New E-class pumps up the luxury and tech
Mercedes’ exec saloon is bigger, sleeker, more tech-savvy and heading upmarket
Mercedes-benz has unwrapped its sixthgeneration E-class, revealing a significantly more contemporary take on the traditional luxury saloon. It is set to go on sale in September at a price tipped to start at more than £50,000.
The new four-door will be one of the German car maker’s last dedicated combustion-engined models before it goes electric-only and has grown in size over the previous model to provide a larger interior.
The Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series rival also offers a revised range of drivetrains. These include overhauled petrol-electric plug-in hybrid systems with a longer electric range of up to 69 miles (WLTP) thanks to a larger 24.1kwh battery, up by 10.6kwh.
As well as the two hybrid options, the new E-class will initially be sold with a choice of four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with power outputs spanning 194bhp to 375bhp. All are mated to a standard ninespeed automatic gearbox.
In its design, the new E-class adopts a lineage similar to the smaller C-class and larger S-class, giving the traditional trio of Mercedes-benz saloons the most cohesive appearance in more than three decades.
More conservatively styled than the electric-powered and similarly sized EQE saloon, it retains a traditional saloon layout together with a larger grille (and optional illuminated surround), more shapely headlights and a longer bonnet. Avantgarde and AMG Line trims are expected to feature prominently in the UK.
Together with the initial saloon model revealed here, Mercedes-benz is readying a successor to the E-class Estate for a UK launch in December. The new luxury load hauler also forms the basis of a follow-up to the E-class All Terrain, which is planned for the first quarter of 2024.
With Mercedes-benz combining the next-generation C-class and E-class coupé
and cabriolet into a newly created CLE model line-up, the long-running E-class coupé and cabriolet are set to be phased out.
Inside, the new E-class receives a comprehensive reworking, with a newlook cabin that features more contemporary digital functionality, improved comfort and higher-quality materials. The changes are part of a concerted push by Mercedes-benz to make the traditional saloon reflect a more luxury-led image and a higher market position.
As revealed in February, the standard dashboard receives a free-standing 12.3in instrument screen and 14.4in portrait-style infotainment display. Buyers will also be able to specify the new Superscreen as an option.
With a focus on premium comfort, the new E-class also gets level-four autonomous tech as part of a driverless valet parking function – previously available on only the Mercedes S-class – as an option in markets where laws allow it, such as its home country of Germany. Production will take place at Mercedes-benz’s Sindelfingen plant in Germany.