2009 Mercedes-Benz E 500 Coupé - Images, Specifications and Information

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The Geneva Motor Show will see the comeback of an intriguing product idea when Mercedes-Benz presents a new model to the Coupé range in the form of the new E-Class. Just three months after the presentation of the Saloon, the brand is launching a highlight in the new model series while continuing a tradition that has repeatedly met with great enthusiasm throughout the history of the E-Class.

The new E-Class Coupé offers a very special combination of two attributes for which the Mercedes brand is known: fascination and efficiency. With its classic coupé side aspect - no B-pillars and fully retractable side windows - the new two-door car is a particularly sporty interpretation of the E-Class's dynamic design. At the same time the most aerodynamic variant of the Coupé achieves a new world best in terms of drag coefficient: with a Cd-figure of just 0.24, this model is the world's most aerodynamically efficient series-production car. The model programme includes two new 4-cylinder engines, which consume up to 17% less fuel whilst offering a significant increase in performance and torque. The new E-Class Coupé's standard-fit AGILITY CONTROL suspension adjusts automatically to the current driving situation. It combines driving enjoyment and excellent handling with maximum comfort. The new E-Class Coupé will be in UK showrooms from June 2009.

The new Coupé offers all the technical innovations of the new E-Class series that one might expect to find in a sports-oriented luxury coupé. These include selective damper control, drowsiness detection, preventive occupant protection and the Active Bonnet. As a feature specific to the Coupé, the Dynamic Driving package allows different suspension setups at the touch of a button. Adaptive Main Beam Assist and an automatic emergency braking system are also features with which the new series sets standards in this vehicle category.

The E-Class also takes on a pioneering role in the drive sector. The new diesels and direct-injection petrol engines combine efficiency with an effortless power delivery. The engine line-up includes two new four-cylinder models which deliver significantly more power and torque while consuming up to 17 percent less fuel. The best example is the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Coupé, which consumes 53.3 mpg emits 139 grams of CO2 per kilometre, making it one of the most economical vehicles in its class.

The exemplary, fuel consumption has not only been achieved because of the new engines, but also with a number of practical measures. These include on-demand activation of the steering and fuel pumps, the use of tyres with low rolling resistance and an alternator control system which takes account of the current driving situation and the vehicle's electrical power requirements, plus the very decisive factor of outstanding aerodynamics.

The design of the new two-door model includes traditional styling elements which give Mercedes-Benz Coupés their unmistakable identity: for example the side windows, which are not interrupted by a B-pillar and are fully retractable. Another hallmark of Mercedes Coupé design is the sports radiator grille with the large central star. At the same time, however, the new model points the way to the future with an exciting, contemporary design idiom.

At the same time the Coupé shows its close family resemblance to the E-Class Saloon. This is shown by the 'twin-headlamp face', with rhomboid contours but somewhat sportier, sharper treatment for a more dynamic and incisive look. Another design feature which the Coupé shares with the Saloon is the powerful contour of the rear wing - a styling cue which also gave the S 220 "Ponton" Coupé of 1955 its athletic appearance.

Although it shares family traits with the Saloon, the Coupé has its own, distinct identity characterised by effortless superiority and a greater sense of passion. The arrow shape of the entire front section from front bumper to radiator to bonnet, the more extreme interpretation of the twin headlamp face and its more lean build give it a racier and more dynamic presence.

The diesel in the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Coupé is the top-of-the-range unit in the new generation of Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder engines, which are notable for features such as two-stage Turbo charging, precise piezo injectors and the latest common-rail technology. The engine has an output of 204 hp and develops a maximum torque of 500 Nm which is available from just 1600 rpm. This means that it is some 36 percent more powerful than the four-cylinder diesel in the preceding model yet consumes 17 percent less fuel returning 53.3 mpg (combined NEDC consumption, provisional figure). This corresponds to a carbon dioxide emission level of 139 grams per kilometre.

The Turbocharged V6 diesel engine with common-rail direct injection remains in the line-up. Fitted in the E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Coupé, it develops 231 hp (previously: 224 hp) and returns 41.5 mpg (combined) in the NEDC cycle. Its carbon-dioxide emissions are 179 grams per kilometre.

Mercedes-Benz has also chosen to move over to direct-injection technology for its petrol engines. Once again, the E-Class Coupé points the way: the power plant at work under the bonnet of the E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Coupé is a newly developed four-cylinder direct-injection unit with 204 hp and a five-speed automatic transmission as standard. This engine returns 40.4 mpg (combined NEDC consumption, provisional figure). CO2 emissions are 164 grams per kilometre. This is some 13 percent less than the figure for the previous four-cylinder engine (184 hp) with conventional Fuel Injection.

Mercedes-Benz has replaced the previous V6 petrol engine with the world's first six-cylinder unit featuring spray-guided direct petrol injection in the new E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Coupé. This engine develops 292 hp - an extra 20 hp - and consumes about 14 percent less fuel than the previous V6 engine: its combined fuel economy is 32.5 mpg. This corresponds to 203 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

In the top-of-the-range model, the E 500 Coupé, the muscular V8 engine with 388 hp and 530 Nm of torque offers the performance characteristics of a sports car. Mercedes engineers have enhanced details of the eight-cylinder unit, to returns 25.9 mpg (combined NEDC consumption). All the engines in the new E-Class Coupés meet the EU5 exhaust emission standard.