Mercedes-Benz has pulled the wraps off the 2021 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet.
Following the cues of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan that debuted at the virtual 2020 Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, the refresh focuses on mild cosmetic updates and a new engine for the E450 Coupe and Cabriolet. The current, fifth-generation E-Class debuted for the 2017 model year.
An updated “A-shaped” grille—inspired by AMG models—integrates with freshly shaped LED headlamps to create a fresh but familiar identity. Combined with a prominent lower intake, the fascia presents a fierce but elegant visage that has become a Mercedes trademark. The taillamps preserve their exterior shape, but new internal LED elements promise a cleaner look when illuminated. New available exterior colors include Graphite Grey metallic, Mojave Silver metallic, Cirrus Silver metallic and Patagonia Red metallic. Additional wheel designs will also be on offer.
Interior features include a new steering wheel, revised upholstery and the latest MBUX system as standard. Automatic emergency braking, active parking assist with a 360-degree camera and blind-spot monitoring are now standard.
Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe and Cabriolet versions follow a similar design ethos but amp up the intensity with a horizontally-straked grille design informed by the AMG-GT coupe; a quartet of exhaust pipes peek out below the rear bumper. The extended exterior color pallet for the E53 includes Graphite Grey metallic and Brilliant Blue Magno.
More than just a simple cosmetic updating, the E450 Coupe and Cabriolet ditch last year’s biturbo V6 in favor of maker’s lauded turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost. Rated at 362 horsepower (the version in the E53 is tuned for 429 horsepower), the new engine offers no increase in output over the previous V6 but provides a refined experience by way of the inherent balance of the inline-six architecture and the EQ mild hybrid system. The top speed for the E450 is electronically limited to 130mph; the performance-oriented E53 gets the freedom to hit 155 mph.
Though it assists in numerous engine operations, it’s essentially a generator/starter/alternator sandwiched between the transmission and engine that provides nearly silent starting, improved fuel efficiency, and extra torque under certain operating conditions. Both the E450 and E53 utilize a nine-speed automatic transmission; the E450 Coupe and Cabriolet offer the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, while the E53 is all-wheel drive.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet in both E450 and E53 trims are slated to hit showrooms in late 2020. Pricing has not been announced, but we don’t expect them to move too far from the current numbers that start at $64,350 for E450 Coupe and $74,950 for the E53 Coupe.