All the info you need on new Mercedes E-Class
The Mercedes E-Class has always been a favourite in the mid-size saloon market and this can be justified by the fact that it is one of the oldest and most successful models in the firm’s range, with the current E-Class reaching over 13 million sales globally. After months of rising competition from rivals such as Audi and BMW, Mercedes is determined to reclaim its place at the top of the mid-size saloon market with the all-new Mercedes E-Class, set to be unveiled this month at the Detroit Motor Show.
The “most technologically advanced” model Mercedes has ever produced will conquer the market in four unique variants; first up will be the saloon expected to go on sale in July. The Estate will be released toward the end of 2016, which will be followed by a Coupe and a Convertible to complete the line-up in 2017.
Many will love the design of the new Mercedes E-Class, while others will find the design to be tired and unexciting. The boxy German Muscle design has been scrapped and replaced by a softer and smoother design, basically cloning the S-Class. However, there is a bright side to being an S-Class clone. The same MRA architecture found on the S-Class will be used on the new Mercedes E-Class, not only making it wider and longer, but allowing it to shed almost 100kg.
Those of you who aren’t fans of the increasing similarities between the E-Class and the S-Class are in for a big surprise, as the interior of the new E-Class is essentially a watered-down version of the S-Class cabin. A large 24” HD digital readout draws attention to the wraparound dash, while the fluid centre console houses the COMAND controller for the infotainment. The digital readout screens are configurable and will be fitted as a standard feature on all models, aside from the base model. Considering all this equipment, one is safe to assume that the cabin is nothing less than premium.
There are also noteworthy improvements under the bonnet of the new executive saloon. A new running gear allows the possibility of an ultra-efficient plug-in hybrid version of the Mercedes E-Class, although we have yet to hear official word on this. Economy is always a crucial factor to Mercedes, but this is often disregarded when it comes to the Big Bad Wolf of the bunch – the Mercedes E63 AMG, which will be offered with the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. We will have to wait until 2017 for more figures, but what we do know is that the power output of the E63 is expected to rise as high as 447kW, outdoing the 411kW BMW M5.
Technology is abundant in the new Mercedes E-Class. For example, Mercedes Intelligent Drive technology allows the vehicle to guide itself around bends while maintaining a safe distance from the car in front thanks to an intricate web of cameras, sensors and radars. The system also reads speed limit signs, and increases and decreases the speed of the vehicle if the driver does not respond. Another feature called Evasive Steering Assist can detect when an evasive action is made and applies additional steering force to ensure the object is avoided. Car-to-X Communication is another safety system which enables vehicles on the same road to notify each other of upcoming potential hazards or accidents.
Drivers are able to park their vehicle, as well as lock, unlock and start their vehicle from a new smartphone app. Another app feature is Digital Car Key, which allows a smartphone to be used as a vehicle key. The system uses NFC technology, which allows the car to be locked and unlocked even if the phone battery is dead.
On paper, the new Mercedes E-Class is a definite winner. However, its success lies with how the market reacts to the design. It could be a hit, or a disaster. We’ll just have to wait and see when it comes to South Africa this year.
