E for an executive Merc
The new E-Class is a Mercedes-Benz classic for the modern age, but you might not be pushing its buttons
Another week, another chance to grapple with an in-car infotainment system. It’s the burden of scrolling through layers of menus when all you want to do is change the volume on the radio, lower the in-car temperature or even, as was the case in a vehicle tested recently, adjust the wing mirrors.
While it’s easy to understand the cost savings for carmakers of turning car dashboards into something akin to the smartphone, are there any benefits for drivers? Swedish motoring magazine Vi Bilagare tested 11 cars on sale in Europe to see how easy these systems were to use. They measured the time needed for a driver to carry out basic tasks such as changing radio station or adjusting the temperature while driving at a speed of 110kmh. A 17-year-old Volvo without a touchscreen was used for comparison. They found that drivers are taking much longer to perform regular tasks on in-vehicle touch screens compared to physical buttons and switches. Indeed, in the worst-performing car a driver needs four times longer to perform simple tasks than in the best-performing car.
Research showing touchscreen use slows reaction time isn’t new, but all this is set to change as buttons and switches are making a comeback. From 2026 the Euro NCAP safety rating scheme will introduce new testing rules that require vehicles to have physical controls to earn the highest score, so watch this space.
Our test car this week comes from the company that gave us the 142cm-wide optional hyperscreen with a price tag of €12,213, which sweeps from one side of the dashboard to the other in its top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benz EQS. With a price tag of €12,213 it’s
It’s good to drive and comfortable regardless of the surface; the steering is nicely weighted
likely there weren’t too many buyers. In contrast, the E-Class, reviewed here, has been one of the German carmaker’s most popular models for more than 75 years.
Changes to the exterior are subtle, but include a new fascia and grille, high-performance LED headlamps and flush-fitted doors.
Inside is where the E-Class shines. The cabin is comfortable and the finish luxurious. There’s good news on the practical front too. The wheelbase is now slightly longer so space has improved plus the boot has also increased up to 540 litres. This is reduced to 370 litres in the plug-in hybrid version we tested, though.
The new E-Class has a choice of three petrol versions, three diesel options and a plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range of 116km.
On the road, it’s good to drive and comfortable regardless of the surface and the steering is nicely weighted. It hasn’t managed to usurp the BMW 5 series as the benchmark for handling and ride quality, but it has certainly closed the gap. As expected from Mercedes, the E-Class is brimming with passive as well as active safety systems.
Starting at €80,525, the car’s rivals include the BMW 5 Series (€70,845) and Audi’s A6 (€60,045).
If you are in the market for an executive car then the E-Class PHEV may not be cheap but it’s an impressive all-rounder, particularly for those with a commute that suits the all-electric range. Those looking for a car with buttons and switches inside will have to wait a little bit longer. ●