2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe And Convertible Review: Gracefully Gliding Into Retirement

This is the final model year for the luxurious and stylish Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and E-Class Convertible. The new CLE is on the horizon and is set to replace both this and the C-Class Coupe/Convertible as the German automaker looks to streamline its bloated lineup. The two-door E-Class models are velvety smooth and comfortable cars producing 362 horsepower from a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged engine with its mild-hybrid system. It still looks the part of a premium Mercedes inside and out and doesn't have any direct rivals from BMW or Audi, since the 8 Series is larger and more expensive, and the A5 is smaller and comes in at a lower price point. Although hardly sporty and without the very latest tech that is sure to be available in the CLE, the two-door E-Class is still a classy choice in a dwindling segment.

New for 2023

As is often the case for a model about to be replaced, there have been almost no changes for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Convertible. The non-Manufaktur range of metallic paints now requires no surcharge; they previously cost $750. However, the base price has risen slightly to just under $70k.

2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Price: Which One to Buy

The starting price of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is $69,750 for the base E450 coupe with rear-wheel drive, rising to an MSRP of $72,250 for the all-wheel-drive E450 4Matic. These prices exclude any options and the destination charge of $1,150. As for the cabriolet models, they will cost $76,900 for the E450 and $79,550 for the E450 4Matic.

This makes the buying decision quite simple: the standard model will be fine for anyone living in warmer states, while the 4Matic option is better for cold-weather states where snowy, slippery conditions are more prevalent. All that's left to decide is whether you want to be able to put the top down or not.

One of the options we would recommend adding is the $1,700 Driver Assistance Package which equips 13 features, including adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. For a car that soaks up the miles effortlessly, these features make covering long distances even more relaxing - and safer.

Interior and Features

Top-notch comfort and advanced technologies envelop those lucky enough to be seated in the two-door E-Class.

Considering its age, the interior of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and its convertible sibling is still sublime. The sense of occasion one gets when sliding behind the wheel remains, and that's because of the swoopy dashboard design with high-quality surfaces blended with impressive technologies like dual 12.3-inch digital displays. The seats are sumptuous, and even adults can sit at the back, but the best vantage point is from one of the two front seats. Occupants are surrounded by fine leather and wood trim, and the cabin is also quite customizable to suit different tastes. It may not be the newest design in the Mercedes lineup anymore, but the E-Class's cabin could fool you into thinking otherwise.

Space

Four occupants can be accommodated inside the Mercedes E-Class, and while all seats are comfortable, there is more space in the front of the interior. Here, the legroom and headroom are good, and the power-adjustable seats with memory settings can be set to suit most frames. Of course, headroom is limitless in the cabriolet version with the roof down.

As usual for a two-door coupe or convertible, a little more effort is required to climb into the back, but adults under six-feet tall have fair legroom and will be fine over shorter distances. For kids, the back seat will be no problem.

Cargo

At exactly 10 cubic feet, cargo space in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is not as generous as in the E-Class Sedan. With the top up, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible has a little less space at 9.5 cubes. However, you can still get a large suitcase in there and some other smaller items, but the shallow height of the load space will require some creative packing. A 40/20/40-split-folding second row (50/50 split-folding in the convertible) improves versatility, and hands-free access with an electronic trunk lid closer is standard.

Inside the passenger compartment is a center front armrest with a small storage space, door pockets, a well-sized glovebox, and four cupholders - two in front and two at the back.

Materials and Colors

Although some modern Mercs have been guilty of eliciting a few squeaks from interior panels, the first impression when climbing inside the E-Class is outstanding, with upscale materials almost everywhere you look. Soft leather upholstery is standard in the following interior colors: Black, Saddle Brown/Black, Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey, Macchiato Beige/Yacht Blue, or Classic Red/Black. For $1,370, Nappa leather in either Macchiato Beige/Yacht Blue or Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey will replace the standard upholstery.

Four of the five trim inlays are no-cost options: Light Brown Sen wood, Brown Ash wood, Natural Grain Grey Ash wood, and Natural Grain Black Ash wood. For $1,300, there is the striking option of Manufaktur Black Piano Lacquer "Flowing Lines."

With the AMG Line Package, the interior comes with a racing-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel with perforated side grips in Nappa leather, brushed metal pedals, and a black fabric headliner.

Features and Infotainment

Although it can be specified to almost S-Class levels, even the base E-Class models have plenty of standard comfort, safety, and convenience features. Both front seats are power-adjustable (including four-way power lumbar support) and have heating and memory functions. The driver's seat is linked to a memory system integrated with the steering column and side mirrors. Every E450 also enjoys dual-zone automatic climate control, a 64-color LED ambient lighting system, power-folding side mirrors, keyless go, hands-free access, and remote start. There are also many driver-assistance features besides the obligatory rearview camera, which are detailed in a separate section below. The three-layer acoustic soft top with electric operation is standard on the convertible.

Optionally, the E-Class has access to rapid front-seat heating, heated front armrests, a heated steering wheel, a cabin fragrance system, ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, soft-close doors, and a power rear-window sunshade (coupe only).

The MBUX infotainment system has features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system, multiple USB ports, voice control, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth. Important information is displayed on one of two 12.3-inch displays, the center one being a touchscreen. However, there is also a touchpad controller. There is no need to plug in your phone to charge it, as wireless charging is standard. Options include navigation (with or without augmented video), in-car Wi-Fi, and a head-up display.

Performance

Prioritizing smoothness over outright performance, the E450 can still get up to speed quickly, while the transmission does a great job of shifting without the driver being aware of it.

More of a comfortable cruiser than a sports car, this car's talent is in melting away the miles and keeping everyone fresh until you reach your destination. The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is good enough for a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds in RWD guise (5.4 for the convertible) or 4.9 seconds with the added traction of the 4Matic AWD model (5.1 for the convertible). The engine delivers 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, and the latest version of this powertrain includes a 48-volt mild hybrid system with an integrated starter-generator with its extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft, improving the coupe's responsiveness and overall performance. Top speed is unimportant here, but the E-Class will hit its limiter at 130 mph.

Both variants use Merc's 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission that effortlessly shifts through the gears. If you prefer to take manual control, there are shift paddles, but these seem almost out of place in this car.

In Comfort mode, the E-Class wafts along in a refined, unruffled fashion, and it takes a seriously poor road surface to unsettle the Merc. An adaptive air suspension is available optionally, but the standard car should suit most. Handling is predictable and secure but not sporty, as the car cannot fully conceal its weight.

Fuel Efficiency

The lighter RWD version of the E-Class Coupe is the most efficient and returns 23/30/25 mpg city/highway/combined. With the 4Matic AWD system, those numbers dip to 21/30/24 mpg, so there isn't a great gas mileage penalty to pay for powering all four wheels. The E450 Convertible manages 22/29/25 mpg, and the E450 4Matic Convertible comes in at 22/29/24 mpg.

With a 17.4-gallon fuel tank capacity, the combined range is 435 miles in RWD guise and around 417 miles for the AWD version. Premium unleaded gas is required for this engine.

Safety

When fully equipped with all the available safety technologies, you'll not easily find a more advanced vehicle than the E-Class.

Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA have conducted a crash test of the E-Class Coupe or Convertible specifically. However, this car shares a lot with the E-Class Sedan, which attained the coveted Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, plus a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Based on these scores, the safety review for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class would likely be just as stellar if evaluated.

It's easy to see why the E-Class range as a whole is so safe, thanks to the many safety features. In the coupe, seven airbags (including a driver's knee airbag) offer nine-way occupant protection. Besides that, rear-side airbags are optional on the coupe and standard on the convertible, which gets a total of nine airbags. Some of the more usual items include electronic stability control, a rearview camera, and LED exterior lighting.

Driver-assistance technologies equipped as standard are crosswind assist, a surround-view system, Parktronic with active parking assist, rear cross-traffic alert, attention assist, and blind-spot assist. There are even more options like adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, active speed limit assist, and active lane change assist. Most of the best driver-assistance kit can be added via the Driver Assistance Package.

Reliability

Although the reliability of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class seems to have improved in recent years, it's still far from faultless. A single recall for a loss of drive power caused by a potential fuel pump shutdown has affected the 2023 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet. Things were much worse for the 2022 model, which suffered the same recall plus four others for disabled safety features caused by an unsecured 12V battery; a misrouted harness that could corrode and short-circuit, leading to a fire risk; a software error relating to the steering wheel's hands-off detection function; and a seat belt locking retractor malfunction. Go back another year, and the E-Class Coupe was affected by a staggering 14 recalls.

Based on all of this, many owners will probably have had to take advantage of the four-year/50,000-mile limited and powertrain warranty coverage for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Convertible in the USA.

Warranty

Design

Larger than the compact two-door C-Class models, the greater dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Convertible give off a grander presence. The whole package rests on a wheelbase of 113.1 inches. There isn't anything ostentatious about the flowing lines of this car; it simply reeks of luxury and sophistication. There is still a reasonably sized grille with the large Mercedes logo in the center, and neat LED headlights are on either side. The pillarless design is evident from the side and is a throwback to classic Mercedes coupes, while the rear features elegant LED clusters above dual exhaust outlets. 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, but the car looks much sportier riding on optional 20-inch wheels with the AMG Line body styling. A panorama roof is standard on the coupe, but the convertible replaces this with a three-piece acoustic top that can be lowered in under 20 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph. Having seen the new CLE Coupe, it isn't dramatically different from this one, underlining the E-Class Coupe's timeless shape.

Verdict: Is The 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class A Good Car?

Like fine wine, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe has aged beautifully, as has its drop-top sibling. Inside and out, it still looks the part of a mid-size luxury car, while the 362-hp inline-six mill will have you questioning whether the more expensive E53 Coupe is worth it. Although there are sportier coupes out there, the E-Class excels as a comfortable and isolated commuter, and it's still competitive in terms of technology, safety standards, and amenities. Until the CLE takes its place, the E-Class Coupe is a unique offering at this price point, but if you want something sportier, the BMW M440i fits the bill and isn't much smaller. BMW's 8 Series is larger and far pricier, while the Jaguar F-Type provides thrilling V8 power but without the comfort of the Merc. Like these coupes and convertibles, the Merc isn't cheap, but the E-Class is still a class act.