Update : Exclusive pictures from the launch event of Mercedes E-class coupe

Continuing where we left yesterday, we have some exclusive pictures from the launch of the new E-Class Coupe in Mumbai, courtesy our friends at Motorbeam.

Mercedes Benz launched its stylish E-Class coupe in India today at Rs 54.83 lakhs Ex-Mumbai. The E-coupe was displayed at the Auto Expo and wowed show-goers with its sleek profile and styling. Similar looking to the E-class sedan, the coupe comes with a single engine option – The 3.5L V6 that is found the E350. The engine produces 272bhp @ 6000rpm and 355Nm of torque between 2400-5000 rpm and is mated to Mercedes’ 7G-Tronic gearbox. Ride and handling is governed by a Direct Control system with Selective damping where the dynamic behaviour largely depends on the way in which the car is driven. Since this is Mercedes, expect supple ride for the most part.

“We have launched our new E-Class Coupe, the most aerodynamic series production car in the world. It comes with an aggressive price tag of Rs 54.83-lakh onwards ex-showroom in Mumbai,” Mercedes-Benz India’s Managing Director and CEO, Wilfried Aulbur, told reporters here. E-Class Coupe has state-of-the-art technology and high safety standards, which meets the needs of young individuals looking for a car that is athletic, striking and passionate, Aulbur added.

The E-class coupe combines the striking styling of the E-class mated to the body profile of a coupe resulting in the world’s most aerodynamic car. It is more aerodynamic than even the Prius. Now that is no easy achievement. The E-coupe sports active aerodynamics that close the shutter behind the radiator grille when there is no need for engine cooling. The Nissan 370Z and the BMW Z4 are the only real competitors at this price. However, unlike the sharp handling sports car that the 370Z is, the E-coupe is a relaxed cruiser and a 4-seat GT car. The Z4 on the other hand is a driver’s convertible. So the E-coupe is pretty much on its own in India at the moment and that might help generate decent sales.

Mercedes is also exploring the possibility of introducing its financial services arm to India just like arch rival BMW. “This would provide a boost to our commercial vehicles business in India, where the company sells high-end buses and trucks,” Aulbur said. Mercedes is also planning to launch more models and expand with showrooms and dealerships in Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets like Goa, Bhubaneshwar, Indore, Aurangabad and Surat, Aulbur said.

Mercedes is also looking at launching its A-class in India to compete in the compact segment against the likes of the Fiat 500 and VW Beetle. “There is a potential for a small car here. We have to see the psychology of the consumer and the market maturity will tell us when to launch the small car,” Mercedes-Benz India’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Debashish Mitra, said.

However, we would not want Mercedes to launch its A-class in India. Unlike the 500 and the Beetle, the A-class isnt an iconic cult model. It is just the smallest Mercedes with lackluster performance and features. Moreover, Mercedes cannot even bring the GLK to India as it was not designed for Right Hand Drive markets meaning the X1 will be on its own in India for the next few years atleast.