Ever tightening emission standards have forced carmakers to get creative and apply drastic changes to their lineups. The challenge here is to have the vehicles produce less CO2 as possible without culling driving joy. Electrification is currently the most popular method to keep lawmakers and customers entertained. And Mercedes-Benz has just done that with the updated E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet.

The update begins with the designers turning the grille upside down. The new Mercedes family headlight style, first seen on the CLS-Class, tie into the overall sporty theme of the two-door lineup. This E-Class now looks like it is meant for the young, not just the young at heart.

Under the hood, Mercedes have introduced a full range of mild-hybrid powertrains for both petrol and diesel models. Mercedes has ditched the V6 in the old E 450 for a more efficient turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six with a 48V integrated starter-alternator (ISG), similar to the units found in the CLS, S-Class and GLE. Although the mild-hybrid system only provides an additional 21hp, it produces an extra 250Nm of torque from zero RPM! The new E 450 puts out a peak output of 362hp and 500Nm of torque. At the same time, the full-fledged Mercedes-AMG E 53 adds an electrical supercharger and puts out 429hp and 521Nm of torque, plenty for a brisk weekend drive.

Mercedes-Benz has said they have created the most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in the world to be fitted into the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet. Internally designated as the OM 654 M, the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is will also be equipped with the 48V mild-hybrid system with ISG, pushing out 260hp. All variants of the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet will be mated the nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.

The interior is textbook Mercedes with elegantly incorporated lines, combining contemporary style with sporty luxury. Made with the highest quality open-pore wood, aluminium and leather, the E-Class has always been a wonderful place to be in, now even more so.

The sculpted seats, finished in a choice of fabric, Nappa leather, diamond quilting and vegan-friendly ARTICO man-made leather, hug you in all the right places, taking the strain out of long journeys. The Cabriolet even comes with sun-reflecting leather so that the sun doesn’t scorch your behind on when you leave the top down on a hot summer’s day.

The four-seater E-Class Cabriolet comes with additional creature comforts for a luxurious, all-year-round, open-top experience. The Cabriolet can be fitted with the optional AIRCAP draught-stop system and the AIRSCARF neck heating system that blows hot air on your neck.

The Cabriolet’s soft top is also a marvel of engineering. It features a multi-layered structure with acoustic suppression technology to create a serene cocoon of comfort and luxury for all the occupants even at high speeds.

Together with the new ENERGIZING COACH comfort control, the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet uses an intelligent algorithm analyse individual preferences and stress level using the integrated Garmin fitness tracker. The system will then recommend a programme based on the individual and situation, using the network of ambient lighting, music and massage functions. Next thing you know, it will be managing your finances and helping your children with their algebra homework.

Actually, don’t be surprised because this new facelift comes packed to the nines with new intelligent technology. The E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet now come equipped with the latest iteration of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system. The systems come as standard with two 10.25-inch screens arranged side-by-side for a widescreen look, with the option to upgrade to larger 12.3-inch screens. The system can be controlled via the central touchpad or the all-new, and beautifully crafted triple twin-spoke multifunctional steering wheel.

Mercedes are known for their comprehensive suite of electronic safety, and the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet are no different. With Active Brake Assists and collision warning and mitigation systems as standard, the Driving Assistance Package adds optional Intelligent Drive functions that allow for semi-autonomous driving.

The hands-off feature on the steering wheel now works on touch instead of force feedback, increasing its user-friendliness. If the system detects that the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for a specific time, a warning cascade starts and ends with the activation of the Emergency Brake Assist.

The E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet represent significant investments for their lucky owners which need to be protected. Mercedes introduced the URBAN GUARD Vehicle Protection system that includes anti-theft alarm system, tow-away protection, interior monitoring and a preinstalled theft and parking collision detection. The driver will receive notifications on the Mercedes mobile app should any attempt to steal the car be detected.

The URBAN GUARD Vehicle Protection Plus adds vehicle tracking to pinpoint the location of the car should it be stolen. This system works even if the vehicle tracking function has been disabled.

The new engines might be slightly greener, but no one will remember it because of the power it produces. Modern styling and a chock-full of trim and tech that focuses on passenger comfort make the new two-door E-Classes very welcoming. And perhaps, this could be the car to tour the country grandly.