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Caraganza First Drive Review 2019 Mercedes E450 4MATIC Coupe: Mercedes pulls a fast one

(Mercedes)

(Mercedes)

In my last review I lamented the fact the sedans and coupes were becoming dinosaurs; relics of the past. Soon, I said, there will be nothing but SUVs, crossovers and minivans.

Mercedes then pulled a fast one on me.

That’s because while other car companies are putting all their resources into getting soccer moms to and from the field, they are in fact still quite happy building sedans and coupes, thank you very much.

In fact, they’ve introduced a new one for 2019.  The E-Class series adds two new models this year: the E450 (coupe and cabriolet) and E450 4Matic (sedan and wagon). The 4MATIC by the way refers to Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

Normally I am a huge Mercedes fan, but normally it involves something that has the AMG brand on it; AMG being the high-performance arm of the brand.  Thus, while I was grateful that Mercedes destroyed my “no one makes sedans anymore” theory by sending me a 2019 E450 4MATIC for a recent week, I was a bit sad that there as no AMG badge on it.

Turns out that really didn’t matter. That’s because I realized there are two types of luxury cars; those designed to be luxurious and those designed to be luxurious, sporty looking AND fast. And it turns out the E450 is luxurious AND fast just without all the fancy AMG extras.

(Mercedes)

(Mercedes)

The E450 replaces last year’s E400 sedan, coupe, and convertible; it’s new powertrain includes a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 good for 362 horsepower, a 33-horsepower jump over last year’s E400 and new are a Nappa leather 3-spoke steering wheel and a Rear Safety Package for the E-Class sedan.

All the tech features in a Mercedes almost require an advanced engineering degree to set up.  None of that really matters though. It’s sort of like being married to a supermodel. They may have their idiosyncrasies, annoying little habits and such, but one look or one touch makes everything all right. The same can be said for the Mercedes.  Yes, it takes a while to get used to the touchpads, getting the nav set up right, and saving your favorite radio stations, but when setting in the most beautiful cabin I can think of, the process is made much more bearable. That and knowing that there are massagers built into the seats eases the “workload”. In fact, if a manufacturer puts massagers in the seats it pretty much won’t matter what I am setting in, it’s okay with me; except a Prius, nothing will get me in a Prius.

Once adjusted and wrapped in the seat, on the road this E450 is nothing but pure joy to drive. Even without the AMG upgrades the Sport+ mode will give plenty of power (0-60 in 4.9 seconds) and the 9-speed automatic shifts effortlessly and responds instantly to manual inputs.

The 4Matic all-wheel-drive system keeps the E450 glued to the pavement and gives confidence to allow for just about anything you might need to do when driving. And the seat massagers make the ride much more tolerable. Of course, they make everything more tolerable, except being in a Prius.

This new E450 restores my faith in the automotive world. Yes, there will continue to be ute’s and crossovers and minivans, but it’s good to know that there will some manufacturers willing to keep the sedans and coupes coming, at least for the foreseeable future.

I have to go now, I’m taking another turn in the driver’s seat; I need a massage and they are coming to pick up this car soon…

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz E450 4MATIC Coupe
MSRP: $ $62,300
MSRP (as tested): $83,815
Engine: 3.0-liter V-6 biturbo 362-hp @ 5,500 rpm, 369 lbs.-ft. torque @ 1,800 rpm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual
Fuel Mileage (EPA): 19 city, 26 highway, 22 combined
Fuel Mileage (as tested, mixed conditions): 24 mpg
Curb weight 4,057 lbs.

Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase 113.1 in
Overall length 190.0 in
Overall height 56.3 in
Overall width 80.9 in (with mirrors)

Interior Dimensions
Headroom (front) 40.9 in
Legroom (front) 41.8 in
Shoulder room (front) 56.1 in
Passenger capacity 4
Headroom (rear) 36.4 in
Legroom (rear) 34.1 in
Shoulder room (rear) 50.3 in
Cargo capacity 10.0 cu ft

Warranty
Corrosion perforation warranty (months/miles)     48/50,000
Basic warranty (months/miles)     48/50,000
Powertrain warranty (months/miles)     48/50,000
Roadside assistance warranty (months/miles)     48/50,000

Greg Engle
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