Next to the standard E-Class, Mercedes->ke187 has also prepared an updated version for the coupe model. The official debut will be made next week at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, but the the first details have been officially unveiled today.

Just like with the sedan version we have seen unveiled last month, the facelift E-Class Coupe has received an updated exterior look with LED daytime running lights, a larger front grille and of course more pronounced air intakes in the front bumper.

Under the hood, the engine line-up has also been borrowed from the sedan version, and just like in the previous case, the U.S. customers will have to opt just between two gasoline engine: one V6 and one V8, while in Europe customers will have the possibility to choose between ten different engines.

Updated 01/04/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs. Hit the jump to read more about the new Mercedes E-Class Coupe.

2013 Mercedes E-Class Coupe

Specifications

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• Model: 2013 Mercedes E-Class Coupe
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Pros

Cons

Exterior

The exterior look of the new E-Class Coupe is pretty similar to the sedan version, except, of course, for the lack of the two rear doors that provide the car with a sportier appearance. Up front, the coupe version has received new headlamps fitted with partial LED lights as standard or full LED technology available as an option.

The front bumpers have received a more V-shaped design with larger air intakes. On the rear, the model keeps the usual muscular shape, but it receives new taillights and a wide rear bumper with a chrome trim element.

The coupe version will be further distinguished by its fully retractable side windows unbroken by B-pillars, the long hood, extended side line, flat roof and the powerful rear end.

Interior

The interior is once again similar to the sedan version and combines fine materials, two-piece trim stretching across the entire dashboard and clean surfaces.

Mercedes will include redesigned air vents and console switches finished in chrome and an analog clock placed between the two. The model also receives a new three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with DIRECT SELECT shift lever and shift paddles, and a redesigned center console.

Assistance systems:

-DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist can help the driver keep the vehicle centered in its lane and can semi-autonomously track lines of traffic.

-BAS PLUS with Intersection Assist is able to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians too, and boost the braking power applied by the driver accordingly.

-PRE-SAFE Brake can detect pedestrians and initiate autonomous braking to avoid a collision at speeds up to 30 mph

-PRE-SAFE PLUS can recognize an imminent rear-end collision, then prompts the PRE-SAFE system to trigger occupant protection measures to reduce the forces to which occupants are subjected. It can also firmly apply the stationary vehicle’s brakes in the event of a rear-end collision to prevent secondary accidents.

- Active Lane Keeping Assist now can detect when the adjacent lane is not clear, including when it is occupied by oncoming traffic. If a collision threatens, even if the lane marking is not a solid line the system can prevent the vehicle from leaving its lane unintentionally by applying the brakes on one side. It thus optimally supplements the Active Blind Spot Assist.

-Active Parking Assist enables automated parking with active steering and brake control in both parallel and perpendicular spaces

-360-degree camera covers all four sides of the vehicle and enables a seamless all-around view including a virtual bird’s-eye perspective – with a top view of the vehicle and its direct surroundings. Dynamic guide lines are a help when entering and leaving parking spaces and maneuvering.

Engine

In the U.S. market, Mercedes will only be offer two engines: a direct-injected, 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine in the E350 with 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque and the E550 will come with a twin-turbo direct-injected 5.5-liter V-8 producing 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. For the E350 version, customers will also receive a 4MATIC All-Wheel-Drive that displays an incredible level of traction on all manner of terrain.

The two engines can be combined with a 7-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever and shift paddles. The transmission is offering a new "M" mode that independently switches back to the fuel-efficient automatic shift mode.

In the European market, customers can choose between the following engines:

Petrol Engines

Diesel Engines

Chassis and suspensions

The new E-Class Coupe will be offered with AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system that adapts to the condition of the road surface and ensure sporty handling and long-distance comfort.

As an option, this new system can be combined with an ADVANCED AGILITY package, which offers electronic damping control along with a program for selecting sportier accelerator characteristics and transmission shift points.

Just like with the sedan version, the coupe is also offered with an electromechanical Direct-Steer system that combines the speed-dependent power assistance of speed-sensitive steering with a variable ratio across the steering angle range.

Prices

The new Mercedes E-Class Coupe will go on sale in the summer of 2013. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

Depending on the market, and, of course, the customer’s wishes, the alternatives for the E-Class Coupe are Audi A5 or Cadillac CTS Coupe. The Audi A5 -- our favorite when it comes about looks alone -- comes with plenty of powertrain options, the most powerful one being a new 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 with 272 horsepower. The A5 is on sale with prices ranging from $38,500 - $42,800, which is much cheaper that the E-Class Coupe’s $51,250 price tag (2012 pricing).