The current Mercedes-Benz E-class received a major facelift last year and in terms of appearance again fits perfectly between the fresher C-class and S-class. Under the skin, however, it is much older than those other two models and will remain that way. But in 2023, the new E.
The introduction of the EQS and EQE has demanded so much attention that you almost think that every Mercedes sedan is now definitively electric. But appearances are deceptive, because for the time being these models simply operate next to the regular S and E class in the program. The new generation of the latter was recently observed for the first time in camouflaged form. The future model does not bring major changes in appearance. So expect a classically designed, traditionally designed car with recognizable details. However, the flanks will soon be a bit tighter than the current model, thanks in part to new, recessed handles.
At the front, the new E is easiest to spot. This is mainly due to the grille, which is placed remarkably low in the front facade. The big question is whether the new ‘E’ will be available again with the traditional Mercedes grille, with chrome louvres and a star placed on the hood. That look was once standard on Mercedes-Benz sedans, but has increasingly disappeared in recent years. At the moment, this front is standard for the S-class, not available for the C-class and available at an extra cost for the E-class. But even if that division remains intact, the majority of the E-classes will have a large brand logo in the grille. Just like now, actually.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class – Illustration: Larson
New platform
Are there no significant changes at all with the new E-class? Anyway. That starts with the technical basis, because just like the C- and S-class, the E-class will soon be on the second generation of the rear-wheel drive MRA platform. This also makes a steerable rear axle possible. The interior is also undergoing a thorough overhaul. Since the new S-class, we know that the 1920s at Das Haus stand for a vertical touchscreen that seems to lean against the dashboard. This leaves room for large slabs of wood, aluminum or another finishing material, which largely determines the atmosphere on board. This arrangement also means the end of the touchpad between the seats. The E-class also follows the S when it comes to driver assistance systems and other innovations. Mercedes has come a long way with this, because it is the first car manufacturer worldwide to put level 3 autonomy into practice. This means that under certain circumstances the steering wheel can be completely relinquished, although there are still quite a few legal restrictions on this in the coming years.
Diesel
In the powertrain area, a small modernization round is sufficient, because the E-class is already well up to date in this area. There are already two plug-in hybrids, a number that is certainly not declining. In addition, there will be versions with petrol engines, albeit with mild-hybrid technology. Even diesels are expected to just return. With good reason, because the E-class fulfills an important commercial role due to its popularity as a taxi and is still the car for a lot of frequent drivers. In the Netherlands, the taxi role has quickly become smaller with the arrival of EVs, but in many German cities the ‘E’ is still lord and master in this area. As a sedan, but also as an Estate. That extraordinarily spacious station wagon returns, of course, as does the All-Terrain derived from it.
This puts the new E-class one important step ahead of the EQE, the recently presented electrical equivalent. In the Netherlands, a large part of the buyers in this segment will undoubtedly still move to an EQE, or to a comparably large SUV, of course. With an expected launch in 2023, we seem assured of an E-class until about 2030. That’s a consolation for traditionalists, although it seems likely that an EQE-like will take over for good after that.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl