The 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe emerged as a striking addition to the esteemed E-Class family, making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009, shortly after the sedan version. This two-door model seamlessly blended sporty aesthetics with luxurious features, echoing the four-door’s innovative technology across engine performance, suspension control, safety measures, and infotainment systems.
Exterior Design: A Nod to Tradition with Modern Flair
The exterior of the 2009 E-Class Coupe proudly displayed classic Mercedes-Benz Coupe design cues. Features like fully retractable side windows and the iconic sports radiator grille, prominently featuring the central star, paid homage to the brand’s heritage. Simultaneously, the vehicle’s front end and rear wings subtly mirrored the sedan’s design language, establishing a clear and recognizable family connection within the E-Class lineup. This design philosophy ensured the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe was both distinctly sporty and unmistakably a Mercedes-Benz.
Interior Elegance and Enhanced Space
Stepping inside the 2009 E-Class Coupe revealed an interior environment that harmoniously blended the familiar design principles of the E-Class sedan with a more athletic interpretation. One of the most notable improvements was the significantly increased interior space. Unlike its predecessor, the CLK, which was based on the C-Class, this new coupe was built on the E-Class platform, resulting in greater length and width. This shift provided occupants with a more spacious and comfortable cabin experience.
Standard features included newly designed, electrically adjustable seats, ensuring personalized comfort for both driver and passenger. The thoughtful easy-entry function streamlined access to the individual rear seats, enhancing practicality. Further boosting versatility, the rear seat backrests could be folded down independently or together, expanding the luggage compartment’s capacity and accommodating larger items when needed.
Engine Options: Power and Efficiency at Launch
Upon its market launch in May 2009, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe offered a diverse range of five engine choices, catering to different performance preferences and fuel efficiency needs. The engine lineup included two diesel and three petrol variants.
Diesel Engines:
- E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Coupe: Powered by a 2143 cc four-cylinder engine from the new OM 651 diesel generation, this model delivered 150 kW/204 hp and a robust 500 Nm of torque. Impressively, it achieved a combined fuel consumption of just 5.6 liters per 100 kilometers according to the NEDC standard. This engine showcased Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to blending performance with fuel economy.
- E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Coupe: At the top of the diesel range was the 3.0-liter V6 engine from the OM 642 series. Featuring common-rail direct injection and turbocharging, this engine initially produced 170 kW/231 hp. Its combined average fuel consumption was recorded at 6.8 liters per 100 kilometers in the NEDC cycle.
Petrol Engines:
- E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Coupe: The petrol range commenced with the newly developed four-cylinder M 271 engine. This 1.8-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine generated 150 kW/204 hp. Paired with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission, it provided sporty performance while maintaining a fuel consumption of just over 7 liters per 100 kilometers.
- E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Coupe: For those seeking more power, the 3.5-liter V6 from the M 272 series offered a compelling mid-range option. Equipped with advanced spray-guided direct petrol injection, this naturally aspirated engine produced 215 kW/292 hp. Despite its power, it achieved an average standard fuel consumption of 8.5 liters per 100 kilometers.
- E 500 Coupe: For ultimate performance, the E 500 Coupe featured a V8 engine with a displacement of nearly 5.5 liters, delivering a substantial 285 kW/388 hp. This engine ensured exceptional power delivery and refined smoothness, reminiscent of the CLK-Class’s top-tier performance.
Chassis and Handling: Sporty Agility with Comfortable Ride
The 2009 E-Class Coupe was engineered to deliver a dynamic driving experience while maintaining Mercedes-Benz’s renowned comfort. The standard AGILITY CONTROL suspension system played a crucial role, automatically adjusting shock absorber characteristics to suit prevailing driving conditions, seamlessly transitioning from sporty agility to relaxed comfort.
For drivers desiring a more focused driving experience, an optional AGILITY CONTROL sports suspension was available. This system featured sport-tuned damping and was complemented by a speed-sensitive sports steering system with a more direct steering ratio, enhancing responsiveness and driver feedback.
Further customization was offered through the Driving Dynamics Package, a special equipment option. This package included an electronically controlled, wheel-selective damping system and two selectable driving modes: “Comfort” and “Sport,” allowing drivers to tailor the car’s handling characteristics to their preferences and driving scenarios.
Safety and Assistance Systems: Prioritizing Occupant Protection
Consistent with Mercedes-Benz’s unwavering commitment to safety, the 2009 E-Class Coupe was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and assistance systems. Borrowing heavily from the recently launched E-Class Sedan, the Coupe benefited from extensive new developments in safety technology.
Standard safety features included ATTENTION ASSIST, a drowsiness detection system, and PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection, proactively preparing the vehicle and occupants for potential collisions. The optional Intelligent Light System, incorporating Adaptive Highbeam Assist and bi-xenon headlamps, optimized road illumination in diverse traffic situations, enhancing visibility and safety during nighttime driving.
The DISTRONIC PLUS assistance system, already recognized from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, was also available as an option. This system featured adaptive cruise control, Brake Assist Plus, and PRE-SAFE® Brake. DISTRONIC PLUS could autonomously intervene in driving situations to prevent or mitigate the severity of collisions with obstacles ahead, showcasing advanced preventative safety technology.
Passive safety was equally prioritized, with the 2009 E-Class Coupe setting a new benchmark in its segment with seven airbags, seat belt tensioners, belt force limiters on all seats, and crash-active head restraints for the front seats. Extensive use of ultra-high-strength steel alloys and sophisticated deformation structures ensured the body’s resilience to high impact loads, providing optimal occupant protection in the event of a collision. Pedestrian safety was also considered, with the inclusion of an active bonnet that elevated by 50 mm in pedestrian impact scenarios, increasing deformation space and reducing potential injuries.
Infotainment and Technology: State-of-the-Art Features
The 2009 E-Class Coupe’s infotainment system was at the forefront of automotive technology. Drawing from the S-Class, the operating concept centered around a multifunction steering wheel, a color display integrated into the instrument panel, and Direct Select buttons, all controlled by a central controller located on the transmission tunnel. This system managed audio functions, telephone connectivity, and navigation.
Standard equipment included the Audio 20 system, featuring a radio, CD/DVD player, eight speakers, and Bluetooth interface. The optional COMAND APS multimedia system elevated the infotainment experience with hard-disc navigation, a DVD changer, a comprehensive music register, and voice control functionality. Audiophiles could further enhance the sound experience with an optional 500-watt sound system, a media interface, and a tuner for digital radio reception.
Individualization and Special Editions: Tailoring to Personal Style
Mercedes-Benz offered extensive opportunities for individualizing the 2009 E-Class Coupe, even from its market launch. A wide array of engine options, chassis variants, equipment lines, colors, and wheel/tire combinations allowed buyers to personalize their vehicles. The optional AMG Sports Package further enhanced the sporty appeal with AMG-designed front and rear aprons, side sill panels, 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, and AGILITY CONTROL sports suspension. The interior received sporty accents with black ARTICO man-made leather trim and an AMG sports steering wheel.
To commemorate the start of production, Mercedes-Benz introduced a limited “Prime Edition” of the E-Class Coupe, featuring exclusive equipment details. This edition included a special palladium silver metallic paint finish, a panoramic glass roof, and titanium grey, 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. The interior boasted a distinctive two-tone designo interior in nappa leather, creating a truly premium and unique cabin ambiance. The Prime Edition package was available for the E 350 CGI, E 350 CDI, and E 500 models.
Model Range Expansion and Updates: Refining the Lineup
In March 2010, Mercedes-Benz expanded the engine range, introducing the E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY models, further broadening the entry-level options. These models featured a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine (125 kW/170 hp) and a 1.8-liter petrol direct-injection engine (135 kW/184 hp), respectively.
April 2011 marked the introduction of the E 300 BlueEFFICIENCY, signaling a shift from the previous M 272 V6 petrol engine to the newly developed M 276 for the two-door E-Class models. The new V6 direct-injection engine, with a 3498 cc displacement, produced 185 kW/252 hp and was paired with the new seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, which was subsequently adopted across other E-Class Coupes. The “CGI” designation for direct injection was also phased out from petrol engine names at this time.
The E 350 version also benefited from the new engine, producing 225 kW/306 hp with improved fuel efficiency. The diesel-powered E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY also received a performance upgrade, increasing to 195 kW/265 hp while achieving better fuel economy.
Further enhancements came with the introduction of BlueEFFICIENCY designation for the E 500 Coupe and Cabriolet in the lead-up to the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. These models received a direct-injection V8 from the M 278 series, featuring a reduced displacement of 4663 cc and twin turbochargers. This resulted in increased output (300 kW/408 hp) and a significant reduction in fuel consumption compared to the previous 5.5-liter engine.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy of Sporty Luxury
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe successfully combined sporty elegance with luxurious comfort and advanced technology. Its range of efficient and powerful engines, coupled with refined handling and comprehensive safety features, made it a compelling choice in the coupe segment. The continuous updates and expansions to the model range further solidified its position as a desirable and enduring example of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to automotive excellence. Even today, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe remains a sought-after vehicle for those appreciating a blend of performance, style, and the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand.
