2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a tech beast
Touch-sensitive steering wheel, energizing coach and mood reader among new features
Once you get past all the marketing bumpf — “the most emotionally appealing representatives of the luxury-class family of models” — and the expected upgrade to Mercedes’ powerful “Hey, Mercedes” voice-activated MBUX system, the most interesting thing about the new Mercedes E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet is its steering wheel. Yes, the steering wheel. You see, what look like ordinary buttons on its interior spokes are actually capacitive sensors. Because they can actually “feel” your touch, not only do they switch certain features on and off, but they can also be used to swipe left and right or up and down.
Think of them as even handier electronic versions of those neat rotating wheels (for scrolling through a menu) that can also be pushed in to start said function.
But that’s not the niftiest part of that new-found capacitance. You know how those pesky semi-autonomous driving systems need a wiggle every 15 seconds to let the ADAS system’s torque sensors know you’re not daydreaming at the wheel? Not anymore. That’s because the Mercedes steering wheel has even more of those sensors. So when the little distraction nanny chimes in, all you have to do is grip the steering wheel a little more tightly and it senses that you’re still alive.
Now, I’ll leave it to you to determine whether a squeeze is an energy savings compared to a wiggle, but let me tell you the new E-Class will activate its Emergency Brake
Assist “if the driver continues to be inactive.” I guess we’re getting more serious about making sure drivers pay attention.
The new E-Class also gets Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system; it’s a true wonder if you’re into voice activation, but a touch complicated if you’re not. It’s a widescreen affair, the two 12.3-inch screens — one for the instrument cluster, the other housing the multi-function displays — completely dominating the dashboard. If you’re into the digital process, this is as futuristic-looking as Tesla’s giant portrait-oriented affair.
There is also something called an “Energizing Coach.” According to Mercedes, this new algorithm can, through a Garmin wearable device, detect your every mood and, controlled by our friend artificial intelligence, the system will activate the appropriate response from the E-Class.
So, if you’re tired, the E450 might play an uplifting tune and massage you vigorously. Aggravated? Well, then, you might get a little lighter version of said magic fingers along with some relaxing Chopin. Unless you’ve been driving for a long time. Then the seats might try to cajole you into a stationary exercise program. Yes, our cars have become annoyingly enthusiastic fitness instructors; surely it is the end of days.
As for more pedestrian, traditionally automotive upgrades, the E450 loses its turbo V6 in favour of Stuttgart’s latest turbocharged in-line six. The 3.0-litre M256 produces 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in this guise.
Mercedes’ EQBoost belt-alternator-starter system can add a further 21 hp and 184 lb. ft. for short bursts. Mated to 4Matic all-wheel drive, the combo is enough to accelerate the Coupe to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and the slightly heavier Cabriolet in 5.2.
The Cabrio’s Aircap electric draught-stop system and Airscarf neck-level heating mean this is one convertible ready for all four seasons. Also, its multi-layered roof with “sophisticated” insulation not only keeps things warm in winter but reduces wind noise.
The 2021 E450 Coupes and Cabriolets will be available in the last quarter of 2020 or the first part of 2021.