With the sedan and estate versions of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class having already gone under the knife for extensive cosmetic surgery, it was time for their coupe and convertible siblings to follow suit before their Detroit Motor Showpremiere.The two models that complete the revised 2014 model year E-Class range have also ditched the four separate front headlights in favor of one-piece units but, unlike the family-oriented versions, have kept the distinctive pontoon rear fenders of the previous model.
Mind you, Mercedes-Benz designers didn’t just slap on the saloon’s face on the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet. Instead, the single headlamps are more sculpted and feature different twin LED graphics, the grille gets a single bar (instead of two) supporting the three-pointed star and the bumper design is more aggressive, with an inverted central air intake and enlarged outer inlets.
At the rear, apart from the sculpted fenders, the 2014 models get a “wing design” rear bumper, chrome trim and new taillamps.
“Three words sum up both the E-Class Coupe and the four-seat Cabriolet model: captivating, athletic, passionate”, said Mercedes-Benz head of sales and marketing Dr. Joachim Schmidt. “It is especially pleasing that the two vehicles also incorporate the most intelligent technology ever. This makes them true dream cars.”The cabin gets a redesigned three-spoke steering wheel, which like in the saloon and estate, incorporates shift paddles and the DIRECT SELECT lever for the automatic gearbox. There are new materials and a two-part trim, in wood or aluminum, across the dashboard, chrome accents, an analogue clock between the two center air vents and a 14.7-cm TFT display with an audio system and USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
All versions feature an electromechanical Direct Steer variable-ratio steering and the AGILITY CONTROL adaptive suspension. The Dynamic Handling package adds a firmer sports suspension set-up and driver-controlled modes for damping control, throttle response and gear changes.
All engines come standard with the ECO auto start/stop system. In Europe, the 2014 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet will be available with six gasoline units ranging from 181HP (E 200) to 402HP (E 500) and three diesels, while the 7G-TRONIC PLUS auto transmission features a new, short-term “M” mode that, after a set period of the driver not shifting gears manually, reverts to auto mode for improved fuel efficiency.
In the U.S., the two models carry over their powertrain options from the previous year, and will be available in E350 and E550 flavors starting from this summer.
Like the saloon and estate, the two sportier versions of the 2014 E-Class come with a plethora of electronics, either updated or completely new, that ensure maximum safety.
The DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist helps the driver keep the vehicle in its lane and also semi-automatically tracks traffic in tailbacks. The Brake Assist system with Junction Assist is able to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians and boost the braking power applied by the driver, while the PRE-SAFE Brake can detect pedestrians and automatically activate the brakes to avoid a collision at speeds up to 50 km/h (30 mph), and the PRE-SAFE PLUS can detect an imminent rear-end collision and optimize all systems for the best possible occupant protection.
Moreover, the Active Lane Keeping Assist system, apart from preventing unintentional lane change, can now detect when the adjacent lane is occupied, including detection of oncoming traffic and the Active Parking Assist enables automated parking in both parallel and end-on spaces.
Finally, in addition to speed limits, the Traffic Sign Assist can now also detect and display no-overtaking zones and a 360-degree camera that covers all four sides of the car gives a virtual bird's eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings.
You can check out the image gallery and a video of the refreshed car right after the break.
By Andrew Tsaousis
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