Fleet

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The main points at a glance

Aug 10, 2020 Stuttgart

More dynamic exterior:

Now the entry-level model already comes with the sporty Avantgarde Line exterior with central star. The fresh appearance is enhanced by the new front end with increased chrome content. The AMG Line with a new bumper in the style of the AMG Performance models looks even sportier. In addition, Avantgarde, AMG Line and All-Terrain feature a bonnet with powerdomes. The designers have also updated the Saloon's rear end with a new bumper, two-section tail lights with a new internal design and a new boot lid. The All-Terrain is visually more similar to the SUV models. All-Terrain specific components such as the radiator grille or the simulated underguard are now in Silver Shadow. The front sections of the Coupé and Cabriolet have also been enhanced. The more dynamic impression comes courtesy of flatter headlamps which, even in the entry-level models, feature all-LED technology. The "A-shape" design of the new diamond radiator grille, which is likewise standard on all versions, adds a particularly dynamic touch. The grille also features chrome-plated dots, a single louvre and the Mercedes star in the centre. A new highlight of the muscular rear section is the completely redesigned inner workings of the two-section tail lights, featuring LED technology.

New colours and trim in the interior:

New appointment colours and materials upgrade the interior of the Saloon and Estate. These include the new colour combinations magma grey/neva grey (Avantgarde), black/nut brown (Exclusive) and magma grey/macchiato beige (Exclusive), and trim in silver open-pore ash wood, fondant burr walnut wood, brushed aluminium and aluminium with a carbon grain. There are also new trim options for the Coupé and Cabriolet – grey open-pore ash wood and light aluminium with carbon-fibre grain.

New steering wheel:

The E-Class is fitted with an entirely new steering wheel as part of the facelift. This is available as a leather steering wheel and in a Supersport variant. The control surfaces sport a high-gloss black finish, while the trim elements and surrounds have a silver shadow finish. The functions of the instrument cluster and media display are operated using touch controls, the physical principle of which has been changed from optical to capacitive.

Next-generation driving assistance systems, including:

New steering wheel generation with capacitive hands-off detection
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adjustment
Active Stop-and-Go Assist
Active Steering Assist
Active Brake Assist; in the Driving Assistance Package now also with turning manoeuvre function
Active Blind Spot Assist – now also with exit warning

Parking Package in conjunction with 360° camera: newly expanded side view and for the first time automatic parking not only in parallel and end-on parking spaces, but also on marked areas.

Latest generation of the MBUX multimedia system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience)

As standard the E-Class models include two large 10.25-inch/26 cm screens, which are arranged side by side to give a widescreen effect. Two 12.3-inch/31.2 cm screens are optionally available. The information in the instrument cluster and on the media display is easily legible on the large, high-resolution screens. An emotive presentation with brilliant graphics underlines the comprehensibility of the intuitive control structure.

URBAN GUARD protects the vehicle against vandals and criminals:

The optional packages URBAN GUARD Vehicle Protection and URBAN GUARD Vehicle Protection Plus are available for the E-Class. URBAN GUARD comprises an anti-theft alarm system, tow-away protection with visual and audible warning in case of a detected change in position, an alarm siren, interior monitoring and preinstallation for theft and parking collision detection. In addition, URBAN GUARD Vehicle Protection Plus is able to pinpoint the location of stolen vehicles.

Electrification of the powertrain:

For the first time, the four-cylinder diesel (OM 654 M) and petrol (M 254) engines feature a second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) producing up to 15 kW of additional output and 200 Nm more torque. Both engines are highly efficient thanks to energy recovery and the ability to "glide". This technology is also standard equipment for the six-cylinder petrol engines available for the first time in the E-Class. There are also seven plug-in hybrid variants of the Saloon and Estate. This EQ Power is available in combination with diesel and petrol engines. The line-up of high-efficiency, low-emission and powerful petrol engines will cover an output range from 115 to 270 kW, while the diesel spectrum spans from 118 to 243 kW.

Intelligence becomes exciting and lovable

Stuttgart. Automotive intelligence is now getting exciting and even more desirable: the models in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class are being comprehensively upgraded. The styling has a more sporty touch, with the front sections in particular being given a fresh look. The all-LED headlamps have been given flatter housings, while the interior of the LED tail lights has been reworked. The technical enhancements include electrified petrol and diesel engines with integrated starter-generator, the next generation of driving assistance systems and the MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The new E-Class will be in the showrooms of European sales partners in autumn 2020.

With over 14 million Saloon, Estate, Coupé and Cabriolet models delivered since 1946, the E-Class is the best-selling model series in the history of Mercedes-Benz. Many regard it as the "heart of the brand". The tenth generation of the
E-Class set styling trends with its clean yet emotionally appealing design, and an exclusive, high-quality interior. The Saloon and Estate entered the market in the spring and autumn of 2016, with the Coupé and Cabriolet following in the spring and summer of 2017. The wealth of innovations, e.g. in the driving assistance systems, was also characteristic. This emotionally appealing and at the same time intelligent combination is extremely successful: to date, more than 1.2 million customers around the world have purchased a current-generation E-Class.

More dynamic design for the Saloon and Estate

The enhanced dynamics and the upgrade to the E-Class Saloon and Estate are reflected in the model range: Now the entry-level model already comes with the sporty Avantgarde Line exterior. As a result, the base model of the E‑Class features a central star at the front for the first time. The new front end with increased chrome content plays a role in the fresh appearance: The grille of the Avantgarde Line was redesigned with two chrome louvres and vertical high-gloss black struts. Chrome and high-gloss black trim elements in the front bumper underscore the sporty and elegant appearance. The likewise available Exclusive Line lives up to its name: The special grille, the upright star on the bonnet and the large chrome elements in the front bumper emphasise this positioning.

The AMG Line with a new bumper in the style of the AMG Performance models looks even sportier. In addition, Avantgarde, AMG Line and All-Terrain feature a bonnet with powerdomes. The E-Class features all-LED headlamps as standard. MULTIBEAM LED headlamps including ULTRA RANGE high beams are available as optional equipment.

The designers also updated the Saloon's rear end with a new bumper, two-section tail lights and a new boot lid. The inner design of the tail lights has been revised for all models.

The All-Terrain is visually more similar to the SUV models. In addition, signature All-Terrain components such as the radiator grille or the simulated underguard now sport a high-gloss chrome finish rather than the previous silver shadow hue.

The three new paint colours available for the E-Class as part of the model refresh go by the names high-tech silver, graphite grey metallic and mojave silver. The wheel line-up has also been expanded and now includes aero wheels, which also contribute to saving fuel and thus to sustainability.

Even more emotional: the design of the Cabriolet and Coupé

Especially the front section design of these dream cars has been revised and sharpened up. The more dynamic impression comes courtesy of flatter headlamps which, even in the entry-level models, feature all-LED technology. The inner workings of these LED High Performance headlamps are quite exceptional. Among the hallmark Mercedes-Benz design features are the torch-flame effect and two non-illuminated pins. With the optionally available MULTIBEAM LED headlamps, the latter are lit.

The "A-shape" design of the new diamond radiator grille, which is likewise standard on all versions, adds a particularly dynamic touch. The grille also features chrome-plated dots, a single louvre and the Mercedes star in the centre.

A new highlight of the muscular rear section is the completely redesigned inner workings of the two-section tail lights, featuring LED technology. The star module with integrated reversing camera is inset into the boot lid.

The four paint colours newly available for the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet as part of the facelift go by the names high-tech silver, graphite grey metallic, mojave silver and patagonia red (designo). The wheel line-up has also been expanded. It also includes aero wheels, whose special design contributes to fuel economy and therefore sustainability.

New colours and trim in the interior:

The seats combine hallmark Mercedes-Benz long-distance suitability with avant-garde design. While providing a high level of comfort, they ensure good support in dynamic driving situations. The adaptive driver's seat adjustment is a particularly intelligent feature: when the driver's height is entered in the media display or via Mercedes me, the seat automatically moves into a position generally suitable for someone of that height, which then only needs to be fine-tuned by the driver.

In the Saloon and Estate, the design of the front seats accentuates the sporty aura of the interior. They offer strong lateral support without compromising on comfort. The seat contour follows the pronounced side bolsters and, depending on the specification, the centre section has sporty transverse or modern longitudinal seams. The colours of the centre sections of the seat backrest and cushion are matched to the overall sculpture of the seats. Numerous material combinations ranging from fabric to ARTICO man-made leather to embossed leather to nappa leather with diamond quilting are possible.

The integral-look sports seats of these two dream cars feature prominent side bolsters and integrated head restraints. The seat contour follows the pronounced side bolsters and, depending on the specification, the centre section has sporty transverse or modern longitudinal seams. The colours of the centre sections of the seat backrest and cushion are coordinated with the overall sculpture of the seats. Numerous material combinations ranging from fabric to ARTICO man-made leather, embossed leather, nappa leather with diamond quilting and even sun-reflecting leather (for the Cabriolet) are all possible.

Next-generation driving assistance systems: better assistance in tailbacks and when parking

The new E-Class has the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems providing cooperative support to drivers. This results in an especially high level of active safety: the vehicle is able to react intelligently and rapidly if the driver fails to respond. The hands-off detection feature of the steering wheel now works on a capacitive basis. This enhances user-friendliness when driving in semi-automated mode. This is because to inform the assistance systems that the driver still has control of the E-Class, it is sufficient for the driver to hold the steering wheel. Steering torque – that is to say a slight steering movement – was previously required as feedback. The new steering wheel (see separate section for details) features a pad with the appropriate sensors in the rim. These register whether the driver is holding the wheel. If the system detects that the driver does not have his/her hands on the steering wheel for a certain time, a warning sequence is started. This finally activates Emergency Brake Assist if the driver continues to be inactive.

As standard the E-Class comes with Active Brake Assist, which in many situations is able to use autonomous braking to prevent a collision or mitigate its severity. The system is also able to brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians at typical city speeds and even to prevent collisions, depending on the situation. As part of the Driving Assistance Package, this is now also possible when turning off across the oncoming lane. A range of further Intelligent Drive functions can optionally be added to the Driving Assistance Package.

Even more comfort in the interior: a new generation of steering wheels, plus MBUX

The E-Class is equipped with an entirely redesigned, intelligent steering wheel as part of the facelift. This is available as a leather steering wheel and in a Supersport variant. The control surfaces sport a high-gloss black finish, while the trim elements and surrounds have a silver shadow finish. The functions of the instrument cluster and media display are operated using touch controls, the physical principle of which has been changed from optical to capacitive.

The new E-Class is equipped with the latest generation of the MBUX multimedia system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). As standard, it includes two large 10.25-inch/26 cm screens arranged side by side for a sublime widescreen look. Two 12.3-inch/31.2 cm screens are optionally available. The information in the instrument cluster and on the media display is easily legible on the high-resolution screens. An emotive presentation with brilliant graphics underlines the comprehensibility of the intuitive control structure.

ENERGIZING comfort control cleverly networks various comfort systems in the vehicle, and uses musical and lighting moods plus a number of massage modes for a wide range of feel-good programmes. The ENERGIZING COACH is a new feature. This function is based on an intelligent algorithm and recommends one or other of the programmes depending on the situation and the individual concerned. If a Garmin^® wearable is integrated, personal values such as stress level or quality of sleep optimise the accuracy of the recommendation. The aim is to ensure that the driver feels well and relaxed even during demanding or monotonous journeys.

The "PowerNap" programme is available in the plug-in hybrids (Saloon and Estate): a useful feature, for example when taking a break from driving at a rest area. The programme has three phases – falling asleep, sleeping, waking – and can enhance the performance of the driver and provide new energy.

URBAN GUARD: intelligent interlinking of hardware and digital solutions for protection against crime

In conjunction with Mercedes me, the two packages URBAN GUARD Vehicle Protection and URBAN GUARD Vehicle Protection Plus enable all-round monitoring of the parked vehicle. URBAN GUARD comprises an anti-theft alarm system, tow-away protection with visual and audible warning in the case of a detected change in position, an alarm siren, interior monitoring (triggers in the case of movements in the interior) as well as a preinstallation for theft and parking collision detection. In the case of the latter, the vehicle sensors register when the parked and locked vehicle is bumped or towed – or when someone attempts to break into the vehicle. If the service is active, the driver immediately receives detailed information via the Mercedes me App. By means of a push notification, he/she finds out how severe the parking damage is and in which area of the vehicle it occurred, for example. As soon as the vehicle is restarted, this information is also shown once on the media display.

In addition, URBAN GUARD Vehicle Protection Plus offers a function for pinpointing the position of stolen vehicles. In the case of theft, this also makes it possible to recover the vehicle even if the thief has deactivated the vehicle tracking function. This takes place in cooperation with police.

E as in efficiency: electrification of the powertrain is extended

The electrification of the powertrain takes another major step forward with the facelift of the E-Class. Seven models are available as plug-in hybrids (diesel and petrol, Saloon and Estate, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive). The line-up of high-efficiency, low-emission and powerful petrol engines will cover an output range from 115 to 270 kW, while the diesel spectrum spans from 118 to 243 kW.

New technical features for the OM 654: on the way to becoming the most powerful four-cylinder diesel

Fundamental further technical development is envisaged for the OM 654 four-cylinder diesel engine introduced in 2016. Leading the way among the measures aimed at further improving efficiency is the new OM 654 M with integrated starter-generator. It therefore has a partially 48-volt onboard electrical system. A recuperation function and the ability to "glide" with the engine switched off make the engine even more efficient. Along with electrification, which also includes the use of an electric refrigerant compressor for the air-conditioning system, the following are the most important modifications that allow an output of up to 195 kW plus an additional 15 kW from the EQ Boost system:

A new crankshaft increases the stroke to 94 mm and the displacement to 1993 cc (previously: 92.3 and 1950).
The injection pressure is increased to 2700 bar (previously 2500)
Particularly fast response times and steady power delivery thanks to two water-cooled turbochargers, both featuring variable turbine geometry.
A sodium-filled cooling duct in each of the steel pistons. This helps to dissipate temperature peaks in the piston recess.
In terms of exhaust gas aftertreatment, this most powerful of the four-cylinder diesel engines also takes things a step further.

Four-cylinder petrol engine with second-generation ISG.

Also for the first time, a four-cylinder petrol engine (M 254) with second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) producing up to 15 kW of additional output and 180 Nm more torque will complement the engine range. Models equipped with this engine will have a 48-volt onboard electrical system. Thanks to energy recovery and the ability to "glide" with the engine switched off, the petrol engine is highly efficient. In the M 254, Mercedes-Benz has for the first time combined all the innovations of the modular engine family of four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel units in a single engine. They include the NANOSLIDE^® cylinder coating, the CONICSHAPE^® cylinder honing (trumpet honing) and the exhaust aftertreatment system positioned directly at the engine.

A completely new feature is the segment charger with flow connection, an advancement of the twin-scroll technology for even more instantaneous response of the forced induction system. When needed, an electric additional compressor quickly builds up the charge pressure – especially at low combustion engine speeds – and thereby contributes to a highly dynamic throttle response.

Ongoing development work means that the integrated starter-generator used here is a second-generation unit that is now part of the transmission (rather than of the engine). This means that it can be more easily combined with different engines. The extra boost that is available right from the first turn of the engine, known as EQ Boost, can deliver as much as 15 kW and 180 Nm, thus ensuring even more driving enjoyment.

The in-line six-cylinder petrol engine (M 256), available for the first time in the E-Class, is also fitted with an ISG. This unit already familiar from the CLS, S-Class and GLE, with its electrical boost of up to 16 kW and as much as 250 Nm, reinforces the sporty character. The standard combination with the all-wheel drive system 4MATIC further accentuates the dynamism. The systematic electrification of the engine is a major factor in the exceptional efficiency of the powertrain.

The 9G-TRONIC transmission has also been further developed to accommodate the second-generation ISG and is being used, in a first step, with the four-cylinder ISG engine. The electric motor, the power electronics and the transmission cooler have now moved into or onto the transmission. Previously required cables can be eliminated, which offers advantages with regard to installation space and weight. This makes it easy to combine the transmission with the different combustion engines. In addition, the efficiency of the transmission has been increased. Among other aspects, the optimised interaction with the electric auxiliary oil pump reduces the delivery rate of the mechanical pump by 30 percent, improving efficiency. A new generation of the fully integrated transmission control with multi-core processor and new construction and joining technology is also used here. In addition to the increased computing power, the number of electric interfaces has been drastically reduced, and the weight of the transmission control has been cut by 30 percent.

The line-up of diesel engines is completed by the in-line six-cylinder unit (OM 656), which is available in conjunction with the all-wheel drive system 4MATIC.

Further development for more dynamism

The greater dynamism and upgrade to the E-Class are especially reflected in the redesigned front section: even the entry-level variants of the Saloon and Estate already come with the sporty Avantgarde Line exterior. As a result, the base model of the E‑Class features a central star at the front for the first time. The exterior design of the Coupé and Cabriolet has also been developed further. In this case the focus of the update was likewise on the front section. The even more dynamic appearance of the two-door models is in part due to the new diamond grille with an A-shaped design and the flatter headlamps. The major visual changes are as follows - see the profiles of the individual models for the basic features and philosophy of the exterior design of the model series.

Saloon and Estate:

Entry-level model with Avantgarde Line exterior (incl. central star) as standard
Front end with increased chrome content
Redesigned headlamps
Redesigned radiator grille
Bonnet with powerdomes for Avantgarde, AMG Line and All-Terrain
AMG Line: New bumper in the style of the AMG Performance models
Saloon: New rear bumper, new boot lid
Redesigned two-section tail lights with new inner components
All-Terrain: Visually more similar to the SUV models, radiator grille and styled underguard now in high-gloss chrome.
New paint finishes: high-tech silver, graphite grey metallic and mojave silver
New aero wheels

New interior colours and materials, new steering wheel

A sensual interior with a generous spatial architecture, high-quality materials and technical innovations: These have enabled the current E-Class to define a new level in the business class. The interior has now been upgraded with many fine-tuned details including new interior colours and a new steering wheel. The major visual changes are as follows - see the profiles of the individual models for the basic features and philosophy of the interior design of the model series.

The E-Class is equipped with an entirely redesigned, intelligent steering wheel as part of the facelift. The steering wheel is available in three versions: "Sport", "Luxury" and "Supersport". The proportions of the airbag, spokes and rim are harmonious. The airbag has no cladding, but is styled as an attractive sphere. In the "Luxury" variant the spokes form a cup in a black-panel look, with the sphere floating within it. Its designers were inspired by fluted blossoms of the elegant Callas pot plant. In the "Supersport" version the spherical airbag is carried by two double-decker spokes in a black-panel look. These are reminiscent of the wing nuts on sports car wheels.

The size of the steering wheel has remained the same as in the previous generation. Mercedes-Benz has defined fixed sizes for steering wheels. Depending on the version, the diameter is 370 millimetres ("Supersport") to 380 millimetres ("Luxury"). The steering wheel rim is 29 millimetres wide and 42 to 44 millimetres in depth.

The functioning of the Touch Control buttons integrated into the steering wheel spokes is now also capacitive. This further reduces the mechanical control panels. The jointless control arrays are divided into functional groups and flush with the spokes. As on a smartphone, the touch impulses are registered by capacitive sensors and evaluated, allowing intuitive operation using swiping gestures and pressing the familiar symbols. The high-quality materials have been selected to ensure operation even in a hot interior subjected to strong sunshine. Recognition whether the driver has control of the steering wheel is also capacitive (see section "Under the microscope: the capacitive steering wheel“).

The new E-Class is equipped with the latest generation of the MBUX multimedia system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). As standard, it includes two large 10.25-inch/26 cm screens, which for a widescreen look are arranged side by side. Two 12.3-inch/31.2 cm screens are optionally available. The information in the instrument cluster and on the media display is easily legible on the large, high-resolution screens. An emotive presentation with brilliant graphics underlines the comprehensibility of the intuitive control structure.

New appointment colours and materials upgrade the interior. In the Saloon and Estate these include the new colour combinations magma grey/neva grey (Avantgarde), black/nut brown (Exclusive) and magma grey/macchiato beige (Exclusive), and trim in silver open-pore ash wood, fondant burr walnut wood, brushed aluminium and aluminium with a carbon grain. In the Coupé and Cabriolet, grey open-pore ash wood and light aluminium with carbon-fibre grain enhance the interior for the first time.

The design of the front seats accentuates the sporty aura of the interior. They offer strong lateral support without compromising on comfort. The seat contour follows the pronounced side bolsters and, depending on the specification, the centre section has sporty transverse or modern longitudinal seams. The colours of the centre sections of the seat backrest and cushion are matched to the overall sculpture of the seats. Numerous material combinations ranging from fabric to ARTICO man-made leather, embossed leather, nappa leather with diamond quilting and even sun-reflecting leather (for the Cabriolet) are all possible.

Convenient and intelligent support

Aug 10, 2020 Stuttgart

The new E-Class has the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems providing cooperative support to drivers. This results in an especially high level of active safety: Saloon and Estate are able to react if the driver doesn't. As standard the E-Class comes with Active Brake Assist, which in many situations is able to use autonomous braking to prevent a collision or mitigate its severity. The system is also able to brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians at typical city speeds and even to prevent collisions, depending on the situation. As part of the Driving Assistance Package, this is now also possible when turning off across the oncoming lane.

Assisting the driver as conveniently as possible, and being available when things get critical to prevent an even worse outcome: Digital solutions such as the networking of safety and assistance systems since 2016 help to ensure that the E-Class is probably the most intelligent saloon in its segment. Alongside an enhanced multi-purpose stereo camera behind the windscreen and new multi-stage radar sensors with adjustable range and opening angle around the vehicle, the numerous networked sensors include ultrasonic sensors and the 360° camera's lenses. The combined use of data from the sensors allows analysis of complex traffic situations, better detection of potential dangers on the road, and therefore the ability to further enhance the increasing number of functions provided by the safety and assistance systems.

The E-Class has reached another important milestone in safety engineering: the hands-off recognition now works on a capacitive basis (see next section for details). This enhances user-friendliness when driving in semi-automated mode. This is because to inform the assistance systems that the driver still has control of the E-Class, it is sufficient for the driver to hold the steering wheel. Steering torque – that is to say a slight steering movement – was previously required as feedback. The rim of the new steering wheel features a pad with corresponding sensors. These register whether the driver is holding the wheel. If the system detects that the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for a certain time, a warning cascade is started, which finally activates Emergency Brake Assist if the driver continues to be inactive.

Some Intelligent Drive functions can optionally be added to the Driving Assistance Package. They include Active Speed Limit Assist, which uses map data and information from Traffic Sign Assist to respond to changes in the speed limit. Route-based speed adjustment ahead of bends, roundabouts, toll stations, T-junctions as well prior to turning off/exiting motorways/expressways is also included in the scope of delivery. When the driver switches on Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adaptation, the E-Class is now even able to respond to data from Live Traffic Information. Ideally, this happens even before the driver or the radar and camera sensors are able to detect a traffic obstruction. When a tailback is detected, the speed is reduced to approx. 100 km/h as a precaution unless the driver deliberately decides otherwise.

When driving in a tailback on the motorway, Active Stop-and-Go Assist is largely able to perform the tasks of keeping in lane and maintaining the safety distance with a high level of availability at speeds up to around 60 km/h. The vehicle can restart automatically up to one minute after coming to a stop. On multi-lane roads, Active Steering Assist is able to support the driver with the emergency corridor function, which causes the vehicle to stay off-centre in the lane. On motorways, at speeds under 60 km/h, the vehicle refers to detected lane markings and applies swarm intelligence to take its bearings from vehicles in the surrounding area. If none are detected, the E-Class takes its bearings from the vehicle ahead as before.

Active Blind Spot Assist with exit warning offers enhanced protection when getting out of the car. It is able to respond to vehicles in the blind spot as well as in the critical area with an active brake intervention. When the vehicle is stopped, the system can now also warn the passengers visually in the exterior mirror before they get out if a vehicle, even a bicycle, is driving past in the critical area. If the driver tries to use the door handle at this moment, an additional audible warning will sound and the ambient door lighting will start to flash red. It detects passing road users moving at a speed of more than 7 km/h. The function is also available when the vehicle is stationary and up to three minutes after the ignition has been switched off.

Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and 360° camera makes it possible to enter and leave parking spaces automatically. The system facilitates the search for and selection of a parking space as well as entering and leaving (if the vehicle was parked automatically) parallel and end-on parking spaces or garages. For the first time, the new E-Class is able to recognise and use parking spaces which are only marked as areas on larger sites, for example. The 360° camera transmits an even more realistic image to the media display, which includes an expanded side view. When leaving a parking space, the system is able to warn of traffic crossing behind the vehicle and can apply the brakes in case of doubt.

The intelligent business saloon

In April 2016 Mercedes-Benz took a great step forward into the future with the tenth generation of the E-Class. The business saloon delivers stylish highlights with its distinct, emotive design. It intrigues with its typical Mercedes-Benz saloon proportions.

The elongated bonnet coupled with a coupé roof flowing into a sensual, broad-shouldered tail end creates an exciting silhouette. Short overhangs, long wheelbase and large wheels emphasise the athletic character of the vehicle. The distance from the front wheel arch to the door aperture, which is a measure of comfort, is exceptionally large in the case of the E-Class.

The taut, well-defined flanks display a fresh, stylish and dynamic interpretation of the feature line, which develops from the headlamps and extends over the whole vehicle length. A sculptural reverse curve in the lower region of the doors and in the bumper visually resumes the feature line while ensuring a stylistic tension. Low, stretched-looking side windows also contribute to the muscular vehicle body.

The interior of the E-Class combines the elegance of the luxury class with modern sportiness. The design idiom of the business saloon is characterised by an interplay of strong solid bodies with sculptural surfaces and an avant-garde clarity and extensiveness of control and display zones.

The horizontal, low-lying trim part of the instrument panel with its elegantly sweeping form and flowing lines creates a visual sense of space. The wrap-around of the wave motion into the door linings provides a continuation of the horizontal emphasis on width with timeless sweeping forms.

Above the low-lying trim part is a formally coherent and separate solid body. Free-standing yet successfully integrated, the widescreen display stands in front of the upper part of the instrument panel.

It also marks the world première of numerous technical innovations. They enable comfortable, safe driving on an unprecedented level plus a new dimension in driver assistance – among other things. An entirely newly developed diesel engine sets efficiency benchmarks in this segment in conjunction with lightweight construction and optimal aerodynamic properties. The multi-chamber air suspension system additionally ensures outstanding ride comfort with first-class driving dynamics.

Profile of the E-Class Saloon:

Design and equipment lines: AVANTGARDE exterior (standard), AVANTGARDE interior, AMG Line exterior. AMG Line interior, EXCLUSIVE exterior, EXCLUSIVE interior
Length/width/height (E 200; minor deviations possible for other models): 4935/1852/1460 mm
Wheelbase: 2939 mm
Cd figure: from 0.25 (E 200)
Boot capacity (E 200; deviations possible for other models): 540 l (according to VDA)
Production: Sindelfingen (Germany).