2018 Mercedes-Benz E-class Coupe: More Size, More Style, More Space\rbrA big step up for Benzs middle two-door.\rbr\rbr The coupe—the real, two-door variety—is alive and well at Mercedes-Benz. The latest evidence is the redesigned two-door now joining the new W213-generation E-class lineup to bring the middle child in step with its C- and S-class siblings.\rbr\rbrAt first glance, you could be forgiven for confusing this new E-class for its stablemates, given the flowing design language shared by all three. Thats not a dig, as the E-class preserves much of the beauty of the larger S-class despite its slightly shrunken proportions. While the familiar front end with its “diamond” grille is hardly groundbreaking, the E-class coupes clean body sides and B-pillar-less side glass combine with an uncluttered rear end to make for a beautifully smooth profile. \rbr\rbrCreating Space\rbr\rbrMoving away from the C-class–derived underpinnings of the previous E-class coupe, the new E coupe now shares more with the E sedan, widening the size gap between it and the smaller model. Riding on a 4.4-inch-longer wheelbase, the new coupe is five inches longer overall, three inches wider, and an inch and a half taller than its predecessor, and its 190.0-inch length now neatly splits the difference between the 184.5-inch C-class and the 197.9-inch S-class. Mercedes says that rear-seat room increases commensurately, with the two individual chairs back there providing better leg- and headroom than before.\rbr\rbrThe engine lineup for the U.S. market also seems poised to put some distance between the E- and the C-class. While the E300 sedan available on our shores shares its turbocharged four-cylinder with the C300, the two-door E will be offered only as an E400. As it does on the E-class wagon, this moniker signifies a standard twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 making 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This same engine was installed in the previous E400 coupe, but a new nine-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous seven-speed for improved acceleration and improved fuel economy, claims Mercedes. Rear-wheel-drive and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive versions will be offered, and Mercedes says the RWD E400 gets from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, 0.9 second quicker than the companys claim for the outgoing model. \rbr\rbr The coupes ride height is lower than the sedans, and an air suspension is optional. A Sport package (the white car in the photos) adds a body kit, AMG wheels, and an AMG steering wheel. Those desiring an even sportier E-class coupe will have to wait a bit longer for a full AMG version; theres no official word on one yet, although a V-8–powered E63 coupe wont be in the cards. Instead, the AMG coupe will be powered by one of Mercedes-Benzs new turbocharged inline-six engines, possibly with around 450 horsepower, meant to sit above AMGs own E43 sedan variant, which has a more powerful version of the E400s turbocharged V-6.\rbrTechy Treats\rbr\rbrA full array of high-tech features will be available in the coupe, as they are in the E-class sedan. The sedans 12.3-inch central COMAND screen is standard on the two-door, and a second 12.3-inch digital instrument-cluster display is optional. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on models equipped with navigation, and theres a wireless inductive charging pad for compatible smartphones as well. Automatic emergency braking is standard equipment, while the more advanced Drive Pilot semi-autonomous system is available.\rbr\rbrPricing will be announced closer to the E-classs U.S. launch next summer, but customers should expect to pay a premium for its extra dose of style and power compared with the E300 sedan, which starts at $53,075.