IL Track Tested: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe

Yeah I'd like to be able to deactivate all the aids with the ESP button...

Good auto by Mercedes-Benz. But their V8 is SOOOO GOOD.

Wow its slower than a Camry SE V6 to 60 by over half a seond. Mercedes where are those turbos?

cr_driver, you'd buy 60k V8 Mercedes cruiser to drive it like a ricer? Mmmm... okay. In other news, for sane people, it's one of the best bangs for a buck out there. For sane people.

@ nuieve

Best bang for your buck? You sure about that one? 60K for a six cylinder car that really only seats two people. Yeah, that's what I call a good deal....

underwhelming performance for a $60k car. A G37 can beat this car in every conceivable way for $40k. The E is not a sports coupe in any sense. The list of cheaper coupes that can outperform this car for many thousands less is quite extensive. Surprisingly I have seen at least 10 of these so far on the road.

Sorry but if I'm spending $60k for a luxury sports coupe I'm getting a 335is, M3, or S5 over this any day. I like my luxury sports cars to actually be, you know, sporty. Not just LOOK sporty.

The folks that buy this car probably dont drive like kids.......the performance is just fine for most drivers....that being said 60K for any cars is pushing the silly area. It is however far better looking than the G37 or any BMW. You just dont see a lot of MB drivers racing for pinks on Saturday night.

I've spent a fair bit of time, inside and out, of the new E class sedan. From what I gather coupe is very similar to the sedan.
One cannot compare this with entry luxury cars such as the 335, G37 and A5/S5. The E class is a true luxury mobile with impeccable design and build quality. Not only for tangible items but also the intangible ones such as the overall solidity and quietness.
For enthusiasts $60k would probably be better spent on high-performance cars. Does this make the E-class a not-so-good deal? Absolutely not. These cars are not exactly in the same market segment. The E-class seems to sell very well regardless of the perceived performance, and 6.8sec 0-60 is not exactly slow... in fact it's plenty quick for most people.
Given the lighter weight and better overall balance it may even be a better driver than the V8 coupe.

This car is a complete waste of money. I cannot believe the attempts to justify its middling performance for a car of this cost in this class. The 335, A/S5, G37 and upcoming CTS coupe are all much better designs inside and out while returning more bang for the buck. The E class simply is NOT a sporty vehicle- otherwise AMG wouldn't have had to completely redesign the front end to make it sporty. Let's keep it real here people- this coupe is a let down. Also, when is Benz going to produce a competitive six cylinder engine? 268hp? I can get that in a Toyota V6 of equal displacement on regular fuel.

"It is however far better looking than the G37 or any BMW."

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To me the S5, G37 and 335 look far better than this car and all outperform this car. The S5 is better looking in every conceivable way and offers V8 performance for the price of this V6.

While no one is expecting a sports car from Mercedes, I am confused as to why a RWD coupe should get a free pass on performance just because its a luxury car. The S5 isn't a luxury car as well? 62mph through the slalom is what you expect in a FWD family sedan. Since this car shares parts with the C class one has to wonder why its so expensive.

PS:

The camaro has been extensively knocked for "excessive" weight and yet this V6 E coupe which is smaller in every important dimension is almost 3800lbs. Is this car too heavy as well?

Mercedes-Benz seems to cater to a certain type of buyer. Sure, you could get better performance in a hot hatch, but the typical MB clientele would not be satisfied. Me? I'm afraid I don't really get it, and my $60k would probably be spent on an M3 or S5 (or A5 for comparable performance).

nuieve says:

10:01 PM, 01/25/10

cr_driver, you'd buy 60k V8 Mercedes cruiser to drive it like a ricer? Mmmm... okay. In other news, for sane people, it's one of the best bangs for a buck out there. For sane people.

NO, what I said is that between the $60k V6 E coupe or the $65k V8 E coupe I`d choose the mighty V8.
Is that all that difficult for you to comprehend? LOL
LOL
Never said about which car I`d buy in the category, stay on topic, this is the E350coupe thread which in the introduction mention the E550coupe. Come on, next time read a little bit....

I can't believe all the stupid comments about its lack of performance. There are a LOT of people that don't give a hill of beans about acceleration numbers, quarter mile times, and skid pad results. And for that group of people, MB makes a V6. For those who do, they make a V8 that blows all the cars mentioned above away!!! So, if you have the money and want a car with all the amenities one expects to find in a German car, then you buy a German car with the engine you find fits your driving style. Its called choices. Something lacking in all the cars mentioned above, not to mention safety, size, acceleration, or style.

The fact of the matter is even if this car is not meant to be a sports car it still has to meet a certain performance requirement i.e. atleast 300hp from a V6 is supposed to be the standard for a car like this. So it cost 60k. Well make it 61k and add about 40 more horsepower and Im sure a lot less people will complain. Its just the thought of a Honda Accord coupe offering a more powerful 271 hp V6 and Nissan Altima coupe having a 270 hp V6 that is causing people to wonder why pay more just to get less hp even though you are getting a lot more luxury. I certainly don't want to buy a 60k car with less horsepower than one that cost 30k. Just like the 304 hp CTS and 556 hp CTS-V people may just want the middle man more hp than the V6 but not as much as the V8. Also the fact that the E-class V6 is severly lacking in the Acceleeration department. 5.7 ssec to 60 for the 2011 535i(5.5 for the 2009), 5.6 for the GS350, 5.9 for the A6 3.0T, even 5.8 for a Camry V6 yet 6.4-6.8 for this. No thank you.

tonkatoytruck,

100% agree. People are way dumb. They think that the onlly criteria for a car's price should be horsepower and 0-60 number. If 400hp Camaro costs 30k than ALL other cars with less then 400hp SHOULD NOT cost more than 30k. Idiots.

cr_driver,

60k is for well loaded V8 (Navi, heated seats etc). And this is a bargain. V6 reasonably equipped (assuming you don't go berserk and put every single option on it should be 50k. Assuming the buyer is not a sucker who pays MSRP for everything.

Everyone else,

Also, people who compare MB to Infinitis, Camaros, BMW 3-series... obsiously have no slightest clue what MB is all about and more likely have income that will never let them own one. Just some boys with their riced up Civics.

And count me in the minority camp, but I think A5/S5 are DULL, dated butterface design. Audi vehicles never really evolved since 90s. It evokes zero emotions in person. Just some faceless coupe. It's not in the same league as MB, not even close. 335i - hahaha, dreamon. G37 - that's an overriped, wrinkled apple with bad smell. New CTS coupe - if you like cars with elegance of a brick.

And last, lexuslvr,

Go buy Camry next time you're looking for a new car. That will make you oh so cool when pulling up to the E350 at stop light. You will definitely win a race. I won't say what kind of race though, I alread used the i-word in this post once.

For the love of god people, no one buys an E350 for performance! If you want an exclusive, luxury cruiser this is a great car. If you want performance, buy an E550 or AMG. Or if you're one of those commenting above, buy a G37, get it supercharge it and then tell me how much faster it is than an e550. I'm sure all the E550 owners will be jealous.

Big Mercedes Benz fan here, but cannot endorse this car unless you are woman looking for a coupe.
No AMG = No Men.
Sorry Mercedes, hopefully the ladies line up for this one.....

^What he said. It's a hairdresser's car.

"For those who do, they make a V8 that blows all the cars mentioned above away!!! "

Does it really? The E550 is on par with other V8 coupes, it doesn't blow any of them away. And it only keeps up in a straight line because its handling figures are as pathetic as this V6 coupe.

The MB fanboys are out in force with the familiar arguments- basically you shouldn't expect MB to ever deliver any reasonable bang for your buck because they are MB and its their right to overcharge and underdeliver. If this car is all about looks and not performance than how is it a legitimate example of German engineering prowess? Basically, this car is like a non convertible version of the SC430. Lots of (questionable) style and no performance to back up the looks.

"For the love of god people, no one buys an E350 for performance!"

Obviously. You buy an E350 to pay $60k for a car that is slightly better equipped than a loaded Accord.

"And count me in the minority camp, but I think A5/S5 are DULL, dated butterface design. Audi vehicles never really evolved since 90s. It evokes zero emotions in person. Just some faceless coupe. It's not in the same league as MB, not even close."

You sound really objective. Audi has probably made the biggest strides amongst German luxury makes in the last 10 years or so. The S5 is many things, but it aint dull. I'm assuming based on your derisive comments about what others drive and how much you think others make that you are somewhat older. Most E drivers I've seen are AARP members so I guess this car is appealing to older Americans. The S5 is definitely more relevant to those under 50.

"Or if you're one of those commenting above, buy a G37, get it supercharge it and then tell me how much faster it is than an e550. I'm sure all the E550 owners will be jealous."

Just so I follow you here: your argument is that an E350 owner doesn't expect his car to do anything better than "lesser" cars and he is perfectly happy with that fact. So an E coupe may not look better than similar cars, it may not outperform similar cars and it offers the same features found in cars costing $20k less but we are supposed to believe its still the superior car because its a Mercedes. I thought you overpaid for MB products so you could get the BEST of what the automotive world had to offer. Now I learn the lack of advantages in the MB product don't really matter because you are just paying for the badge anyway. Got it.

If I had the choice between the S5 and any version of the E coupe- you'd have to force me at gunpoint to take the E coupe. It's boring, bland, slow and doesn't seem to brake or handle well. The interior looks like a early '90s MB except with an LCD display in the center stack. I thought BMW cockpits were uninspired until MB released these (Pepsi) throwback E classes.

In any other case, the lack of sportiness in a sedan of this class (let alone a coupe) is simply not tolerated. There have been plenty of excellent upmarket vehicles that put an emphasis on coddling as opposed to G pulling and they are universally panned by the auto media. So why is it different for this overpriced C class two door?

PS- I'm not a Benz hater as I like the C, S, CL, MLK/GLK (accept for this horrid interior designs with the tiny fussy buttons) but this E coupe in V6 form is one of the dumbest deals on the market. Supposedly, this is an E class chassis that just so happens to have an almost identical footprint as the C class sedan? Give me a break.

"Also, people who compare MB to Infinitis, Camaros, BMW 3-series... obsiously have no slightest clue what MB is all about and more likely have income that will never let them own one. Just some boys with their riced up Civics.

And count me in the minority camp, but I think A5/S5 are DULL, dated butterface design. Audi vehicles never really evolved since 90s. It evokes zero emotions in person. Just some faceless coupe. It's not in the same league as MB, not even close. 335i - hahaha, dreamon. G37 - that's an overriped, wrinkled apple with bad smell. New CTS coupe - if you like cars with elegance of a brick"

I seriously hope he does not represent sentiments of the of majority MB owners.

@chavis10

No he certainly doesn't speak for most owners. If it was me I'd get a 335i coupe in an instant as its just as spacious, quicker, more fuel efficient, and better performing. The S5 is beautiful, but I couldn't ever quite warm up to the overly-stiff ride and the A5 is almost dead even with the E350 in performance so it has zero apeal for me.

The truth is, the E350 is geared for an older market. The emphasis is on comfort and build quality, two things it does better than its competitors (although I'd argue the A5/S5 is its equal in build quality). It's the type of car MB needs to build to satisfy its traditional buyers, but that doesn't mean I want one.

"And last, lexuslvr,

Go buy Camry next time you're looking for a new car. That will make you oh so cool when pulling up to the E350 at stop light. You will definitely win a race. I won't say what kind of race though, I alread used the i-word in this post once."

Why thank you as a matter of fact I ll take a black 2010 Camry SE V6 the fastest sedan in its class. Being 18 and in college it would be a blast to have a brand new "Sleeper" car with leather sunroof and nav system compared to everyone elses beat up pieces of trash and ricer civics. And what the hell would I look like driving an old Beverly hills mid life crisis wifes MB E-class coupe. I won't need to race it because I am a car enthusiast and I already know the E Coupe is slower. I don't need some expensive and slow MB especially as a college student to get stolen or scratched by careless college students. Good luck trash talking some one else though. ;-)

mercedesfan Even I know the current GS350 is geared toward old people yet that thing hits 60 in 5.6 sec. Amazing but then again it has one of the best 6-cylinders on the market.

Wow...some of the comments here are truly surprising (I think I read a comment about a Toyota Camry comparo and others talking about the 335i or the G37). I'm curious to know how many of us are currently in the market/ or soon will be in the market for such a vehicle?

If you are one of those potential buyers, chances are you're not basing your purchase decision of an E-coupe on the 1/4 mile time, weight to power ration, gear ration, 0-60, flux capacitor capacity etc etc. Mercedes-Benz, like most luxury brands, sells CACHE...you buy these cars because they are a status symbol and not to race a V6 Camry at the stoplight.

MB does not pretend to compete against the 335i or the G37. This is evident by their lack of a model that would compete against these cars. Of course, this might change when the rumored C-class coupe/convertible make their debut in a year or so.

SHORT VERSION: E-class= status symbol and mid-size German luxury car. Do not compare with Toyota, Skoda, Camry, Donkey, motorbikes, 335i's, airplanes, mars landers etc.

lexuslvr says:

05:55 PM, 01/26/10
mercedesfan Even I know the current GS350 is geared toward old people yet that thing hits 60 in 5.6 sec. Amazing but then again it has one of the best 6-cylinders on the market.

@ LEXUSLVR:

Hmmm...those are very interesting numbers for the GS350 when considering that CONSUMER GUIDE managed to do a mere 5.4 0-60 in the more powerful GS460. Would you mind providing a link to said #'s so we can shed some legitimacy on your comment.

By the way, here's a link to Consumer Guide's test of the GS460: http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2009-lexus-gs-1.htm

"@ LEXUSLVR:

Hmmm...those are very interesting numbers for the GS350 when considering that CONSUMER GUIDE managed to do a mere 5.4 0-60 in the more powerful GS460. Would you mind providing a link to said #'s so we can shed some legitimacy on your comment. "

Right away good sir:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1002_luxury_sport_sedan_comparison/2009_lexus_gs_350.html

And here's the Camry but for the record I am just talking about acceleration:
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/09q1/the_quickest_cars_of_2009_20_000_to_25_000-feature

Yes I hate the fact that the GS460 only hits 60 in 5.4 sec. That is due to the fact that Lexus decided to do without Direct Injection 380 hp and 367 lb-ft for the LS460 and 342 hp and 339 lb-ft for the GS460. Thats nearly a 40hp and 30 lb-ft difference. The LS460 without DI over seas in the Middle East hits 60 .6 sec slower than the U.S. spec:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_UR_engine#1UR-FE

"@ LEXUSLVR:

Hmmm...those are very interesting numbers for the GS350 when considering that CONSUMER GUIDE managed to do a mere 5.4 0-60 in the more powerful GS460. Would you mind providing a link to said #'s so we can shed some legitimacy on your comment. "

Right away good sir:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1002_luxury_sport_sedan_comparison/2009_lexus_gs_350.html

And here's the Camry but for the record I am just talking about acceleration:
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/09q1/the_quickest_cars_of_2009_20_000_to_25_000-feature

Yes I hate the fact that the GS460 only hits 60 in 5.4 sec. That is due to the fact that Lexus decided to do without Direct Injection 380 hp and 367 lb-ft for the LS460 and 342 hp and 339 lb-ft for the GS460. Thats nearly a 40hp and 30 lb-ft difference. The LS460 without DI over seas in the Middle East hits 60 .6 sec slower than the U.S. spec:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_UR_engine#1UR-FE

I guarantee people would not say anything about the E-classes engine if the competition didn't have 300 hp twin-turbo 3.0 V6s and 300+ hp 3.5-3.8 V6 engines along with 268+ hp family sedans and coupes. But you pay for what you get for right?

correction the 2011 BMW 535i has single turbo I6 but similar engine specs as the older twin-turbo.

LEXUSLVR: Did you notice that the article you linked for the GS #'s lists the car in at 6th place compared to the lesser E350's 3rd place finish? That is what happens when you base these vehicles on their individual merits instead of HP and/or performance #'s alone.

Would I also be correct in assuming that you are not the targeted buyer for any of the vehicles listed in the comparison? I am only assuming this because anyone willing to buy a Carmy/Accord/Altima over a mid-size luxury offering does not really understand the cache behind a luxury purchase.

Mercedesfan-

I agree that the E coupe is geared toward an "older" buyer but that still does not excuse the lackluster performance. I'll give you two examples of what I consider to be great "luxury" vehicles that have no sporting pretense yet earn NO respect in the market place- the Volvo S80 and Lincoln MKS. The reason I have beef with the excuses being made for a $60k E350 coupe is that there is a double standard. If a Benz is luxurious and slow with flaccid responses, it's somehow okay and acceptable but not other cars with a similar make-up? Give me a break.

I simply don't see the appeal of this car. The A5 will give you similar acceleration and better handling/braking with much better looks inside and out for less money. Other than telling you that you're drunk or tired, I can't think of many useable features it lacks from the E350 either. It seems the E350 sole redeeming quality is that it is a status symbol. Heck, I'd get a loaded 335is with a 7spd DSG for just under $60k before I'd get the E350- old or not.

@chavis10

The main reason the S80 and MKS get so much bad publicity is that they are the worst kind of non-sporty vehicles. They float down the road in a totally detached way with lifeless steering that gives no indication of the road below. All Mercedes, even the terrible quality ones of the last decade, have a very connected feel to the road and the new E actually has very well weighted and nicely communicative steering (at least the sedan does, I've never driven the coupe). There really isn't much else out there (and certainly nothing at this price point) that goes down the road with the same kind of solidity while maintaining such a connection with the road as a Benz. For a lot of people that plus that is worth the price of entry. Me? I'll take a black 335is with the manual for my $55K.

"GS #'s lists the car in at 6th place compared to the lesser E350's 3rd place finish?"

Yes and you do realize that every car in front of it either had major refreshes (535i, A6) completely redesigned(E350), or very new(XF, CTS) but what car is faster than the GS350 besides the 535i? Would you buy the E350 knowing it gets to 60 in 6.6 sec? The A6 should have won though and if I had money(which I don't cause I'm in COLLEGE) It would either be the A6 or GS350. If it were more biased toward luxury though the 535i would have severly dropped because despite the 535i being so expensive it hardly had any features.

Yes and you do realize that every car in front of it either had major refreshes (535i, A6) completely redesigned(E350), or very new(XF, CTS) but what car is faster than the GS350 besides the 535i?

@ LEXUSLVR:

The discussion has never been about the GS vs. the E. Its about your justification to buy a car based solely on the performance numbers. In this market segment, you need to look beyond the performance #'s when making a decision. If performance #'s are your vice, then you should be looking at the V8 cousins of these cars--not the V6.

In answer to your question if I would buy the E350 knowing it gets to 60 in 6.6 seconds--the answer is a resounding YES. It should be, I have been driving a 2010 E350 SPORT for about 7 weeks now. Again, if I was worried about 0-60 times I would be eyeing the E550.

"The discussion has never been about the GS vs. the E. Its about your justification to buy a car based solely on the performance numbers. In this market segment, you need to look beyond the performance #'s when making a decision. If performance #'s are your vice, then you should be looking at the V8 cousins of these cars--not the V6."

In a day and age where 6-cylinder powerplants are beginning to replace 8s I will gladly accept a very powerful yet fuel efficient and lighter nimbler car with a 6-cylinder and 300+ hp rather than a heavy, thirsty V8. Its not my fault MB has an underpowered V6 which has been talked about in numerous comparisons(including the C-class). MB can at least offer a more powerful 6-cylinder variant.

"In answer to your question if I would buy the E350 knowing it gets to 60 in 6.6 seconds--the answer is a resounding YES. It should be, I have been driving a 2010 E350 SPORT for about 7 weeks now. Again, if I was worried about 0-60 times I would be eyeing the E550."

You go drive your E350. The Genesis is a much better alternative. Looking much more stylish and not like a block with a superior interior cabin that doesn't harken old 1980s squared off interiors not to mention a finer, much more powerful V6, faster acceleration, better fuel efficiency, and greater reliability. All for $20,000 less. If I were worried about something in the field of a E550 I the Genesis V8 would still be the better alternative not to mention CTS-V that still out performs the E63 while costing 40k less. There is no reasion to get the E-class except for image. Its over priced and underdelivers. Why get when there are so many better optinons out there? So I say again enjoy your E350.

"There is no reasion to get the E-class except for image. Its over priced and underdelivers"

And you, son, have finally figured it out. Mercedes-Benz, like most German luxury carmarkers, sells cache. I wouldn't be caught dead in a Hyundai. I'm not looking for 'value' when buying a Benz, neither is any other Benz/BMW owner.

And why the comparo of the E63 and the CTS-V? Two very different cars? It just appears that you are biased against the Mercedes brand. I'm sure once you're out of school and have spent 15-20 years at a dedicated job you'll be wanting a Benz like product and not a Hyundai.

@lexuslvr,

You're entitled to your opinion and I'm not going to try to change it. I happen to think the GS is a wonderful car as well and can totally understand why you would want one. Nevertheless, there were a few errors in your last post.

I'm going to quote C&D because they are the only ones to have fully tested both an E350 and Genesis V6. The Benz was 0.3 seconds behind the Hyundai from 0-60 so you are right the Genesis is faster. However, they returned identical 20mpg so you were mistaken there. Also, a 22-hp advantage may be substantial, but a 5 lb-ft of torque advantage is negligible which is why they are in a dead heat once under way. Also, they complained about both engines sounding strained under full-throttle so neither wins there. Lastly, the W211 was consistently ranked well above its peers for reliability and the W212 is tangibly better built, so to imply that it will be unreliable is a stretch. On top of that, the Genesis is only ranked mid-pack by the same sources (CR, JD Power) so even if the E does slip it's still likely to be equal to the Hyundai.

Having said all that, I wouldn't blame anyone for choosing the Genesis. It's 98% of the car for $15K less. It only makes good financial sense to buy it, but cars are emotional purchases and the Genesis is rather antiseptic.

"And why the comparo of the E63 and the CTS-V? Two very different cars? It just appears that you are biased against the Mercedes brand. I'm sure once you're out of school and have spent 15-20 years at a dedicated job you'll be wanting a Benz like product and not a Hyundai."

Ha what car does the CTS-V compare with then? M5 and XFR only? "Two very different cars"? Now how can two mid-sized, RWD cars with huge V8s, 500+ horsepower supersedans with a huge emphasis on luxury and high tech features going for high sporting intentions be very different. Ok ones from Germany and the other is American that used Germany as a breeding ground for performance. Sounds the same to me. Please do not let my age lead you on to think I have insufficient knowledge of the car buying world. Cars are my future and major and have been studied by me over half my life and I study ALL cars whether it be a Mercedes-Benz A-class or a Buick Model 17. Past, present, and future. To that, knowing the future of Hyundai you best believe I will be getting one. I'm sorry but Genesis and Equus are the most BENZ like products out there aside from actually costing like one. I don't Genesis even consider the Genesis a Hyundai (the same as Lexus isn't a Toyota and Audi isn't a Volks Wagen) and will rightfully have it badged like one to emphasize the smart choice and advertise it the world. With Hyundai's rapid growth and others declination there products will only be pushed more and more upmarket the same way Audi and BMW pushed themselves up to Mercedes Benz status. Life has taught me to make informed decisions rather than do or have something I think others will like.

Sure, the CTS-V and the E63 AMG have a lot in common. But you'll be hard pressed to find an honest person cross-shopping between the two. You cannot in your right mind expect a $ 100K and $ 65ish K vehicle to attract the same buyer.

Furthermore, almost every comparo I've seen of these two cars always has the Benz coming ahead even with a $ 40K difference in price. You're welcome to forward me to a comparo where the CTS-V out ranks the E63 in overall comparison (I've not yet seen a review with these results, but I'm willing to stand corrected).

On the topic of Hyundai, I agree they've come great strides from where they were a few years ago. But let's not fool ourselves. Hyundai and Kia had to adapt and become better because the competition (Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda) were far superior. That being said, their current product is still a few paces behind both Toyota and Honda (you can refer to CONSUMER REPORTS for this).

Here's what I gather from your posts:

- You're one to buy a Camry Sedan over an E350 coupe.
- You'd rather buy a luxury Hyundai over a Mercedes-Benz.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it clearly seems your bias lies against the Mercedes product and I'm fine with that. Hey, someone has to buy Hyundai's.