in the meat of its torque curve in Sport or Sport+ modes, thanks to the nine-speed automatic gearbox, which amplifies the car’s effortless character with barely perceptible shifts.

ON THE ROAD

Uniquely, the E400 drives all four wheels through Mercedes’ rear-biased 4Matic transmission which ensures it feels secure and planted in all conditions.

It also has multi-mode air suspension to give it a plush ride over rough surfaces while providing good control in the bends when driven enthusiastically, even though the overriding nature of the Coupe is more biased towards luxury than corner carving.

In that regard, it’s beautifully refined with good isolation from road and wind noise at highway speeds too.

VERDICT

As Mercedes continues to point the three-pointed star in new directions – above and below the E-Class – the mid-sized coupe is a traditional Benz in every sense, and will appeal more to conservative owners than anyone else.

For those, the E400 is a genuinely luxurious two-door that, while blending into the traffic somewhat, stands out as brilliant machine that mixes the best of yesteryear’s luxury with tomorrow’s technology in a safe, comfortable, spacious, connected manner like no other.

2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe price and specifications

Price: from $145,900 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol

Power: 245kW at 5250-6000rpm

Torque: 480Nm at 1600-4000rpm

Transmission: 9-speed automatic, AWD

Fuel use: 8.5L/100km

Rivals

BMW 640i

Price: $179,500 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 235kW at 5800rpm

Torque: 450Nm at 1300-4500rpm

Transmission: 8-spd automatic, RWD

Fuel use: 7.7L/100km

Mercedes-Benz CLS400

Price: $140,115 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol

Power: 245kW at 5250-6000rpm

Torque: 480Nm at 1600-4000rpm

Transmission: 9-spd automatic, RWD

Fuel use: 8.0L/100km

Audi A7 Biturbo Sportback

Price: from $144,855 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel

Power: 235kW at 3900-4600rpm

Torque: 650Nm at 1400-2800rpm

Transmission: 8-spd automatic, AWD

Fuel Use: 6.1L/100km

- For more information visit our Mercedes-Benz showroom