MERCEDES-BENZ seem to have become the industry pace-setters in coming up with ever more imaginative and ingenious ways to expand their model range.

Pretty much every model segment and sub segment are now well and truly covered by the premium German marque, whose line-up spans everything from sought-after sports cars to stylish and capable SUVs.

Mercedes' designers have always been pretty adept at dreaming-up sleek coupes to complement their executive saloons and the latest E-Class Coupe is no exception.

First off, the E-Class is a ‘proper' two-door coupe - not some four-door imposter masquerading as such.

It looks stunning it has to be said, the car's long wheelbase giving the designers the opportunity to deliver a really sleek and svelte car that scores highly in the desirability stakes.

Perhaps it's too early to say whether it's a classic in the making but it's got to be in with a shout.

Sit in the driver's seat and the E-Class Coupe continues to impress.

The overall environment combines luxury and technology to great effect.

Super comfortable and easily adjustable seats are one of the highlights, as is the range and depth of on-board features.

The ambient lighting might be peripheral but it really gives the interior a classy feel and you can alter the brightness and colour to suit your mood or personal taste.

The standard infotainment is decent but it's worth stepping up to the widescreen cockpit display fitted as an extra on this car. It makes a huge difference and at just £495 is money well spent.

Another plus point is how easy it is to navigate your way around the onboard controls and systems, be it adjusting the heating or setting a sat-nav destination.

Considering the car's coupe credentials it's worth stressing that this is very much a four-seater.

Quite a few coupes, even in the executive bracket, seem to consider rear seat passengers as something of an after-thought.

Not so here and the amount of room afforded to passengers in the rear is more than generous.

Rear visibility is slightly limited due to the sloping roof but that kind of goes with the territory.

There's no compromising on carrying capacity either, thanks to a 425-litre boot.

Amazingly for a car that offers so much the range is fairly straightforward.

Engine-wise UK customers can choose between four engines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and a 3.0-litre V6 petrol 400 4MATIC. This high-powered petrol unit has the bonus of all-wheel drive and there's also a 4MATIC version of the 220d. Performance AMG versions are on their way.

A nine-speed automatic gearbox is standard and there is just one trim level - AMG Line.

This car was fitted with the 2.0-litre diesel, which will no doubt prove the most popular choice for UK customers.

It's a smooth, capable and refined unit that delivers well all-round.

Its blend of performance and economy is hard to fault and while it hasn't been designed as an out and out performer the turn of pace it offers might just take you by surprise, particularly when the Sport or Sport+ driving modes are engaged.

To drive the E-Class Coupe is more of a sedate grand tourer than a racing machine.

You do get a sense of its considerable size and weight but it handles nicely and the ride quality is sublime.

Although there's just that AMG Line trim option, given the extensive array of added extras one can choose from, buyers wont have any problem upgrading or personalising their purchase.

Another extra fitted to this car and one which comes with a lot of features was the driving assistance package costing £1,695.

It includes active blind spot and brake assist, as well as active lane keeping and evasive steering assist.