The prior W213 E-Class brought forth various technologies upon its introduction in 2016, and the fresh sixth-generation W214 continues to follow suit in a meaningful manner. That is the key takeaway regarding the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which merges an evolutionary design and unchanged engines with a groundbreaking interior enriched with displays and cameras, up to five of them, contingent upon the chosen options.
During the launch, Mercedes proposed two trim levels in North America: the E 350 and E 450. Concerning dimensions, it is slightly shorter in length by almost an inch but with a wheelbase that is half an inch longer. It results in a quarter-inch increase in headroom, a half-inch expansion in rear legroom, and elbow room that is practically similar to the S-Class. Both trims present the 4MATIC all-wheel drive powertrain and employ an improved rendition of the 9-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim level, you’ll encounter a familiar four-cylinder or inline-six engine under the hood. The mechanical aspects will be discussed in detail later, as the significant news lies within the interior.
Interior
You might be acquainted with most of the information we will present. Mercedes made the unusual move of introducing the fresh E-Class cabin in February, inclusive of images and a concise roster of characteristics. As a reminder, the MBUX Superscreen is fully operational regardless of the selected E-Class trim level. It closely resembles the standard arrangement discovered in the EQE, displaying a freestanding driver exhibit with the expansive screen merging into the central display. Two display designs are available: the Sporty variant is predictably designed for driving enthusiasts with excellent red illumination and a central tachometer, while the Classic alternative is, well, classic.
A traveler monitor is encompassed for those opting for the elective MBUX Deluxe Addition bundle. It’s linked to detectors in the traveler’s seat and thus exclusively enlivens if somebody rests there. The monitor is intended to enable occupants to a complete vista while hindering it from the driver, ensuring no further hindrance while journeying.
Speaking about diversions, we noted up to five video recorders for the E-Class cabin. Just one is typical – a singular recorder that tracks the driver to guarantee that the eyes stay on the roadway. A stereo recorder arrangement includes another driver monitor to the instrument display to support sophisticated operator-assist systems, while a motion recorder in the overhead control panel is a component of the MBUX Interior Assistant function. Two RGB recorders are also possible, one being a dashboard recorder and the other being the previously mentioned self-portrait recorder. Yes, it’s a factual occurrence that Mercedes claims can be utilized for online video calls while in transit. Or, more precisely, parked securely off the roadway.
Furthermore, an elective three-dimensional driver screen applies a stereoscopic influence. Essentially, the left and right orbs behold dissimilar pixels on the panel, bestowing a perception of profundity akin to those peculiar stereoscopic images one must converge their sights to glimpse. In addition, an optional feature known as Active Surrounding Illumination permits the gentle internal LED lights to synchronize with music blaring on the Burmester sound system. Hence, an extensive amount of occurrences are transpiring within this context.
Technology
According to Mercedes, the fresh E-Class focuses more on software than hardware. To demonstrate this, the sedan uses a new singular computer system that provides increased compatibility for third-party applications, among other features. During its debut, purchasers may opt for amusement applications such as the game Furious Avians, video conferencing applications such as Webex or Zoom, or surf the internet via the Vivaldi search engine. Moreover, the video-sharing platform TikTok comes pre-installed for occasions when you wish to watch a humorous clip or post something bizarre for your followers. Furthermore, this is all along with vehicle-oriented functions such as adjusting the climate, seat position, mirrors, enhancing performance, and navigation.
In order to assist motorists in managing the numerous functions available in the E-Class, Mercedes has enhanced its voice-activated control system. If the car has only one occupant, the phrase “Hey Mercedes” is no longer necessary to initiate a command. Moreover, the E-Class utilizes a sophisticated artificial intelligence system to assimilate the driver’s patterns and execute them automatically in due course. E-Class proprietors can also avail themselves of pre-installed patterns or devise their own, encompassing a wide range of options from particular climate conditions to lighting preferences and beyond.
Exterior
Amidst the plethora of technology within, it’s possible to overlook that this is essentially an automobile. Notwithstanding, the recognizable profile of the E-Class, with its rearward-positioned cabin, endures, albeit with EQ-inspired touches at the front. A lustrous black panel links the standard LED headlights, while a moderately enlarged grille sits centrally, surrounded by either chrome or discretionary LED running lights. Additionally, there is an optional provision of digital lights equipped with a projection mechanism. The LED taillights at the back have tidy three-pointed star elements, and the handles, flush with the doors, are typical. The wheels range in size from 18 to 21 inches.
Beneath, The E-Class acquires the choice of rear steering that has the capacity to pivot the wheels up to 4.5 degrees at velocities below 37 mph. Mercedes claims that this is adequate to cut almost three feet off the sedan’s turning circumference. The back wheels can pivot up to 2.5 degrees at greater velocities to supplement stability, maneuverability, and performance. It can be obtained with the optional Technology package, which includes the Airmatic air suspension system with continuously adjustable damping. Furthermore, it maintains the car’s level, and beyond velocities of 74 mph, it reduces the E-Class by slightly more than half an inch to enhance proficiency and decrease the center of gravity.
Powertrain
Beneath the hood, you’ll discover (virtually) matching motors utilized for the preceding E-Class. The E 350 retains a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, albeit it incorporates a tiny electric motor to evolve into a light hybrid. Its power is appraised at 255hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, with an extra 20 hp feasible via a boost mechanism. The E 450’s turbocharged inline-six is still a mild hybrid configuration, though its power is boosted to 375 hp. The six-cylinder motor produces 369 lb-ft of torque, and like the four-cylinder, it offers a 20-hp boost. Currently, Mercedes-Benz has not released any performance or efficiency evaluations, and there is no plug-in hybrid option in the United States.
Pricing And Availability
Likewise, there is a lack of pricing details regarding the latest E-Class, and neither is there a designated date of availability. Manufacturing is set to initiate later this year at both the Sindelfingen facility and in Beijing.