Mercedes E220 Coupé - Perfect Used Car

Revamped coupé driven on British roads for the first time

We’ve already tried the svelte new Mercedes E-Class Coupé abroad, but this is our first chance to test the entry-level E220 CDI on UK roads.

It uses the same 2.1-liter diesel engine as the pre-facelift model, and despite being the cheapest car in the range, it still has 168bhp and 400Nm of torque, giving it a respectable 0-62mpg time of 8.3 seconds.

E220 uses the same 2.1-liter diesel engine as the pre-facelift model

It’s a bit gruff and rattly on start-up but settles down at speed, and is now more efficient, managing 57.7mpg and emitting just 129g/km of CO₂.

All AMG Sport-badged models such as our test car get lowered sports suspension and adaptive dampers as standard.

Small bumps make the ride a bit fidgety, but bigger crests are smoothed out well. The optional seven-speed automatic gearbox can also be a little slow to react which makes the Coupé more of a cruiser than a precise sports car.

That’s something compounded by the inconsistently weighted and slightly numb steering.

Inside, there are a few higher quality materials, and the gear shifter has moved from the dash to the steering column in an effort to create more space. The price, meanwhile, has increased by nearly $3,750, although it brings extra equipment as standard.

Better quality materials and more equipment in the cabin

Verdict

Apart from the smaller and cheaper Audi A5, the E-Class Coupé doesn’t have that many rivals not until the new BMW 4 Series arrives later this year, anyway. This face lifted car looks better than ever but the dynamics are still some way short of being exceptional, and the 220 CDI can’t offer the performance to match the looks despite admirable efficiency.

Mercedes E220 Coupé back