The Mercedes-Benz E 500 Coupe (C207, facelift 2013) represents the high-performance variant of the second-generation E-Class Coupe. Produced from June 2013 to July 2014, it occupied the top echelon of the C207 lineup, offering a luxurious grand touring experience with substantial power. This model was part of the broader E-Class (W212) family, but distinguished itself through its two-door coupe body style and potent V8 engine. It aimed to compete with rivals like the BMW 6 Series and Audi A7, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and technology.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-class |
| Generation | E-class Coupe (C207, facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | E 500 V8 (408 Hp) 7G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Start of production | June, 2013 |
| End of production | July, 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 12.7 l/100 km (18.5 US mpg, 22.2 UK mpg, 7.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg, 41.5 UK mpg, 14.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg, 31.7 UK mpg, 11.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 209 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph), Electronically limited |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.3 kg/Hp, 234.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.9 kg/Nm, 344.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 408 Hp @ 5000-5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 87.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 600 Nm @ 1600-4750 rpm (442.54 lb.-ft. @ 1600-4750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 278.922 |
| Engine displacement | 4663 cm3 (284.55 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92.9 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10.9 l (11.52 US qt | 9.59 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1740 kg (3836.04 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2255 kg (4971.42 lbs.) |
| Max load | 515 kg (1135.38 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 450 l (15.89 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 66 l (17.44 US gal | 14.52 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Length | 4703 mm (185.16 in.) |
| Width | 1786 mm (70.31 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2016 mm (79.37 in.) |
| Height | 1397 mm (55 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2760 mm (108.66 in.) |
| Front track | 1538 mm (60.55 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1541 mm (60.67 in.) |
| Front overhang | 862 mm (33.94 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1081 mm (42.56 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.29 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.19 m (36.71 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 245/40 R18; 245/35 R19 Rear wheel tires: 245/40 R18; 265/35 R18; 275/30 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 8.5J x 18; 8.5J x 19 Rear wheel rims: 8.5J x 18; 9J x 18; 9.5J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the E 500 Coupe is the M278.922 4.7-liter V8 engine. This engine is a marvel of modern engineering, featuring direct fuel injection, twin turbochargers, and an intercooler. The direct injection system precisely meters fuel into the combustion chambers, enhancing efficiency and power output. The twin-turbochargers, strategically positioned within the V of the engine, minimize turbo lag and provide a broad, flat torque curve. The engine produces 408 horsepower at 5000-5750 rpm and a substantial 600 Nm (442.54 lb-ft) of torque between 1600 and 4750 rpm. This power is delivered to the rear wheels via Mercedes-Benz’s 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is known for its smooth and responsive shifts, contributing to both performance and comfort. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS also incorporates a torque converter lock-up clutch to improve fuel efficiency at cruising speeds.
Driving Characteristics
The E 500 Coupe delivers a refined yet exhilarating driving experience. The combination of the powerful V8 engine and the responsive 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission results in brisk acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.6 seconds. The broad torque curve ensures strong pull throughout the rev range, making overtaking effortless. Compared to the E 350 Coupe, the E 500 offers a significantly more potent experience, while lacking the raw, sporty feel of a potential AMG variant. The automatic transmission is well-tuned for both relaxed cruising and spirited driving, offering manual shift capability for greater driver control. The suspension, tuned for comfort, provides a smooth ride, while still maintaining good body control in corners.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The E 500 Coupe came standard with a comprehensive array of luxury features. These included leather upholstery, wood trim, a premium sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power-adjustable driver and passenger seat with memory function. Standard safety features included ABS, traction control, stability control, and a suite of airbags. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and a driver assistance package with features like lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring. The interior design emphasized elegance and sophistication, with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail.
Chassis & Braking
The C207 E-Class Coupe features a robust chassis with a multi-link suspension system at both the front and rear. This suspension design provides a comfortable ride while maintaining precise handling. The E 500 Coupe was equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) further enhance safety and control. The steering is a rack-and-pinion system with power assistance, offering precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The E 500 Coupe was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and refined driving experience. However, some critics noted that the car’s size and weight could make it feel less agile than some of its competitors. Compared to the E 350 Coupe, the E 500 offered a significant performance upgrade, but at a higher price point. Fuel economy, while respectable for a V8-powered coupe, was not a strong point, averaging around 26.4 US mpg in combined driving. Reliability was generally good, consistent with Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for build quality.
Legacy
The E 500 Coupe (C207) remains a desirable grand tourer in the used car market. The M278 V8 engine is known for its durability and relatively straightforward maintenance, although preventative maintenance is crucial. Parts availability is generally good, and the car’s sophisticated technology continues to impress. While not as overtly sporty as some of its rivals, the E 500 Coupe offers a unique blend of performance, luxury, and refinement that continues to appeal to discerning drivers.
