JasonF

I have a '16 E400 sedan that I really like and I'm thinking about shopping for a '16 or '17 coupe. I realize that a test drive will be in order but the nearest coupe is about an hours drive from my current location.

Has anyone spent time in both cars and can comment on the general driving characteristics of the coupe vs sedan? Is the coupe more nimble, fun to drive, etc...? I would imagine this to be the case since it's a smaller car, weighs less, and based on a different platform.

Thanks all!

Flash Gordon

I bought my 2017 400 coupe this past April. I used to own a 2012 Mustang 5.0. 5.0 strength is acceleration, handling and braking. With the AMG Package in the Coupe, the handling can practically match the 5.0 and the ride was much better than the 5.0

I know you wanted a sedan and coupe comparison. I cannot get my hands on a 400 sedan, very few around.

Harold1898

I have a 2015 e400 coupe and the handling is fine. It is no Porsche but it goes around corners and bends just fine. Having said that I am not a young racer type driver, rather an ageing bloke that just enjoys great engineering. My guess is no answer will assist you as it is all about how you drive and your own perception. Go and drive one and you will answer your own question.
All the best from down under where it is mid winter right now!

estark

I own a 2012 E350 sedan and a 2013 E350 coupe. The coupe handles better, slightly smaller than the sedan, but the ride is firmer. I would go for a 2018 coupe which is based on the e sedan platform.

JasonF

Thanks for the replies. Frankly, I love the look of the C207 coupe over the new E Coupe (I seem to be in the minority) so I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a good example.

_Albert_

I had a 2017 C300 dealer loaner for 2 days while the 2014 E350 coupe was getting some work done.

As mentioned coupe has a firmer ride. I was actually a little disappointed with the ride of the sedan. I felt the coupe is more responsive as well. I was surprised at how different the driving experience is. A friend was in both and agreed.

If I were you I'd make the trip to test drive.

Flash Gordon

Totally agree the 2017 looks better than the 2018 Coupe. As I stated earlier in this thread, I bought it this April. The main reason I did not wait for the 2018 coupe was the very bad experience of my previous 2003 E500. That first year model gave my all kinds headache during the first 2-3 years. That car was great when it's running well.

RickInHouston

Drove a 2014 E350 sedan for three years.

Had a 2017 E300 sedan for about three months, off and on.

Have a 2017 E400 coupe, now, for two months.

Handling is quite different. Sedans can sometime overly porpoise on bumps. Not the coupe. Coupe much quicker off the line. Coupe rips around a slower car on the freeway. Coupe seating 'tucks you in' where the sedan is more of an area for you to sit. Coupe has more of a cockpit feel when driving. Handling / steering is tighter. Coupe takes curves better, but not as sure as I would have thought. Coupe is a much smaller car since it's a coupe and sits on a C platform (unlike the new E coupe on an E platform - but then again it's more a 'touring' coupe instead of a 'sport' coupe like the 2017).

You lose tech in the 2017 and older coupes. No automatic truck open and close. Distance from an object when parking is only on the most expensive coupe and middle range of sedan.

It's about what you might think... Coupe - more fun, quicker, spunky. Sedan - stately...

I have a AAA fob in my car to decrease my car insurance. My score went down when I got the coupe. You simply drive them differently because of what car they are and the feedback you get while driving! Sometimes when you are facing a fun, curvy street - I'd drive the sedan through it. With the coupe I race through it (safely).

PaulE550

Good description Rick. Sedan is overall setup for someone who likes to drive from point A to point B while listening to some tunes. Sedate, comfortable, and isolated from pretty much everything external. Almost like sitting in your living room chair with a steering wheel in front of you. It's what you drive if, as you say, you're looking to be stately and it does that quite well.

The coupe is overall setup for people that enjoy the experience of actually driving as opposed to feeling that you're being driven while listening to some tunes...or the sound of the engine as you enjoy winding roads or the open road. It's more a driver's car with better feedback and handling than the sedan. OP really needs to drive both types to see which one he really prefers. It's a subjective experience.

Some people like the ride and handling of a sedan. Some people like something a bit sportier and responsive and they understand both the pluses and minuses of each type of vehicle.

This is true of most sedans versus coupes by the way. Not just MB cars. Each is built for a specific type of driver in mind. I've owned various brands of both sedans and coupes over the years and each has their place depending on the type of driver you are and how you view driving overall.

BigRob_NH

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Long Islander

I finally got rid of this useless rectangular speed box. You go into Settings in the Media (large) screen. Then go into Units to select MPH or Metric. There, you'll see a box checked off that reads "Additional Speedometer." If you uncheck that, the rectangular speed box will go away. The default is either checked or the dealer checked that off on my car.

The_Judge

Not sure what this has to do with the car's handling, but I any case the "additional speedometer" option is not available in the 2018 E400 Coupe (U.S. version, or at least not in my car).

Richard991

(deleted)

PaulE550

Off topic. This has nothing to do with vehicle handling.

JasonF

OP here - just bought a '16 E400 coupe and spent the last few days driving it. Iridium silver/grey, P2 pkg, sport pkg and a few other options. 5k miles on the odometer. Didn't have a chance to take pics - the car is in LA with my daughter and I'm back in NJ before we move out there permanently.

Overall, the coupe is sharper-handing than the sedan but not by much. Definitely doesn't porpoise over bumps like the sedan will. The smaller size is perfect for LA traffic (including parking) but surprisingly didn't feel faster despite the fact that the sedan is over 300lbs heavier.

Love the coupe and prefer it over the sedan.

AhEmGee

The chassis of the S213 E Coupe is much more sophisticated than the old E Coupe ( C207) - lighter suspension components , longer wheelbase, wider track, better damping etc all oweing to the fact it's actually based on the W213 E Class sedan chassis .
The 2016 and prior E Coupe ( C207) was actually based on the C Class W204 which came out in 2007. So it's a pretty ancient chassis and can't hold a candle to the new one.
Anyone comparing the old E to the new E Coupe is basically compared a 2007 C Class to a 2017 E .

SteveE400

For those who think the E400 sedan is "a stately ride for those who want to be in the living room while going from point A to point B" I suggest that they try driving an E400 without the adjustable suspension. My 2015 E400 sedan has the standard steel spring sport suspension, and I can count the matchsticks I run over on the street. The ride is just less than "harsh" and is not cushy at all. I am constantly fighting little rattles that pop up all the time.

I picked the car from the showroom floor at the end of the model year, so I got what was there. I think I got a better than average price because the car was missing a few options that the dealer's usual customer expected. For me, no problem. I won't have to replace any expensive adjustable suspension components in a few years.

Even with the steel springs, I do feel that the sedan wallows a bit under some circumstances. My 2001 Lexus LS430 was better controlled, leaned less in curves and didn't bang over small bumps. It didn't have the acceleration capabilities of the TT V6 by a long shot, though.

Silverjash

MJ50

congrats & welcome aboard...

RickInHouston

​​​​​​
The old body style E coupe is thru 2017, not 2016.

The exterior look is subjective. Personally I like the more aggressive 2017 body to the 2018. Also prefer the C class whellbase. The 2018 is just too big for a coupe, in my own opinion.

I would love all the newer tech in the 2018, though!

Capeclassics300

Hey Jason... I have always owned and driven CLS 550, 63, S500, 63; and my recent E400 Cab, twin turbo 6. The 500, 550, and 63 were sedans; however I have driven each of the same as a coupe. I personally fond the comfort to be unmatched in the sedan. Performance in either the CLS63 was greater than that of the S63. The lighter body to the CLS63 provided unbelievable performance to the point of being scary. My CLS550 was as powerful as needed to be thrilling. Thos were my sedan experiences. The S500 and S63 Coupe were off the chart, the most incredible vehicles for handling that I have ever owned and/or driven.

I am driving the E400 Convertible that I recently purchased at request of my wife, so that she would drive it as well. Although the vehicle is hardly a power house compared to my previous cars, it handles and performs exceptionally well. It is actually a ton of fun to drive. The cost between the coupe and the cabriolet is not much different. The bad news is that the rear seat on the coupe is small enough, but the rear of the convertible is less. Our Boston terrier is comfortable back there, but, if you are a more than 2 people and a pet, you had better consider the sedan over the coupe or convertible. Lastly, my advice is that if you lean towards the E-class as your driver and want performance as well. that you should go for the E43 AMG!!. The price difference in used is not that great between the 300 to 400 or 43 series, and the drive experience and suspension is worth the cost. If you are going for performance, that is my suggestion. If you are more concerned about cost to operate after the purchase, but still want better handling, go for the E400 coupe over the 400 sedan. For more fun, grab the cabriolet. Best news is that all of these great drives offer very good resale and/or trade in value. Hope I was some help. Best Luck and Happy Motoring!!

Flypenfly

Coming from Porsches and M cars, the E350 coupe I have now feels a bit relaxed and if I'm honest, the chasis isn't the stiffest out there in long or quick sharp turns. The suspension gets a little bit unsettled if you take in on quick switch backs. Been thinking about adding front and rear strut bars to help level it out.

https://ultraracing-usa.com/mercedes...trut-2-points/