The Mercedes E-Class has been a core model for decades and has become a symbol of the automobile business class. The new generation of E-Class will be available at dealerships this autumn and it remains a traditional business sedan on the outside, evolved incrementally while unmistakably a Mercedes.
The wheelbase of the New E Class has been stretched by 22 mm and is now 2,961 mm, genrating more interior space in a car that now measures a substantial 4949 mm. Kneeroom and maximum legroom are increased by 10 and 17 millimetres respectively.
However, the biggest surprises are no longer under the hood but in the digitalization of the car. The cockpit not only exudes luxury and elegance but is also among the most advanced in the industry in terms of connectivity and digitalisation. The central element remains the large touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard, brilliant in display and extremely responsive when accessing menus.
For the first time, there is even a screen on the passenger side (optional equipment). If movies are playing on it during the drive and the driver glances curiously over, the display darkens.
The third generation of the MBUX system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) has a lot of features that are almost unbelievable! The new Superscreen is like the Hyperscreen, but with only two displays (center and passenger). The MBUX system shows speed, fuel, battery life, gear and other vitals behind the steering wheel, while the touch-sensitive display next to it is for phone, media and navigation control. Climate controls are not included on this display.
You no longer have an excuse to miss a Zoom meeting as Zoom is now available and the system has the ability to stream video. Other entertainment apps are also available (ex. TikTok, Angry Birds, Webex by Cisco cloud-based collaboration solutions, Vivaldi web browser and more).
The Burmester® 4D surround sound system, which is the standard in the car, provides a multi-dimensional surround sound experience. With the aid of unique Burmester® algorithms and two loudspeakers that are integrated into the roofline, the system generates 3D surround sound. Moreover, the seats directly reproduce the sound resonance, thus adding another dimension to the three-dimensional listening experience. This is known as 4D sound, which is inspired by an acoustic massage, making music even more emotive with this tangible component. To achieve this, two tactile transducers are installed into the backrest of each front seat. Along with the new sound visualization (which is described in a separate section), entertainment sound can now be experienced through three senses in a Mercedes-Benz for the first time.
If buttons, icons and switches for operation are too cumbersome, voice control is an option. It achieves a level of communication in the E-Class that has not been seen in this quality anywhere before. Even “and” commands are possible. “Navigate me to Los Angeles and please turn on the seat heating.” Also, saying “Hey, Mercedes” for activation is no longer necessary. Simply speaking is enough ( anyone remembers Kitt from Night Rider? )
All engines are electrified, either as a mild hybrid (E-boost during acceleration) or as a plug-in hybrid. The latter now has an electric range of over 100 kilometres. Initially, the plug-in hybrids will only be available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, and will be called the E 300e and E 400e, with either 313hp or 380hp respectively, both featuring an additional 95 kW/129hp from the electric motor. In early 2024, Mercedes will also offer the E-Class as a diesel plug-in hybrid.
The W 214 series by Mercedes has an entry-level model called E 200. The is a rear-wheel petrol model that generates 201hp and an additional 17 kW/23hp generated by the E-boost.
The only diesel available so far is the E 220d that produces 2687hp (optionally with 4Matic all-wheel drive) and has a WLTP consumption figure of just 4.8 l/100 km, which could be the best option for frequent drivers. Mercedes plans to introduce a petrol and a diesel engine next year, both with a three-litre six-cylinder engine, named the E 450 and E 450d. Except for the E 200, all versions can be ordered with all-wheel drive, and a 9-speed automatic transmission is standard.
The E-Class is known for its comfort and smooth ride quality in this segment. With the technology package, an air suspension with level regulation in the wheel arches is integrated, along with rear-wheel steering that reduces the turning circle by 90 centimetres, which is particularly useful in car parks.
The E-Class is traditionally launched as a sedan, followed a few weeks later by the estate (T-Model), which is due to be released later this year. The slightly elevated T-Model version, All-Terrain, is planned for 2024. The two AMG derivatives, E 53 and E 63, will also follow in 2024 and complete the series.
Prices are expected at the beginning of the summer.
