Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe [C238] (2017 - 2023) used car review

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By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

The sixth generation Mercedes E-Class Coupe became sleeker and more stylish than ever in this C238-series form, while dialling up the desirability, aiming to offer a slightly larger, more sophisticated and arguably more prestigious approach to Executive coupe motoring than obvious competitors. Launched in 2017, it did so with a more efficient engine for the volume version, plus astonishing technology and comfort that made original buyers question the need for a larger, more expensive full-Luxury segment coupe model.

Models

2dr Coupe [E220d] / 3.0 diesel [E350d] / 2.0 petrol [E200] / 3.0 petrol [E400/E 53 AMG])

History

The E-Class Coupe. It's the kind of car that Mercedes does very well: a luxury coupe with a prestigious badge that rewards you for a lifetime's endeavour without necessarily needing a lottery win. Here, we're looking at the sixth generation version.

No other brand can replicate this recipe in quite the same way - and no other brand has a car quite like this one. Yes, the same kind of budget would buy you better versions of the BMW 4 Series Coupe or the Audi A5 Coupe from this period, but these cars don't have the GT grandeur of this E-Class. And anyway, they're separately targeted by Mercedes' C-Class Coupe model.

This slightly larger E-Class Coupe has a model history going back half a century. Its original ancestor, the Paul Bracq-designed W114 'Stroke 8' Coupe, was unveiled in 1968 and further model series followed, for a while using 'CLK' branding. The CLK variants were based on relatively compact Mercedes C-Class underpinnings, as was the direct predecessor to this design, the first modern-era E-Class Coupe, launched in 2009. This car though, the 'C238' version introduced in the Spring of 2017, shared its proper executive-sized platform with the tenth generation E-Class saloon - which made all the difference.

It proved to be significantly bigger than the previous model, both inside and out, and got a raft of fresh technology that the old car couldn't have dreamed of providing. Probably the most significant addition was the all-new 2.0-litre four cylinder diesel powerplant that the vast majority of customers for this variant chose. There was plenty else though, that was new to this model line; 4WD, air suspension, all-new infotainment technology, sophisticated safety systems and cutting-edge assistance features that allowed owners to take a step closer to fully autonomous driving. Plus with this C238 design, Mercedes put greater effort into giving this variant a sportier feel than the saloon it was based upon. This C238 model got a light update in 2020, then sold until mid-2023, after which it was replaced by the Mercedes CLE Coupe.

What You Get

For half a century, there's been a mid-range coupe in the Mercedes line-up and this stylish sixth generation E-Class Coupe is likely to remain longer in the memory than most. It was based on an E-Class saloon - which might sound like an obvious thing to say, but isn't. After all, both this model's direct predecessor and the CLK Coupe that preceded that were based on humbler C-Class underpinnings - as in fact, the rear section of this car still was. The front and middle segments though, used the more sophisticated MRA platform developed for the current tenth generation E-Class saloon. Which is why this car was so much longer, wider and higher than before.

The most elegant touch was one we particularly liked, the pillar-less side profile that referenced the Mercedes W114 'Stroke 8' of 1968, the coupe recognised as the originator of this model line. The absence of this central bar together with the frameless window design meant that with all the side windows opened up, you got a wonderful sense of airy freedom that on the move was further enhanced on models fitted with the optional panoramic glass sunroof.

When it's time to take a seat inside, Mercedes' now traditional 'belt butler' hands you your seatbelt over your shoulder on an extending arm, a nice little touch that really sets the tone for this car. Take a look around and you'll find that, as expected, apart from a few extra trimming panels, the basic architecture of the cabin is shared with the W213-era E-Class Saloon, the only really unique difference being more distinctive air vents - there are no fewer than four of them in the centre of the fascia, all with styling that was supposed to echo the look of a turbine engine. The other main cabin talking point is the double-screen instrument panel which was standard on six cylinder models but initially optional on four cylinder variants. It combines a 12.3-inch virtual instrument display with a second centre-dash 'COMMAND Online' monitor of the same size, both screens fitted into a single frame.

Once you're in the back, there are certainly signs of improvement over the previous generation model. The 113mm increase in wheelbase does indeed translate into extra stretching space - 74mm more knee room was added with this C238 model. Plus thanks to 74mm of body width, there was 34mm more space for shoulders. And boot space? Well, you'd expect that this sixth generation model's 123mm of extra body length would have provided for a larger boot. Actually, when you lift the lid - on some models it was fitted with optional power assistance - you find that the reverse is true, there being actually 25-litres less than the capacity of the previous generation model, the total with this C238 design being 425-litres. Should you want to carry longer items, the split-folding rear seat has two larger outer sections and a narrower middle portion that's ideal for pushing through skis or golf clubs.

What You Pay

Prices start at around £22,800 (around £25,750 retail) for a typical E220d coupe on a '17-plate with base 'AMG Line' trim, rising to around £37,800 (around £42,250 retail) for one of the last mid-2023 'AMG Line Premium'-spec cars. For the E300 coupe petrol version, prices start at around £25,350 (around £29,250 retail) for a typical E300 coupe on a '17-plate with base 'AMG Line' trim, rising to around £40,500 (around £46,000 retail) for one of the last mid-2023 'AMG Line Premium'-spec cars. Prices for the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC coupe start at around £39,100 (around £43,750 retail), which gets you an '18-plate 'Premium'-trimmed model. If you'd prefer to stretch to the facelifted version, a '20-plate 'Premium'-trim E53 Coupe values from around £45,700 (around £52,250 retail), with a late '22-plate model valuing at around £55,100 (around £62,500 retail). Allow around £1,700 more for plusher 'Night Edition' trim. All quoted values are sourced through industry experts cap hpi. Click here for a free valuation.

What to Look For

Most E-Class Coupe (C238-series) owners in our survey were satisfied, but inevitably, there were some who'd experienced problems. We came across a few owners who'd experienced failed NOx sensors - there are two that are a part of the selective catalytic reduction system. The cause is usually extreme exhaust heat and replacing the sensors isn't cheap. The OM654 2.0-litre diesel engine has exhibited very few problems except for excessive wear of the roller and roller rocker arms. This leads to rough idling and strange noises coming from the air intake system, so keep a look out for that. We also come across issues with brake judder and screeching, so look out for that on your test drive. And we've heard it reported that the body paint is rather thin and sensitive, so scratches and spots are common. Check the paintwork thoroughly.

Some owners have reported failing LED light bulbs that illuminate the floor under the side door mirrors. And if the car you're looking at has air suspension, we understand that the relay for the AIRMATIC system is prone to failure - that relay can get stuck in the off position, meaning that the compressor won't engage and the suspension won't drop the car towards the ground. Otherwise, it's the usual things here; interior trim and electrical issues were the most commonly afflicted things that came up. Check for uneven panel gaps and paint flaws. Inspect the electrics and the air conditioning functionality - it should blow our really chilled air. As usual, insist on a fully stamped-up service history.

Replacement Parts

(approx based on a 2021 E220d Coupe- Ex Vat) An air filter is around £26. An oil filter is around £13. A fuel filter is around £36. Front brake pads sit in the £42-£84 bracket for a set (for rears it's around £63). Front brake discs cost in the £112-£127 bracket. Rear brake discs can cost in the £146 bracket. A set of wiper blades is around £42.

On the Road

With this sixth generation E-Class Coupe, Mercedes made greater efforts to differentiate the driving experience from that of the Saloon. So the track is wider at the front and the rear than it was in the previous generation model and there's a 15mm lower ride height. Both were changes intended to make this car feel more planted through corners that might also see you noticing the slightly stiffer damping. In addition, the variable ratio steering was sharpened a little in comparison to the set-up used in the Saloon, in an attempt to make it feel more direct. It wasn't quite enough to make this car feel as responsive as pricier versions of slightly smaller coupe models like the BMW 4 Series and the Audi A5: there's more body lean and less steering feel than you'd get in cars of that kind. Still, specced correctly, this E-Class Coupe can still be quite rewarding to drive and through fast, flowing bends, has as fine a chassis balance as you could wish for. And of course for high speed motorway mileage, this car feels peerlessly refined and relaxed.

Under the bonnet, most buyers will choose the 2.0-litre 194bhp four cylinder diesel powerplant that features in the entry-level E220d variant. It's not quite as refined as we'd ideally like, but it's a responsive and efficient unit, capable of 61.4mpg on the combined cycle and 119g/km of CO2 (NEDC figures). 4MATIC 4WD was optional. Hardly anyone chose the petrol-powered four cylinder alternative, the 2.0-litre turbocharged 245bhp E300 model, only offered in standard rear-driven form. There may though, be quite a lot of interest in trading up to one of the V6 versions, both of which were only offered in 4MATIC guise. There were two options at this level, the 258bhp E350d diesel and the 333bhp E400 petrol model. In both cases, there's standard 'AIR BODY CONTROL' air suspension system (which was optional on the four cylinder derivatives). This set-up can be fine-tuned via the various settings of the 'DYNAMIC SELECT' driving modes system that influences throttle response, steering feedback and the reactions of the standard silky-smooth 9G-TRONIC PLUS nine-speed automatic gearbox that all E-Class Coupe models had to have.

Overall

The improvements made to this C238-series E-Class Coupe - the more efficient engines, the smarter looks, the extra technology - were certainly welcome but the essence of its appeal actually changed very little. It was launched to fully restore the powerful, luxurious, Grand Touring sports coupe brand values that Mercedes had unwisely compromised with the more cheaply underpinned models that directly preceded the introduction of this car. They didn't feel particularly special in the way that a larger, more luxurious Mercedes coupe always should. With this design, that was put right. It's certainly a package good enough to leave you questioning the need to spend double the amount on a larger S-Class Coupe model from this period.

True, there are rivals you could choose that'd be more dynamically rewarding to drive, but as Mercedes well knows, that kind of thing doesn't tend to be prioritised by many likely buyers. These people will probably attach much greater value to the way that this E-Class Coupe will rack up huge distances in exquisite comfort - and with impressive efficiency.

So, how to sum up? Well, in driving this car and in owning it, you feel another, more elegant level away from owners of the brand's less aspirational C-Class Coupe. And a cut above the sporting two-door models that car competes with, coupes like BMW's 4 Series and Audi's A5. There's a maturity and a class here that these sportier rivals lack. They could never be considered as a wise and cost-efficient alternative to spending considerably more on a Maserati GranTurismo or a BMW 8 Series. This Mercedes could be. And that about sums it up.