Setting the STANDARD
Parked neatly in a row, about a dozen 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans stood watch at the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. One of the most recognizable landmarks in Lisbon, the monument celebrates the Portuguese Age of Exploration. It’s an apt location for the E-Class’s first outing. The standard in elegance and luxury, the E-Class is about to set sail to a new territory: one that brings it to the realm of cutting-edge technology and self-driving cars. This is the Mercedes-Benz for the iPhone generation.
With Drive Pilot, the E- Class intervenes whether it feels the human driver is making mistakes. It can slam on the brakes, guide an evasive steering maneuver to dodge pedestrians or other cars, and even park or un-park itself from a tight spot while the driver stands outside. It can follow another car with no driver inputs in both urban or highway setting.
The E 200, which forms the foundation of the local E- Class lineup, is rated at 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque— enough to propel this luxury sedan to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. Upping to the E 300, and the horsepower count grows to 245 and torque to 370 Nm while 100 km/h time drops to 6.3 seconds. Interestingly, the model nomenclature is made more confusing with the E 200 and E 300 sharing the same 2.0- liter 4-cylinder motor. What varies is just the tuning.
Completing the styling trifecta started by the S-Class and continued by the C-Class, the E-Class wears the newest Mercedes-Benz design language. Dubbed “sensual purity,” it’s defined by the strong flanks, broad shoulders, and coupé-esque roofline.
Just like any other car, the E-Class’s lights serve as a strong aesthetic focal point. Found in models carrying the High Performance and MULTIBEAM LED headlights, it has the world’s first high-definition lighting system with 84 individually controllable LEDs. This enables excellent nighttime visibility, simultaneously illuminating the road, tracking objects both moving and stationary while reducing glare to both driver and oncoming traffic by turning off selective LEDs. The rear is no less impressive. Debuting here is the new “stardust” taillights that provide an otherworldly glow.
Inside, the E- Class manages to lend a traditionally luxurious yet advanced cabin. Front and center are the two 12.3-inch highresolution display. Apart from that, it has touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel. Working like a smartphone interface, it responds to
both horizontal and vertical swiping moments allowing for full control of the infotainment system.
For those who prefer a more traditional take on luxury, the E- Class does have the quietest interior in the segment. It’s also brimming with high- quality materials with the use of open-pore wood or wood veneer finished in a yachting look.
Setting out from Lisbon, the program takes the fleet down south to the port city of Setúbal some 82 kilometers away. After a few minutes of acclimatization, piloting the E-Class becomes second nature despite having to deal with Lisbon’s narrow city streets. The E-Class is renowned for its excellent sight lines and the 2017 model is no different. Together with the low dashboard height, it’s easy to see out of the hood lending to stellar visibility. And despite running on low profile tires, it made easy work of the cobblestone streets.
Free from the confusing maze of Lisbon, it’s time to open up the E- Class’s drivetrain. On the highway, it’s an effortless cruiser with an interior so quiet that the sensors actually sent out a speeding warning. Not wanting to risk a traffic citation, the adaptive cruise control took over. Exiting to local roads, the terrain turned to from straight highways to cross town winding roads — a perfect place to test the handling chops. Upholding its reputation for comfort and luxury, the ride never becomes harsh. Yet, it’s equally adept at tackling twisty roads with its precise steering and surefooted cornering. The E 300 produces just the right amount of intake growl to satisfy enthusiastic driving while the 9-speed automatic reacts quickly. Sometimes though, the shift program tries to shift one gear too low in response to acceleration, only to rev out to the next gear a millisecond later. This is quelled by engaging the more aggressive Sport and Sport+ modes. Plus, these two modes are best for perfectly timed, seamless downshifts when entering into a turn.
For a car that could spend most of its time driving itself, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class still manages to be fun. It has every right to be called a sports sedan. Yet, thanks to its comfortable and quiet cabin and plush ride, it makes a case for being the best midsized luxury sedan out there.