[Updated 11/1/2016] For Mercedes, for Berlin cab drivers and for mid-ranking executives, a new E-Cass is a very big deal. Though the E-Class name has only been used since 1993, Mercedes refers to this car as the 'tenth-generation business saloon', evidently including the old W124, W123 and older models in the E history. It remains a key model despite Mercedes recent expansion and needs to be good; remember the controversy of slipping quality in the early 2000s?
Spot the difference; new E-Class has the DNA
Anyway, here's the new car. If it looks familiar, that's because those leaked images last week really were the official images and, yes, it really does look quite a lot like a C-Class. Though Mercedes would love to tell you about its 'Sensual Purity' design philosophy and the 'powerfully designed front end', you've probably made your mind up about how it looks already. Useful facts that have now been confirmed though include a wheelbase extension of 65mm (from 2,874mm to 2,939mm), a length increase of 43mm (4,923mm against 4,880) and a drag co-efficient of just 0.23Cd.
To the engines and chassis next, because the interior is a minefield of technology. In the UK the range will start with the E220d and its new 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel. For engine code geeks it's OM 654. The key numbers are 195hp, 102g/km and 72.4mpg. There will also be a 258hp E350d and 279hp E350e plug-in hybrid at launch, with all engines using the nine-speed automatic gearbox. Though the 333hp V6 E400 will be offered in Europe, don't expect to see it in UK dealers.
Pretty much drives itself going by the tech
Over here the suspension choices will be between standard Comfort Avantgarde for a "sportier character" and the option of multi-chamber air suspension, unique to this class. With three chambers in the spring struts of the rear axle and two in the struts at the front, the suspension has stages of firmness to work through. Mercedes says it offers 'soft base suspension, and the secure feeling of good handling stability as the speed increases.' This is controlled electronic damping adjustment system, in conjunction with the Active Body Control. The latter then has four modes - Comfort, Eco, Sport and Sport+ - which are selectable via the Dynamic Select switch. This is hopefully sounding familiar from previous new Mercs...
Integrated screen - has Merc responded to PH forums?
Now we've become used to active assists to keep you on the straight and narrow, but the new E-Class takes that even further. Quite a lot further. Consider this for a starter: if the car really cannot save you and a crash is inevitable, it will make the crash more pleasant for your ears. 'Pre-Safe Sound' is standard and emits a short interference signal if it thinks you're going to crash. It should trigger the 'stapedius reflex', which prepares the ears for the sound of an accident. Clever.
There's an awful lot of tech on top of that too; Active Brake Assist, Attention Assist, Crosswind Assist, Evasive Steering Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist. That's before the Drive Pilot, Steering Pilot and Lane-Change Assistant, the latter new for this E-Class. If autonomous driving doesn't appeal then the E-Class won't be for you. Perhaps of more interest will be the touch control buttons on the wheel and the Multifunction Telephony facility; wireless charging and connection are here!
The E-Class saloon makes its debut at Detroit this week, with a UK launch date and prices to follow soon. Fingers crossed for an E63 AMG confirmation soon.
Watch the tesaer video here.
[Original story, as published upon leak of official pictures]
While Mercedes may have recently pursued new niches as diverse as
SUV coupes
400hp hot hatches
, its saloons remain at the core of the range. In the last couple of years there has been a
new C-Class
new S-Class
; in 2016 they will be joined by this car, the fifth-generation E-Class.
Having been leaked ahead of next week's Detroit debut official info is scarce but there are enough images to see most of the E-Class inside and out. It's very, very clearly influenced by the C-Class, particularly from the outside; on first glance it's quite hard to tell them apart. But with a wheelbase believed to be 65mm longer than the old E-Class, the side profile is probably the best way to tell them apart. Inside sees a big overhaul of the main dash design, again borrowing from the other saloons in the range. And look, the infotainment screen is integrated into the dash!
Speculation will have to suffice on potential highlights as far as engines and technology goes. Expect a range of new petrols and diesels with four or six cylinders, plus hybrids throughout the range too. The nine-speed auto will feature, as will more four-wheel drive options. The replacement for the E63 AMG is some way off, but it's likely to use the 'hot-V' V8 used in the C63. On the recent launch for the C63 Coupe AMG boss Tobias Moers revealed the all-new, unique to AMG rear axle fitted to that car will also feature on the new hot E-Class.
As for tech, expect autonomous driving to feature strongly along with improvements in screen display and media integration. With the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 due for replacement in the near future also, it will be interesting to see where the Mercedes sets the bar.
That will follow in the official info at some point soon. For now have a gawp at the pics and share your thoughts!
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