The Mercedes E-class coupe has always been a looker. There are a lot of coupes out there on the market, but this one has a certain ring to it. It does not carry any fancy moniker or overdone looks and is a coupe in true sense. Mercedes-Benz is currently working on the E-Class facelift for the 2020 model year. The E-class sedan and the wagon had been spotted before, but now, even the 2020 E-class coupe makes its paparazzi debut. Just like the sedan and the wagon, the coupe also bears changes all around the body and a few on the inside as well. Perhaps there will even be a new engine as well. Will the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe be able to spike up sales for the German automaker?

2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

Specifications
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  • Model: 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

- New slimmer headlights - New grille and bumper - Profile remains the same - Taillights receive fresh detailing - Number plate area is now recessed - Chrome strip near the exhaust is placed differently

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe is an attractive vehicle on the onset. The long, sleek body makes for an impressive silhouette that looks equally good when on the move as it does when standing stationery. Mercedes-Benz has retained the core essence with the 2020 model, and has further improvised on the same formula.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe receives maximum changes upfront. Although dressed in camouflage, we can figure out most of the changes here. The E-Class coupe will come with a new set of sleek headlights that give it an aggressive look. The sleeper coupe has now woken up and will not shy away in the crowd. A new grille on the face sure looks different, but not as 'acceptable' as the model it will replace. It's the bumper that will be tweaked the most and the automaker has wrapped it under the covers quite heavily. Even with the camouflage, there seems to be a noticeable difference in the appearance.

The side profile is the best angle to view the coupe. Wait, strike that out. That's because this is where it feels the most differentiated. A majority of coupes on the market today are rip-offs of their corresponding sedans or SUVs. The same applies to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe as well. The current model witnessed a big size-jump (74 mm) in terms of legroom that made it longer than the preceding model. So, we don't expect that to improve in the 2020 model year. The long hood, steeply raked windshield, the sharp sloping roofline, and the short rear overhangs make the coupe an absolute stonker to look at. With all that said, Mercedes-Benz has not changed the 2020 E-Class coupe one bit from the current model. In fact, even the alloy design has been carried over. The 18-inch wheels are apt for this coupe, and you don't need to upgrade the size. While it is not a bad thing, Mercedes should have been a little more active in making changes to the profile. Perhaps, a few cuts and creases on the doors, flared wheel arches, and a different chrome treatment would have made this feel fresher.

The bumper does not feature the fake air vents that are seen on either side on the current model. Even the number plate now sits in a specified area compared to the present model where it was just slapped below the trunk. The chrome strip now runs over the rectangular exhaust, unlike that of the current model. The camouflage conceals the taillights quite well, making it difficult for us to decipher the exact changes. Unlike the headlights, which look slimmer, the taillights seem to be of the same size, but there will be changes in the details inside them. The truck-lid has a lip at the end and actually breaks the 'flowy' design language on the coupe. The best part about the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is the subtle chrome work all around, and the simplistic design that doesn't scream for attention. We cannot wait for more spy shots in skimpier clothes to surface the net before the 2020 E-Class coupe is officially launched.

2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe exterior dimensions

Length

190 inches

Width

80.9 inches

Height

56.3 inches

Wheelbase

113.1 inches

Cargo Capacity

10 cubic-feet


Interior

- New steering wheel - Interiors remain as spacious as before - Sloping roofline hinders with headroom at the back - MBUX system replaces COMAND - Can be used in four different ways - Digital instrument cluster could be carried over

The current cabin design is arguably the finest one when compared to the competition. The craftsmanship is drool-worthy and this is one of the best cabins to come to after a long day at work. Unlike the sleeper looks on the outside, the cabin looks very engaging and sporty, and we expect the German automaker to carry over the same aura in the 2020 model as well. The current Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe comes with a 12.3-inch screen with COMAND system. However, this will be replaced by the MBUX infotainment system in the 2020 E-Class coupe.

The MBUX system is a welcome change. It trumps over the COMAND system in many ways. The interface is a lot more appealing, but at the same time leaves the user frustrated. Hopefully the niggles of this new system will be sorted out in the 2020 E-Class coupe. The virtual assistant feature in the MBUX system is nothing but a genius. Forget about giving it 'COMANDS' (pun unintended) to activate or deactivate features, it can even answer questions on completely unrelated topics. However, it is just too sensitive and you will feel like you have another passenger with you who will talk to you even though you don't want to. Mercedes is giving oyu an option to control it not in one or two, but four different ways - voice controls, COMAND knob, touchscreen, and a new trackpad. I love the fact that Mercedes does not want you to adapt to just one option and force you to use it whether you like it or not.

It will not appeal to non-tech heads for sure. There is just too much information to understand and swallow. The system also suffers from a few drawbacks and glitches, which are due to the automaker's ambitious plans to offer the best system available on the market today. Hopefully all this will be sorted in the version used in the 2020 E-Class coupe.

Drivetrain

- 3.0-liter, V-6 engine - Produces 362 horsepower - 369 pound-feet of torque - Available in Rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations - 0-60 mph in five seconds - Nine-speed automatic transmission - AMG version does 0-60 mph sprint in 4.3 seconds

Under the hood is a 3.0-liter, V-6, biturbo engine that churns out 362 ponies and 369 pound-feet of torque. The peak torque is available between 1,800 - 4,500 rpm, thus giving the E-Class coupe a very strong mid-range. Thanks to this, the coupe can pull from 0-60 mph in five seconds flat! Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 9G-Tronic transmission. Mercedes-Benz offers the E-class coupe in a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive configuration as well. If you are a sedate driver, this engine will deliver up to 24 miles per gallon, combined.

2019 Mercedes-Benz E450 Coupe drivetrain specifications

Engine

3.0L V6 biturbo

Power

362 hp @ 5,500 rpm

Torque

369 lb-ft @ 1,800-4,500 rpm

City fuel economy

20 mpg

Highway fuel economy

28 mpg

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-speed

0 to 60 mph

5.0 seconds

Top Speed

130 mph


As is with the present model, an AMG-version of the E-Class coupe will also be on offer. The current AMG E53 comes with a 3.0-liter, inline-six turbo engine with EQ Boost that produces 429 horses and 384 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic gearbox and is offered with AMG Performance 4MATIC configuration. These credentials help the AMG E53 sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds.

Interestingly, the aforementioned engine in the E53 was the first one to come in hybrid version. This engine was combined with a 48V Integrated Starter Generator, which is a crankshaft-mounted electric motor, and Electric Auxiliary Compressor (EAC), which mitigates turbo lag to amplify performance. So, this will surely make its way under the hood of the 2020 AMG E-Class coupe as well.

Prices

Since it's a mere facelift, we don't expect a hike over the current model. But since it features new MBUX system and a few more changes, a maximum increase of $500 should be acceptable. So, we speculate the starting price to be $60,000.

Competition

Audi S5 Coupe

The Audi S5 Coupe, follows an opposite approach. This couple is sharp, aggressive, and does not look like a calm personality from any angle. The two-door coupe maintains an upright stance as though it's waiting to pounce on its next victim. The coupe is fairly well-loaded and sporty on the inside. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster creates a cockpit environment from where there's no looking back. The front-seats are the sports type with extra bolstering on the sides to keep you in place when you push hard around the corners.

The S5 Coupe uses the same engine across all the trims - a 3.0-liter, V-6 twin-turbo engine that produces 349 horses and 369 pound-feet of torque. However, this car sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.4 seconds. This is a 1/10th of a second slower than the AMG E53! These specs are the same even for the base Premium trim. The Audi S5 starts at $52,400.

Audi S5 Coupe drivetrain specifications

Engine

3.0-liter, V-6 twin-turbocharged

Power

349 horsepower

Torque

369 pound-feet

Transmission

Eight-speed Tiptronic transmission

Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD)

Quattro All-wheel-drive

0-60 mph

4.4 seconds

Top Speed

155 mph


Read our full review on the 2019 Audi S5 Coupe

BMW 4 Series

If I were to choose a coupe out of these three, it had to be this. Not just because I'm a BMW fanboy, but because what it brings to the table. This coupe is best-looking of the lot in my opinion. The BMW DNA is visible all around. It is not as spacious on the inside, but the cabin can spoil you with its features and finesse. The entry-level trims do not hold a candle against the Audi S5 Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe, but the 440i is a strong 'challenger' (I tried to 'dodge' this pun, but couldn't) to its German counterparts. This coupe is a classic example of 'jack of all trades, master of none'.

The BMW 4 Series features a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder twin-turbo engine that develops 320 horses and 330 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 4 Series coupe zooms to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.6 seconds. There is a slight difference, no doubt, but you must also note that these are the specs for the top-of-the-line trim that starts at $53,350. A better value-for-money proposition when compared to the Audi and the Mercedes.

2019 BMW 4 Series Coupe drivetrain specifications

Engine

3.0-liter, six-cylinder twin-turbo mill

Power

320 horsepower

Torque

330 pound-feet of torque

Drive (AWD, FWD, RWD)

All-wheel drive

0-60 mph

4.6 seconds

Top Speed

130 mph


Read our full review on the 2018 BMW 4 Series

Conclusion

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe is one of the best coupes in the market today. Although it just a facelift, we expected a few more changes than what we already know. Yes, the car we spotted was in camouflage, but we hope to see more changes that make it a lot more desirable. The 2020 model still maintains its understated looks, and it has one of the best cabins as well. However, the competition offers a lot more value and Mercedes may take a hit if this is not rectified soon.

Further reading

Read our full speculative review on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Read our full review on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe.

Read our full review on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Read our full review on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon.