Sindelfingen Probably no classic sedan symbolizes the automotive business class more than the Mercedes E-Class – and has done so for many generations. With its typical three-box silhouette, the E-Class is a million-seller, conservative in design, benchmark in the segment in terms of safety, technology and comfort. Predecessors such as the “Ponton”, the “Heckflosse”, the “Stroke 8” or the “W 123” paved the way to success.
When the new generation of the E-Class, known internally as the W 214, hits the dealerships in the fall, it will still appear to be a traditional business sedan on the outside – further developed through evolution and unmistakably a Mercedes.
A small revolution, on the other hand, greets the viewer as soon as he opens the doors. The cockpit not only exudes luxury and elegance, but is also one of the most modern in the industry when it comes to connectivity and digitization. However, older E-Class customers who did not grow up with smartphones and laptops need not fear being overwhelmed, the Mercedes developers managed to make operation logical and almost intuitive.
The central element remains the large touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard, with a high-resolution display and quick reactions when calling up the menu items. For the first time there is even a screen on the passenger side (optional equipment). If films are running on it while driving and the driver glances over at it curiously, the display darkens. The third generation of the MBUX system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is impressive.
Many things will definitely never be used or dismissed as gimmicks. But Mercedes leaves all of that to the customer. You don’t have to, but you can. For example, you can swing the ambient lighting to match the music or have your heart rate displayed on your Apple Watch. If the system detects irregularities, it suggests a revitalization program with a massage, music and special scents.
“Zoom” should be useful for business customers. The app allows you to take part in video conferences on the go. If buttons, icons and switches are too cumbersome to operate, select voice control. In the E-Class, it achieves a level of communication that has never been seen before in this quality. Even “AND” commands are possible. “Navigate me to Frankfurt Airport and please switch on the seat heating.” A “Hey, Mercedes” to activate is no longer necessary. It is enough to just start talking.
All engines are electrified, either as a mild hybrid (e-boost when accelerating) or as a plug-in hybrid (battery can be charged via a plug)
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
The central element remains the large touchscreen in the center of the dashboard, which is brilliant in its display and extremely responsive when calling up the menu items.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
And of course, in times of artificial intelligence (AI), this should not be missing in a new Mercedes. For example, if you drive through the same barrier onto the factory premises every morning, the side window is automatically lowered at exactly this point so that you can hold the chip card against the reader.
With all the electronics, digitization and software, the E-Class also has a lot to offer under the hood. All engines are electrified, either as a mild hybrid (e-boost when accelerating) or as a plug-in hybrid (battery can be charged via a plug). The latter now achieve an electric range of over 100 kilometers.
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The plug-in hybrids are initially only available in combination with a two-liter four-cylinder petrol engine. They are then called the E 300 e and E 400 e and have either 230 kW/313 hp or 280 kW/380 hp. In both cases, the electric motor contributes an additional 95 kW/129 hp. At the beginning of 2024, Mercedes will also offer the E-Class as a diesel plug-in hybrid.
The entry into the W 214 series is the E 200 with 150 kW/204 hp and an additional 17 kW/23 hp, which are generated via the e-boost. The same applies to the only diesel so far, the E 220 d. It delivers 197 kW/268 hp and should still be the best option for frequent drivers, especially since Mercedes specifies consumption as just 4.8 l/100 km (WLTP standard).
The E-Class remains true to the classic, conservative design language.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
Traditionally, the Mercedes E-Class starts as a sedan.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
However, it will not remain with only four cylinders. The E-Class is positioned too globally for this. Next year Mercedes will submit a petrol engine and a diesel, both are three-liter six-cylinder and bear the designations E 450 and E 450 d. With the exception of the E 200, all versions can be ordered with all-wheel drive (4Matic).
A 9-speed automatic is always standard. Ride comfort remains important to Mercedes. One can confidently assume that the E-Class glides along so smoothly. If you order the technology package, an air suspension with level control in the wheel arches works. Rear-axle steering is also integrated. It reduces the turning circle by 90 centimeters, which should be particularly noticeable in parking garages.
Traditionally, the Mercedes E-Class starts as a sedan. The station wagon variant (Estate) will follow a few weeks later and at the end of this year. For 2024, the slightly higher T-model version All-Terrain is on the program. The two AMG derivatives E 53 and E 63 will also follow in 2024 and complete the series.
Mercedes only names prices in the summer, when the order books are opened. Due to the improved standard equipment compared to today’s model, the E 200 should start at at least 55,000 euros.
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