This week, we decided to try something
new. After all this is the TopDriver, and that means we’re interactive.
So, why not an interactive car review? A few days ago, I asked the
question: What do you want to know about the E350 Coupe? Fortunately for
us we met up with a friend who was nice enough to let the TopDriver
team have a go in his newly acquired machine.
It’s funny how car manufacturers tend to change things. I always
thought the word ‘coupe’ strictly meant a car with 2 doors but that has
been rendered obsolete by clever marketing gimmicks and another way for
manufacturers to create new segments. Cue the Mercedes-Benz CLS, BMW X6,
A5 Fastback, Volkswagen CC and the BMW 5 series Gran turismo.
This week a friend was kind enough to let us test the two-door
version of his new W212 E-Class, the 2011 E350 Coupe. This new model
marks the first time in three generations that Mercedes has offered a
coupe version of what'can be classified as the old school “V-Boot”. For all you
lucky folks that were well off in the late 80’s and early 90’s, you’d
know what I’m talking about. The “V-Boot “came in the saloon version and
a 2-door pillarless coupe; in fact I remember a classmate of mine that
always got picked up after school in a stretch version (see oppression)
and I’m talking about the days when the Peugeot 504 and 505 we’re still
seen as cool cars.
Interestingly (in theory), this two-door E-Class should cost less
than the four-door version (this being Nigeria, expect to pay a higher
premium). I say this because the last time I enquired for the price of
an Audi A5 coupe from an independent trader, I had to take two steps
back when he hit me with the N14 million asking price bearing in mind
the price from the Audi starts at roughly about $37-40k (say no more).
Now the new E-Class coupe is not actually an E-class. Well, it is,
but it isn't. Despite any history, the E-Class Coupe is actually
replacing the CLK in Mercedes' lineup and if you remember the CLK was
really an E-class or “frog eyes “with 2-doors. The CLK is built off of
the C-Class chassis, not the E-Class. I don’t want to get all technical
and specific about how many inches the new E-class coupe has gained or
lost but the new E-Class Coupe is seven inches shorter, four inches
narrower and three-and-a half inches lower than an E-Class Sedan.
Mechanically, you get the same motor with the same tune – Mercedes
Benz's 3.5-liter V6 that produces 268 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 258
pound-feet of torque at a wonderfully-wide 2,400–5,000 rpm.
We were instantly impressed with the power supplied by the V6 engine
and the sound it made as we pulled away from standstill; I’m sure we’d
even be more impressed if it was the E550 coupe but that said, how much
power do you really need on Lagos roads? It’s not like you’d ever get to
feel the full force of the engine considering our stop-start traffic
conditions. But if you do get to own one of these, you will have no
trouble whatsoever attaining fast cruising speeds (think the 3rd
mainland bridge on a clear Sunday morning). The seven-speed gearbox is
also testament to the fact that Mercedes-Benz builds the best pure
automatics in the industry.
In the short time we spent with the E350 coupe, we actually enjoyed
just being inside more. The past decade or so has seen an explosion of
entry-level luxury rides, and it was refreshing to experience some
actual luxury. Just situating yourself inside the E is an event, as a
smart extending guide hands you your seatbelt. The keyless-go system,
push start button, multi-function steering wheel that had the paddle
shifts and the electrically adjustable passenger and the driver's seat
that provided all sorts of support. 
The gauges are beautiful, especially the oversized speedo with its
trick floating dial. It’s just the simple things in this car that just
puts a smile on your face every time you get in it. Funnily enough we
didn’t even have enough time to play with all the buttons and controls
that where beautifully laid out on both the centre console and around
the gear box.
As far as the exterior design is concerned, it's simply a handsome
looking car. We parked it at a hotel lobby in Lekki and you could tell
that this car belonged in this environment and not one to be used and
abused on daily basis. I personally think the E350 coupe is the
best-looking car in comparison to its competition from BMW or Audi.
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Right, enough with the praises because no car is perfect, I found a
few bits rather annoying for instance, getting into the rear seat is
more of a timewaster than it should be. When you flip either front
seatback forward, a motor moves the entire seat towards the dash – a
small thrill to experience the first time or two (even the 1997 Peugeot
406 coupe also had the same function), but it takes about eight seconds
each time thereafter; and that’s like standing in line at a queue in a
club. The rear accommodations are fitted but I guess it’s one of the
sacrifices made because the coupe doesn't share the same (large) chassis
as the sedan. In fairness, the trunk is pretty big for a car of its
size.
Then there's the matter of price. Our friend got his for a landing
cost of about N10million and that’s because he personally imported it so
all you rich folks out there should expect to pay more or contact your
nearest Mercedes Benz dealership, I hear there’s one in Lekki and its
environs. That said his version had the Premium Package (COMAND
interface, Sirius, rear-window sunshade, LED daytime running lights,
keyless start) and the 18-inch AMG wheels, MB logo front brake calipers,
gearshift paddles. Happy Motoring!!!
Meet the Driver
Car Tested: 2011 Mercedes Benz E350
Name: Mr Femi Fasan
Occupation: Bond Automobiles
and haulage
Location: Abuja
Why did you decide to buy the
E350? For its class and its prestige.
How long have you had it?
1week
How much did you pay for it?
9million naira
What car where you using
before? BMW 3series
How many cars do you have? 3
What's the E350 like to
drive? Its smooth and very interesting
What's the car like inside? It’s
sexy and has a calming ambience
Buying petrol is now like
buying gold in Nigeria now, how’s the fuel consumption? Surprisingly its very
economical
Have you gotten to test out
all the gadgets? Is there anything that blew you away? I am still playing
around with it, I actually still go back to the manual handbook when I’m not
sure of certain functions.
What's the sound system like?
Very clear n it has a very expensive sound production
Would you advise others to
buy one? Sure if you can afford it why
not jump on it. It’s definitely a good buy
Does it attract attention I.e.
ladies, thumbs up from onlookers? Oh! Yes not just ladies everywhere I go I get
this special audience.
Would you go back to your old
car brand after buying the Benz? Hmmmm nope from now on it has to be a Benz.
How many stars would you give
the E350? (5 stars being the highest) – I’ll give it a 4.8
There you have it...The
TopDriver E350 coupe road test. Many thanks to Mr Fasan
