This is the new E-Class
Don’t feel bad for confusing it with the current C-Class at first glance.
MERCEDES-BENZ has officially revealed the new E-Class at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Don’t feel bad for confusing it with the current C-Class at first glance.
In terms of appearance the E-Class fits in between the C and S-Class design cues with very little unique detailing.
This will be the tenth generation of the luxury saloon and will feature a few new engines and loads of innovative technology.
The new E is expected to make its SA debut during the course of 2016.
Auto lane change
The new E-Class’ Active Lane-change Assistant option literally changes lane for you once the radar and cameras have made sure there are no cars in the way.
This gadget forms part of the Drive Pilot active cruise control system that can now follow the vehicle ahead at speeds of up to 210km/h (something that Germans will find handy on the autobahns) and the Steering Pilot lends some steering assistance to the driver too, even in moderate bends.
Space age cabin
Adjoining 31.2cm high-res screens that appear to float in the air (again optional spec), replaces the instrument cluster and the the infotainment hub.
The whole system can be operated through touch-sensitive control buttons on the steering wheel, which allow you to swipe like you would on a touch-screen.
Higher-quality materials lift the ambience inside, along with LED mood lighting in 64 colours, while cabin space has improved thanks to a 65mm stretch in the wheelbase.
New engines
The initial European range will offer just two engines, both turbo-charged 2.0-litre units, in the form of a 135kW/300Nm petrol in the E200 and an all-new 143kW/400Nm diesel in the E220d.
However, the line-up will quickly expand to offer a range more powerful units.
These include a 180kW four-cylinder turbo-petrol and 245kW/480Nm six-cylinder turbo-petrol as well as a 190kW/620Nm six-cylinder turbo-diesel.
The E63 AMG will power its way onto the scene at some point too, sporting an even hotter version of Affalterbach’s twin-turbo V8.
Plug-in hybrid
For the environmentally conscious Mercedes will offer the E350 e petrol-electric plug-in hybrid with system outputs of 205kW and 600Nm and an electric-only range of around 30km.
At launch all engines will be mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox, delivering power to the rear wheels in all but the 245kW E400, which gets all-wheel drive.
To keep the ride especially cushy, the new E-Class is available with multi-chamber air suspension, with all-round self-levelling.
