Already six years old as of 2015, the fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class is living its final months on the market. Outdated by both performance and design, especially when compared to its German competitors, the sedan->ke142 is only a year away from receiving a comprehensive overhaul. The coupe->ke141 and cabriolet->ke144 versions, on the other hand, will likely be around for at least a couple of years before the fifth-gen E-Class->ke373 expands to include two-door models.

As it usually happens with nameplates when they're about to enter a new generation, the E-Class is bound to receive an array of special-edition->ke2041 models with added features, AMG->ke8 styling cues, and attractive stickers. For 2015, the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet have already gained two such models, one of which is the V8 Edition.

Launched for exclusively for the European market, the V8 Edition features a bunch of exclusive features inside and out, as well as a couple of upgrades Mercedes->ke187 rolled out for the entire E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet lineup. As the name suggests, the special-edition Merc is based on the V-8-powered E500, sold as the E550 on U.S. soil.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes E-Class V8 Edition.

2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class V8 Edition

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class V8 Edition
• Engine/Motor: V8
• Horsepower: 402
• Torque: 443
• Transmission: seven-speed automatic
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Pros

Cons

Exterior

Note: Standard Mercedes E-Class Coupe pictured here.

Although some limited-edition Mercedes cars are enhanced by sportier body kits, the V8 Edition remains identical to the standard E500. However, both the Coupe and Cabriolet receive two special paints called Selenite Grey Metallic and Diamond White Bright, and a set of Titanium Grey-painted, high-sheen AMG wheels. The rollers come in a multi-spoke design and measure 19 inches. As with most special-edition cars, this one also features "V8 Edition" badges on the front fenders.

Interior

Note: Standard Mercedes E-Class Coupe pictured here.

While the V8 Edition's exterior is only about special paints and AMG wheels, the interior gained a lot more exclusive features. The Nappa leather upholstery can be had in either Porcelain or Classic Red with black edging, while the flat-bottom sports steering wheel features the same choice of colors for its topstitching. If you'd rather have the classy wood and leather version, Mercedes offers it as an option.

Both the center console and dashboard are covered in black Nappa leather and the same Porcelain or Classic Red contrast stitching seen on the steering wheel. More Nappa leather can be found on the door armrests. Additionally, "V8 Edition" lettering adorns the seats belts and the trim seam of the floor mats.

Visual updates aside, the V8 Edition is also equipped with multicontour front seats with four-way lumbar support and memory. There's also a Thermotronic automatic climate control system with fine-particle activated charcoal filter, separate temperature controls for the front passenger and rear compartment, and individual climate modes.

On top of the aforementioned features, the V8 Edition also benefits from a couple of upgrades Mercedes-Benz just added to the entire E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet lineup. New features include Apple’s CarPlay and MirrorLink for better smartphone integration, as well as Live Traffic Information. Live Traffic Information is available for models with both the Audio 20 CD basic unit with Garmin Map Pilot and Command Online.

Note: Standard Mercedes E-Class Coupe pictured here.0}

Note: Standard Mercedes E-Class pictured here.

As it is restricted to the E500 model, the V8 Edition can only be had with the twin-turbo, 4.7-liter V-8 engine. No changes occurred under the hood, which means the V8 Edition benefits from the same 402-horsepower and 443-pound-feet rating as the standard E500 (the same model is sold as the E550 in the U.S.).

The Coupe needs 4.8 seconds to hit 62 mph from a standing start, while the Cabriolet reaches the same benchmark in 4.9 ticks. Top speed is limited at 155 mph for both models. Power travels to the wheels through a 7G-Tronic transmission.

Although the engine remained unaltered, the V8 Edition did receive the Agility Control sports suspension as standard. Equipped with selectable modes for the adaptive damping system and featuring specific tuning of the "Sport" mode, it delivers improved agility and ride comfort.

Safety

Just like the regular E500, the V8 Edition is packed with safety features, including 11 airbags, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Attention Assist, Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring, Brake Assist, ABS, ESP, and Adapting Braking Technology. Customers can further enhance the car's safety with optional features such as Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, Brake Assist Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist, Parktronic, Active Curve Illumination, Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Recognition, Active Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and many more.

Prices

The V8 Edition package adds €7,973 (about $8,910) to the price of the E500, regardless of its body style. With the E500 Coupe and Convertible priced from €43,197 (around $48,285) and €48,135 (about $53,785), respectively, customers will have to pay at least €51,170 ($57,210) for the closed-top version and more than €56,108 ($62,690) for the drop-top model.

Competition

BMW 6 Series

Launched in 2011, the current 6 Series is two years younger than the E-Class and has just received its mid-cycle facelift for the 2015 model year. Although the initial 650i had a V-8 that generated the same amount of horsepower as the E500, the revised engine introduced in 2012 raised the output to 443 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, 41 horses and 36 pound-feet more than the Merc. Though BMW doesn't sell a special-edition 6 Series in Germany for 2016, both the coupe and convertible version can be customized with a wide array of BMW Individual parts as well as M-badged packages. Pricing for the Coupe starts from €90,700 (about $101,300), while the Cabrio retails from €99,300 (around $110,940), which makes the Bimmer a lot more expensive than the V8 Edition.

Find out more about the BMW 6 Series here.

Conclusion

With the current E-Class a bit long in the tooth and a redesigned model more than a year away, Mercedes has no choice but to try and sweeten up the deal as the C207 Coupe and Cabriolet reach the end of the road. And it is doing just that with both the V8 Edition and the Sport Edition. Unfortunately, both models are only available in Europe.