We test the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Coupe and find out why this particular model is so happily unusual in today’s market.
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The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Coupe is a driver’s car. It’s not a crossover, not a sedan, not a truck, not a minivan, not designed to optimize space, not a family car. It’s a car designed to focus on the driver’s enjoyment of driving. If you want one of those other vehicles there are about 400 other models in the U.S. from which to choose and Mercedes-Benz builds many of the best of the bunch.
Related Story: The 2021 Mercedes E450 4MATIC Sedan Offers an Attractive Solution for SUV Lovers
Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Coupe - What Makes It Unusual?
Let’s start with the profile. Note that there is no B-Pillar. The side glass when lowered offers an open-air driving experience to the sides in the manner that a convertible might. No B-Pillar also means better vision to the sides and no blind spots. Enjoy the B-Pillar-less handful of cars available today. Once the new IIHS side-impact standard is applied to all vehicles in the coming two years, we suspect most will be retired from service.
Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Coupe - How Is It Powered?
Mercedes-Benz uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine coupled with a 9-Speed automatic transmission fitted with paddle shifters to power the E 450 4MATIC Coupe. With 369 lb-ft of torque available low in the rev-band, this car has plenty of thrust in all situations. However, in normal mode around town, one misses the instant torque offered by a battery-electric or plug-in hybrid-electric powertrain.
The interior of the Mercedes E 450 4MATIC Coupe is classic Mercedes. Seat controls on the door panel, excellent perceived quality of materials and workmanship, novel interior lighting, and a perfume system to make the car smell nice.
The infotainment system is functional. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included, but require pluging in. A large screen starts in the middle of the dash and then comes left to the driver’s screen area. HVAC controls are in the screen, but also below it in finger-touch controls. The best possible configuration.
The Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Coupe includes some novel technology and features. For instance, there is a neck-warming system like those found in convertible cars. The armrests are heated as well. There is a system by which your seats move slightly to help you stay energized and alert.
Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Coupe - The Drive
The Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Coupe drives like the folks at Mercedes actually drove it. Many coupes we test are too small, have an unusually cramped leg area, and drive like they were built to meet an MPG goal. Not this car. It feels comfortable in normal driving and can feel like a muscle car if you enable one of the Sport modes.
Handling is ideal for cornering, and even on winter rubber the steering is precise. The brakes are also perfect. The E 450 4MATIC Coupe can feel like a luxury car or an athletic sports car on the same drive.
Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Coupe - Pricing
The base price of the E 450 is approximately $67,000. Our test vehicle had many options and even options on options like faster heating seats. The total MSRP plus destination and delivery before dealer market adjustments was $81,589.
Over the coming decade as battery-electric vehicles begin to dominate the discussion, we expect that cars like the Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Coupe will be among the last to be updated with new powertrains. There is still more than enough time to enjoy today’s specialty cars like this two-door B-Pillar-less coupe before the future EVs of this body style are available from any manufacturer. We give the Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Coupe two thumbs up.
Images courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
John Goreham is a long-time New England Motor Press Association member and recovering engineer. John's interest in EVs goes back to 1990 when he designed the thermal control system for an EV battery as part of an academic team. After earning his mechanical engineering degree, John completed a marketing program at Northeastern University and worked with automotive component manufacturers, in the semiconductor industry, and in biotech. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American news outlets and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on TikTok @ToknCars, on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin
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