E-Class Coupe Test Drives Thread

[bmer]

Done.

[tennmb]

Does anyone understand the engineering definition of platform?

A basic definition of a platform in automobiles, from a technical point of view, includes: underbody and suspensions (with axles) — where the underbody is made of front floor, underfloor, engine compartment and frame (reinforcement of underbody).[2] Therefore, key mechanical components that define an automobile platform include:

Floorpan, the collective pieces of the large sheet metal stamping that serves as the primary foundation of the monocoque, of most of the structural and mechanical components (still often informally referred to as the "chassis")
Wheelbase, the distance between the front and rear axles
Steering mechanism and type of power steering
Type of front and rear suspensions
Placement and choice of engine and other powertrain components

[Mr. Mercedes]

MB marketing has worked it magic. Their intention all along was to create the perception this was a REAL E coupe, when we know it isn't. It borrows very very heavily from the C and is still a CLK at heart.

What I don't like is that these morons think its supposed to compete with the A7 and 6-series, which is OBVIOUSLY not the case. As far as I understood prices are only marginally more then the previous CLK, so how exactly does it jump up a class?

[Merc1]

Edmunds really gives some dumb-arse reviews sometimes. They praised the previous CLK500 Cabriolet, now it is all of sudden lacking.

M

[Bilal]

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
23 April 2009
RATE:


Author: Chris Harris

Image: Mercedes-Benz Want a coupe but think the 3-Series and A5 are just a little too young and thrusting for you?
Well, you’re in luck - 12-years after it abandoned the E-Class platform for three-door use, Mercedes has finally produced a worthy successor to the W124 coupe, and it’s a corker.

It’s not that the CLK was a bad car, far from it in the case of the more potent versions. More that it sat in a slightly uncomfortable market position, being less sporting than the aforementioned rivals but not offering the more luxurious approach we might have expected from Mercedes because it was based on the C-Class platform.

It may have had about 10cm carved from a new E-Class’s wheelbase, but this new model –deliberately called E-Class Coupe to denote its parentage - is much more the genuine 4-seat coupe.



First drive of Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

[martinbo]

Damn you Bilal. You beat me to it!

Chris Harris gives the car a glowing review! No better praise, really.

Vehicle Spec

Engine: V8, 5461cc, 32v

Power: 387bhp @ 6000rpm

Torque: 391lb ft @ 2800-4800rpm

Top speed: 155mph (limited)

0-62mph: 5.4sec

Price:£48,360 (E500)

On sale: July

PLUS: Much more grown-up machine than the BMW and Audi coupes. Cabin looks superb, is well-built and spacious. 350 diesel is the all-round choice but the 5.5 litre V8 is a stunner. It’s not much more expensive than the old CLK

MINUS: 350 CGI too coarse for this application. Some owners might have wanted a less C-Class inspired interior

[Vivaki]

Ive noticed in quite a few recent reviews where the reviewers have found the steering on MB's better than BMW's. Its becoming a normal thing now Another positive review, cant wait to test drive one myself!

[bmer]

Originally Posted by Vivaki

Ive noticed in quite a few recent reviews where the reviewers have found the steering on MB's better than BMW's.

Really? Which ones are you referring to, Vivaki? Now you got me interested.

[Just_me]

Originally Posted by bmer

Really? Which ones are you referring to, Vivaki? Now you got me interested.

BMW came up with a new steering solution when facelift for 1-series came to the market. Its a part of the Efficient dynamics programe. After that all new Bimmers get this new steering, so called Servotronic or Electric power steering (I think thats the name). The new steering solution is suppose use less energy and improve the fuel consumption or something like that. I dont know if it works in reality or not.

Funny thing is that my parents have the "old" steering and I have the "new" steering. Whatever the critics are the new steering is better. Even my father says so after driving my car. Another advantage with the new steering is they are much easier to turn left and right which makes it better for city driving than the "old" steering. When you drive slow the steering is much lighter and not much feel.
But the new steering gets more direct and heavier the faster you drive or quicker you turn the steering left or right.
So take these words from carjournalist with a grain of salt and make your own opinion. The "new" steering isnt worse than the "old" steering. Some Carjournalists are just afraid of changes. I know EVO complained on the steering when the drove facelifted E90.


Here are info regarding the "new" steering:

BMW Technology Guide : Servotronic
http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/t...power_steering

[Vivaki]

Originally Posted by bmer

Really? Which ones are you referring to, Vivaki? Now you got me interested.

Autocar, when they tested the new ML in a comparison test said the MB had the best steering. Cant remember which mag, but I remember a class test drive where they said the C class steering felt better than the 3 series. Ive read an E class (w212) test, might have been msn, not sure and in that the reviewer said it had better steering than the 5er and now this, the E coupe by Chris...

Vivaki