By Mike Goetz

Big coupes are making a big comeback, and here’s one from Mercedes-Benz, who has a long history of making them.

Obviously based on the new E Class Saloon, which debuted in Detroit, the E Class Coupe shown in Geneva cuts a great profile, thanks to no B-pillars, and fully retractable side windows.

Mercedes-Benz E Class Coupe

The automaker contends that, with a Cd-figure of 0.24, this model is “the world’s most aerodynamically efficient series-production car.” It offers all the technical pyrotechnics of the sedan, such as AGILITY CONTROL suspension, which adjusts automatically to driving conditions.

The big news under the hood is two new four-cylinder engines. The diesel in the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Coupe features two-stage turbocharging, piezo injectors, and the latest common-rail technology. It is purported to offer 36 percent more power than the previous four-pot diesel, while consuming 17 percent less fuel (approximately 5.3 L/100 km).

Under the hood of the E 350 CGI BlueEfficiency Coupe is the newly developed direct-injection “petrol” four-cylinder engine, rated at about 7.0 L/100 km. E Class Saloons and Coupes will continue to also offer V6 (diesel and petrol) and V8 powerplants.

The sleek coupes will effectively replace the CLK. Look for E Class convertible and station wagon models to debut later this year at the Frankfurt show.