Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, E-Class Cabriolet gain new 299 hp 4-cylinder engine, 48 V mild hybrid system

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and E-Class Cabriolet will debut a new mild hybrid powertrain, which features a newly-developed 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and 48 volt-on board electrical system. Cars with the new powertrain will be called the E 350 (E 350 Coupe and E 350 Cabriolet), while additional options and variants have also been introduced to both model ranges.

The 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine – designated the M264 – makes 299 hp at 5,800-6,100 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 3,000-4,000 rpm. Compared to the M274 unit in the E 200 Coupe (184 hp/300 Nm) and E 300 Coupe (245 hp/370 Nm) sold in Malaysia, the M264 is clearly at an advantage.

Additionally, the new engine can call upon the EQ Boost starter-alternator for an extra 13 hp/150 Nm of electric boost at engine speeds of up to 2,500 rpm. Paired with the brand’s nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, the E 350 Coupe will complete the century sprint in 5.9 seconds while the E 350 Cabriolet does it in 6.1 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz says the new M264 delivers performance close to its larger-capacity, six-cylinder engines, like the 3.0 litre V6 on the E 400 4Matic Coupe (333 hp/480 Nm), while consuming less fuel. Claimed fuel consumption following the NEDC (combined) is 6.7 l/100 km for the E 350 Coupe and 6.8 l/100 km for the E 350 Cabriolet (it’s 8.1 l/100 km for the E 400 4Matic Coupe)

The 48 volt-on board electrical system is used to power the car’s belt-driven starter-alternator (EQ Boost) as well as the electric water pump. The system is also used to support other functions like energy recuperation (up to 12 kW under braking), momentary electrical boost and coasting (gliding with automatic engine switch-off).

Other benefits include better NVH, as the system is able to crank the internal combustion engine to idle speed very smoothly. This makes the transition from when the engine starts even quieter, especially when the engine restarts during start-stop situations like traffic light stops.

Aside from the E 350 variants, both models also gain E 220d 4Matic (194 hp/400 Nm) and E 200 4Matic (184 hp/300 Nm) variants, which come with the brand’s proprietary all-wheel drive system.

As for the new options, the E-Class Coupe receives two new paint finishes in rubellite red and diamond silver as well as light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim elements. Meanwhile, the E-Class Cabriolet can be specified with the Night package – AMG front apron, diamond radiator grille with single louvre, side mirror caps, rear bumper trim all in high-glass black. A range of wheels from 18 to 20 inches are also available.

Moving on, there’s the Comfort Connectivity package, providing customers with services in the areas of maintenance and convenience – accident recovery and breakdown management plus a concierge service. The Anti-Theft Protection package has also been upgraded to send a SMS to the owner in case of someone accidentally hitting your parked car.

Like the new S-Class, the E-Class Coupe and E-Class Cabriolet can be fitted with the Energising comfort control with six programmes – Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort and Training. Other minor additions include an in-car mobile office system and new vehicle key finishes.