The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupes and convertibles will get improved technologies

The mid-size Mercedes-Benz E-Class may not be the brand's flagship, but it is brimming with technology and rarely stands still. Now in the middle of the current generation's lifecycle, the 2021 E-Class coupe and cabriolet are benefiting from a series of upgrades to the 2021 E-Class sedan that were announced earlier this year.

The 2021 E-Class coupe and cabriolet, which will go on sale in the U.S. later this year, will feature a new engine, the latest infotainment system, a new steering wheel, the latest driver assistance technology, and a minor face-lift, the brand announced Tuesday.

Mercedes has previously revealed that both the coupe and cabriolet will be available in E450, E450 4Matic all-wheel drive, and E53 models.The E450 model will feature the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque It will be powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that produces 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The brand's EQ Boost 48-volt mild hybrid system adds up to 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and offers stop/start and coasting capabilities. Mercedes has not released fuel economy figures, but claims this engine is more efficient than the twin-turbo V-6.

A more powerful version of this engine is also available in the E53, producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, and accelerating the E53 coupe from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds (4.5 seconds for the cabriolet), according to Mercedes. Both engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive available on the E450 model, and a sportier version of the 4Matic all-wheel drive system standard on the E53.

Unlike the sedan, Mercedes has not announced plans for a 255-horsepower E350 with a 2.0-liter turbo four or an E350e plug-in hybrid in the coupe or cabriolet; expect a return of the E63's high-power model, which will be available with a 2.0-liter turbo four, a 2.0-liter turbo four, or a 2.0-liter turbo four. [The coupe and cabriolet will have a new front and rear design; the E450 model will have a new diamond grille, flat LED headlights with a different interior design, and new LED taillights. The E53 will have an AMG grille with vertical bars, new LED headlights, two-piece LED taillights, and a new rear bumper with a new diffuser insert. The E53 also gets new 19-inch wheels and an expanded palette of exterior colors for all models.

Inside, dual 12.3-inch instrument clusters and infotainment system screens return as one large unit on all E-Class models, but on the Coupe and Cabriolet, the voice activated with the key words "Hey, Mercedes!" The E53 models feature AMG-specific displays and functions.

On all models, the new steering wheel features capacitive touch controls that can be used in place of the touchscreen or center touchpad. e53 models are equipped with a dedicated AMG steering wheel with two AMG buttons for operating the vehicle systems. Cabriolet models will also feature special sun-reflective leather and will continue to have wind deflectors and a neck-level heating system as standard equipment.

The new steering wheel features sensor-mat technology, which lets the driver know that the driver assistance system is in operation by placing a hand on the steering wheel, rather than having to move the steering wheel as with previous systems. Automatic emergency braking with cross-traffic and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with collision prevention, a surround-view camera system, and automatic parking are standard features. Available driver assistance packages include adaptive cruise control to reduce speed at curves, roundabouts, and tollbooths; traffic sign recognition to adjust cruise control speed; active lane control; lane change; and occupant exit warning for oncoming traffic and motorcycles.

All 2021 E-Class models will be fully equipped. The E450 model comes standard with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless device charging, 64-color ambient lighting, heated front seats, front seat memory, Burmester sound system, panoramic sunroof, all-season tires on 18-inch alloy wheels come standard.

E53 models add a sport suspension with air springs, heated steering wheel, and 19-inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires.

Notable optional equipment includes heated armrests and steering wheel, cooled front seats, front seats with massage function, augmented reality for the navigation system, and a heads-up display.

Pricing for the 2021 E450 and E53 coupes and convertibles will be revealed closer to the launch date.