PRECISION STAR: 2012 Mercedes Benz E250 coupe

The Three Pointed Star needs no introduction. Synonymous with power, grace, a certain touch of opulence and a mechanical efficiency that surrounds everything German, Mercedes Benz is one of the most recognisable brands in the world.

The longest running model in the Benz stable is the Merc "E". The E class gained popularity starting from the late 70's continuing all the way to the early 90's. The vehicle of choice for many a statesman (and occasionally mass murdering dictators of banana republics), the E class was meant to be dignified and smooth.

Somewhere around the late 1990s, there was a visibly dramatic shift in the way Mercedes Benz did things. The cars they made were...a bit meh. They were all drab, predictable, formal and wafty in nature: much like the bureaucrats they chauffeured around. Fantastic offerings from BMW and Audi took the chance to take over the luxury car market in Europe, making it twice as difficult for Mercedes to be competitive.

Photo: Rahin Sadman Islam

Cut to somewhere around 2006, and Merc has gotten its mojo back. With a bunch of exciting, overpowered cars launched like the CLS63 and the revamped C and E classes, Mercedes took the fight to its German counterparts and took charge over the rest of the world. The E250 coupe you see here today was part of that revamp.

Photo: Rahin Sadman Islam

The angular yet curvaceous coupe is hyper modern, but incorporates elements of old Mercs into the design. The egg-crate grille at the front with the massive Merc logo is reminiscent of mid-80's Mercedes and the lines that flow back from the grille set the stage for an edgy but beautiful design. There's quite a bit of the CLS in the roofline, and that can only be a good thing.

Photo: Rahin Sadman Islam

Inside, there's lots of leather in a gaudy shade of red. That might not sound very appealing, but it works really well and if maintained well, will fetch a premium 20 years from now. The seats come with an insane amount of adjustment: mess with the controls and you can lock yourself in-between the lumbar and thigh supports. The interior plastics are above average, but nothing exceptional for the price you pay; however, the design is top notch and the fit and finish is great. The brushed aluminum trim works great in breaking up the black interior into sizeable pieces for your eyes. The full panoramic roof is a must-have option, because it entirely transforms a dark and gloomy interior into an airy living room where you can sit back and relax, or enjoy driving a throaty beast (see sidebar for driving impressions).

Photo: Rahin Sadman Islam

Ride comfort wins major points, the E250 gliding over potholes and bumps with ease. When pushed hard, the cabin is a bit too quiet, which creates a difference in what you're seeing/feeling, and what you're (not) hearing. In sport mode, though, the exhaust notes open up and makes it into the incredibly quiet cabin.

The major complaints would be the fiddly infotainment system and the surprisingly difficult Bluetooth system, which for some very odd reason is unable to play songs from your phone. There is a 6 disc CD changer, which is a bit redundant because, well, no one keeps music CDs anymore. The speakers emit a clear and refined sound, and once you figure out how to play your music, you're in for an aural treat.

Photo: Rahin Sadman Islam

Its hard to find faults with a car that is so incredibly refined in terms of ride quality and interior/exterior design. If you own the necessary wealth to buy one, make sure it stays in the family, because this will definitely be a future classic.

SPECS

2012 Mercedes Benz E250 coupe
Engine:
1.8 litre 4 cylinder gasoline engine (204 HP @5500 RPM).
Transmission:
5 speed automatic transmission, paddle shifters, manual and sport mode.
Brakes:
Ventilated, cross drilled disc front, solid disc rear, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, dual circuit system.
Suspension:
Coil springs, gas pressure shocks, stabiliser front and rear.
Features and options:  
6 disc CD changer, Bluetooth, leather upholstery, panoramic glass roof with slide and tilt, AMG Sports package with Avantgarde interior options, LED Daytime Running Lights, 18 inch AMG alloys.

Price: 1,45,00,000 taka.
For details, contact Rancon Motors Limited.

Words: Shaer Reaz
Photos: Rahin Sadman Islam

So what's it like,  driving a Mercedes luxury coupe?

Photo: Rahin Sadman Islam

The coupe felt like a coupe should. From the outside this looks like a considerably large car, you'd expect it to be heavy, to have trouble maneuvering through Dhaka city traffic. However, once I got into the drivers seat, every preconception changed.

The car handles very well. Acceleration is swift and almost unannounced, like it will pull forward without a grunt or a crackle of the exhaust. The muffler notes only kick in at higher RPM, but when they do, oh my they are music to ears. Almost like the soft purr and aggressive growl of a wildcat all at the same time.

I drove it in Economy mode and even then the car had a lot of oomph to it. The open straights down Purbachal road was absolutely perfect to test out the 5 speed automatic, which comes with paddle shifters. The shifts were effortless and the climb to 140km/h was a piece of cake. Although the E 250 is not a sports car per se, the enthusiastic 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine conquered the wide open road with ease. The suspension is best suited to normal driving but when push comes to shove over potholed roads, the E250 soaked in every bump and every crevice.

Overall this car is a treat for any driver of any age. A 22 year old could have as much fun as a 40 year old with a mid life crisis. It was slow when you needed it to be, and pretty damn fast when you put your right foot down.

Words: Mohammad Akib Nawaz