New Mercedes-Benz E-Class: significantly more electric power

Highlights Mercedes-Benz E-Class

• Always electrified
• Significantly increased electrical range for plug-ins
• Reamer
• High tech
• In autumn in the Netherlands

Unfortunately for Mercedes-Benz, an extensive photo series surfaced online shortly before the unveiling of the new generation E-class. Now Mercedes-Benz itself has pulled the curtain off the new E and that immediately means that almost all open spaces will be filled. The E-class does not get an electric variant, after all, Mercedes-Benz has the EQE for that. The Mercedes-Benz E-class is more electrified than ever. Where the outgoing E still had a set of combustion engines without electrical assistance, all conventional petrol and diesel engines with which the model becomes available are mild hybrids. In addition, there are various plug-in hybrid powertrains and thanks to a new electric motor and a considerably larger battery pack, the EV content of those flavors has only increased further.

The Avangarde (left) and Exclusive (right).

Design

Before we discuss the engine range, we will first discuss the appearance of the new E-class with you. In a nutshell, the leaked photos of the E-class are undoubtedly still clear in your mind. The new Mercedes-Benz E-class is ‘just’ another traditional sedan, although the sedan shape has been tinkered with. Even more so than the C-class, the E-class has an optically short, sharply sloping sedan butt. Mercedes-Benz gives the E – incidentally optional – recessed door handles, headlights with a wavy line at the bottom, just like the copies of the EQE, and an LED light signature that has been cut up and thus seems to refer to the viewers of W210, W211 and the W212 from before the facelift.

In the rear lights connected by a plastic part, we see – just like in the front bumper – stars returning, which are of course reminiscent of the star in the Mercedes logo. We find another interesting detail at the front. Mercedes-Benz applies a black mask around the grille that it calls ‘Black Panel-like’. With this, Mercedes-Benz establishes a link between the E-class and the electric EQ models. Possibly to reduce the step in the future where the EV line and the brand’s non-fully electric models are merged. For now we can only show you the E-class Limousine. There will also be a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate, but it will make its debut later.

Mercedes-Benz E-class, again with a star on the nose.

If you look closely at the photos, you will see that the E-class has two external flavors. The variant with more dynamic-looking bumpers and grille with one horizontal slat listens to the name Avangarde known to Mercedes connoisseurs. So no AMG Line! The more elegantly dressed version is called Exclusive and has more subdued bumper work, a grille with three slats and … a star on the nose! LED headlights are, of course, standard. Optionally, Mercedes-Benz supplies its Digital Light units, with and without projection function. Each variant has its own signature.

Dimensions

The new E-class is 4.95 meters long and is therefore only two centimeters longer than the W212 it replaces. The wheelbase also increases by two centimeters compared to that of the previous model, resulting in an increase in interior space. According to Mercedes-Benz, rear seat occupants have 1.7 centimeters more legroom, one centimeter more knee room and 2.5 centimeters more elbow room. Anyone who has ever sat in the back of an E-class knows that the addition of those extra centimeters of space was certainly not a necessity. However, the content of the luggage compartment seems unchanged, but that is not earth-shattering given the small number of centimeters that the model has grown. The mild-hybrid E’s kick it up to 540 liters in the back, while you can stow 370 liters in the plug-in hybrid versions.

Mercedes Benz E class

engines

Immediately upon the Dutch market launch, the E-class will be available with three mild hybrid and three plug-in hybrid powertrains. Of the three mild hybrid machines, one is a petrol version: the E200 with 204 hp and 320 Nm strong 2.0 four-cylinder that is supported by a 23 hp and 205 Nm strong starter-generator. This basic engine helps the E-class reach a speed of 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h. Dieseling is possible with the mild-hybrid E220d, which has 197 hp and 440 Nm and to which Mercedes-Benz has added the same mild-hybrid hardware. The E220d is available with and without 4Matic four-wheel drive.

Then the most interesting machines: the plug-ins. The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is available as the E300e, E300e 4Matic and as the more powerful E400e 4Matic. The E300e’s have the 204 hp petrol engine of the E200, but also have a 129 hp and 440 Nm strong electric motor. In the previous plug-Es, the electric motor with 122 hp was slightly less potent. The system power of the E300e is 313 hp and 550 Nm. Like the other two plug-in versions, the E300e has a 25.4 kWh battery pack. There, the E300e squeezes out an electric range of 99-118 kilometers. The plug-in hybrid E’s of the previous model had a significantly smaller 13.5 kWh battery where the E-class could drive up to about 55 electric kilometers.

Mercedes Benz E class

The E400e is always equipped with 4Matic four-wheel drive and, in addition to the 129 hp electric motor, has a 252 hp and 400 Nm strong petrol heart, good for a system power of 381 hp and 650 Nm. This until the arrival of more powerful versions – and they are coming – strongest E accelerates to 100 km / h in 5.3 seconds and has a top speed that is regulated at 250 km / h. The E300e and E300e 4Matic sprint successively in 6.4 and 6.5 seconds to 100 km/h and have a top speed of 234 and 236 km/h.

In any case, plug-in hybrids with diesel engines will follow later, but of course also count on the arrival of one or more AMG sports models. Outside the Netherlands, the E-class is also available as an E220d (197 hp) and as the 300th 4Matic.

Mercedes Benz E class

Interior

No new Mercedes-Benz without MBUX infotainment and Mercedes-Benz is quite successful in that area. The E-class has the new MBUX Superscreen that – optionally – extends to the front of the co-driver. If you do not order this extra piece of screen, then, according to Mercedes-Benz, everything will of course be neatly finished with a decorative part. The dashboard of the new E is interspersed with LED mood lighting and the door panels flow into the dashboard in a smooth line. Just like in the C and S-class, there is a digital instrumentation behind the steering wheel without a roof that visually distances itself from the other screens and therefore does not – as in the EQE, for example – form one whole with it.

The round air vents that you will find in the C-class, EQE and EQS make way for curved air vents on either side of the dashboard. The touch-sensitive keys to operate the volume and the hazard lights are not, as with the EQE, near the armrest in the center tunnel, but in the center console.

Mercedes Benz E class

Technology and gadgets

The mild-hybrid E-classes have steel springs and the Agility Control-dipped damping system and are 1.5 centimeters closer to the asphalt than the plug-ins. Airmatic air suspension is optional and comes hand in hand with rear-axle steering, level control and continuously adjustable damping. Anyone who has an iPhone or Apple Watch can use their gadget as a car key. This also makes it possible to ‘share’ the car key with up to sixteen people. The E-owner can assign different rights to different users.

Mercedes-Benz supplies, among other things, a ‘4D’ audio system from Burmeister with seventeen speakers and with four so-called ‘sound resonant transducers’ in the front seats to ensure that you also experience the sound with your body. Mercedes-Benz promises, among other things, an extensive range of applications, including – yes – video game Angry Birds. More tangible indulgence comes optionally in the form of Thermotronic climate control with electronically controlled ventilation grilles. The mood lighting in turn reacts to music.

Movies can be streamed on the optional co-driver display without distracting the driver. Nothing is visible on the screen from the driver’s viewing angle. A smart camera detects that the driver is looking at the screen and automatically dims its brightness.

Also new is what is in the bump in the center of the dashboard. If you order the MBUX Superscreen, you will receive a camera with which you can, among other things selfies can create and record videos. The proof of how deep social media has sunk its claws into our doings. Depending on the market, the Mercedes-Benz even comes with a real TikTok app. Fear not: you can only use the camera when your E-Class is stationary. It should therefore also be possible to attend a meeting digitally. No E-class without a comprehensive range of passive and active safety systems. For example, Attention Assist, an active brake assistant, lane assistance and a ‘parking package’ with reversing camera are standard.

E-class and the Netherlands

The new Mercedes-Benz E-class will arrive in the Netherlands in the autumn of this year, but the order books will be opened this summer. Prices are not there yet. More engine versions and the E-class Estate will come later.