2011 Mercedes Benz E550 Coupe

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe looks sporty, but its two-door body style means there’s not as much space inside as other cars in the class. It does, however, have great safety scores.

Reviewers liked the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe’s V6 and V8 power when it was new, but they noted that the E-Class Coupe isn’t going to provide a pulse-pounding driving experience with either engine. Ultimately, test drivers preferred the larger, more powerful V8 in the E550 over the V6 in E350 models. The base E350 coupe gets 17/26 mpg city/highway, which is about average for the class. However, fuel economy is slightly lower on the more powerful E550 and convertible models. Some auto critics found the E-Class Coupe strikes a balance between firm and comfortable handling, while others thought that the E-Class isn’t as sporty as competitors and had light steering.

Test drivers were impressed with the luxury and quietness of the E-Class’ interior. Still, if you’re in search of optimal rear-seat leg- and headroom, you may want to opt for the E-Class Sedan, since reviewers thought that back-seat space in the coupe was limited. Additionally, some critics noted that the E-Class Coupe’s infotainment system was difficult to learn and use.

Inside, the E-Class has soft-touch materials and a classic, opulent design while still providing plenty of tech features. A panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth and Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment system come standard on the E-Class coupe, which the convertible models adds leather upholstery to the list of standard features. Options were grouped into packages when the E-Class was new, and included items like navigation, a backup camera, heated front seats, satellite and HD Radio, an iPod interface and push-button start.

Even though the E-Class Coupe doesn’t have the a comfortable back seat or the most athletic performance, its exceptional safety ratings help it remain a strong contender as a used luxury car.

Other Cars to Consider

The 2011 BMW 3-Series offers athletic handling and a variety of engine options that should satisfy most driving enthusiasts. In terms of handling, reviewers thought that the 3-Series provided some of the best corner-carving abilities on the market. The base 3-Series gets better fuel economy than the E-Class Coupe, but it’s also less powerful. Still, the 3-Series coupe is available with all-wheel drive, which the E-Class Coupe lacks.

The 2011 Audi A5 is available as a coupe or convertible, and reviewers loved the A5’s opulent interior when it was new. It's not as powerful, but the A5 gets significantly better fuel economy and is available with all-wheel drive, which should appeal to shoppers who experience harsh weather.