The Mercedes-Benz E300 Coupe is already a modest performer, so what’s left with the lesser E200?
What’s new?
When Mercedes-Benz launched the two-door E-Class in Thailand last year, it decided to arm its latest-generation coupe with a modest four-cylinder petrol engine rather than a meatier V6.
That somehow shows that the Thai Mercedes office believes that potential buyers are more concerned about the E-Class Coupe’s looks and image rather than its potential driving performance.
Which is why the country’s leading luxury nameplate has decided to dip further in the price ranks by introducing an even less potent version in the guise of the 184hp E200.
As you can see in the accompanying graph, the E200 and E300 share the same basic engine but are tuned differently. Sure, the knee-jerk reaction right now would be whether that small price advantage of 150k is worth the disposal of nearly 60 ponies.
And despite being on the Thai market for a slightly longer time in its current generation, the furthest the C-Class Coupe has ever dropped to is the 211hp C250 model. Is Mercedes desperate with the bigger coupe of the two?
What’s cool?
Despite being pitched as an entry-level version in the E-Class Coupe model range, the E200 treatment hasn’t harmed the car’s visual and tactile appeal thanks to the similar AMG Dynamic trim.
The E200’s cabin feels just as sumptuous as in the E300 and features a classy and detailed fascia design to rightly feel more upmarket than the smaller C-Class Coupe, which is a genuine rival to the Audi A5 Coupe, BMW 4 Series Coupe and Lexus RC; the E-Class is without a direct competitor.
Although the E-Class Coupe is basically the saloon counterpart with two less portals, its chassis and handling feels slightly beefier and firmer. That’s quite a good thing because coupe buyers may want to have a sporty edge while driving.
What’s not?
It’s no other than the engine, the main point of interest in this test drive. In this particular Merc application, the 2.0-litre petrol-turbo unit doesn’t feel punchy enough even at real-world speeds.
No, it isn’t totally lifeless. But it doesn’t inspire any driving fun nor give the well-tuned chassis the power it deserves to exploit. At times, the E200 feels like it’s running a naturally aspirated motor.
Buy or bye?
The decision by any carmaker in offering a price-leading version of any specific model range should be welcomed due to reasons of affordability. Which is why the E200 should look nice, but not when there’s only a 150,000 baht advantage over the E300.
Unless you merely value the image and looks of the E200, we’d still go for the E300 even if it won’t necessarily set your pulses racing.
But here lies a problem: the E300 Coupe isn’t sold in Thailand anymore which is why customers of it should treat themselves lucky.
Of course, poseurs will probably not find the E200’s so-so performance as an issue. That’s why the preceding generation model managed to sell with this badge.
