Dream car that won't let you sleep

Mercedes' new E-Class Coupe brings with it cutting-edge technology that will make it one of the safest cars to drive

Martin Brennan

New and improved: the new Mercedes Benz E-Class Coupe

Summer sales: prices have yet to be agreed for the Coupe but they are expected to be competitive

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A car that 'thinks' how to make a journey more comfortable, has a safety feature that will wake you up if you are falling asleep, and gives a 17-per-cent improvement in fuel consumption is on the way.

The new Mercedes Benz E-Class Coupe is full of cutting-edge technology and will join the new E-Class saloon from which it is derived later in the year. The saloon version is due here in the coming months.

The new Coupe safety items include a system to detect driver drowsiness, a distance control and braking mechanism that reduces the risk of rear-end collisions and an occupant protection package that includes ESP and a full range of airbags. High-tech comfort features include a suspension that adjusts automatically while allowing the driver to choose different set ups at the touch of a button. A light system which automatically dips the headlights in the face of oncoming traffic is available.

There are two diesel and three direct-injection petrol engines with two of the four-cylinder models reducing fuel consumption by up to 17 per cent while returning more power and torque. Helping the new engines to deliver low fuel consumption are technical advances such as power-saving steering pumps that are activated only according to demand, tyres with low rolling resistance and a system that monitors driving conditions to deliver electrical power as required.

When the new model arrives in September most drivers will opt for the E 250 CDI which is one of the four power packs in the range with the Mercedes-Benz low emissions/low fuel consumption Blue Efficiency technology. It develops 204bhp from a two-litre engine, has a fuel consumption figure of just 5.6 litres per 100 km in manual version (50 miles per gallon) and CO2 emissions from just 135 g/km, making it one of the cleanest and most economical vehicles in its class.

The Coupe is designed to combine comfort and sportiness. It is longer and wider with more interior space and has bigger boot capacity than the CLK model it replaces. It gets a wedge-shaped front, strong shoulder line and muscular rear end. The absence of B-pillars and multi-spoke 17" alloys add to the sporty appeal.

Prices here have yet to be agreed but the Coupe will be more expensive than the E-Class saloon. Mercedes-Benz CEO, Stephen Byrne, says prices will be competitive against its main rivals. Initially only a small number will arrive with the bulk of sales targeted for next year. Prices expected to be in the €45,000 -€50,00 price range.