Remember the time when Mercedes was once considered to be the technological leader in the automotive industry? With the rise of electric cars, those days are clearly gone. Mercedes is a legacy company with one foot firmly welded to the past, and the other carefully dipping its toe into the future, a future it is still trying to comprehend. But Mercedes still knows how to make mid-sized premium cars better than any other, at the very least we’ll give them that accolade.
The new generation Mercedes E Class is slightly bigger than the outgoing model. The exterior design language clearly borrows styling cues from the bigger S Class. However, it is a much better-balanced look. Although initially, the squiggly headlight design did look odd at first because it looks out of place, like a last-minute afterthought.
The interior is dominated by MBUX Superscreens, a large glass surface incorporating three displays, a driver’s instrument panel, a central infotainment system and a passenger infotainment display, all powered by a single processor. With the Digital Vehicle Key, the E-Class can be started and locked simply by the driver carrying an IOS or Android device.
Half of all the models will be fourth-generation four and six-cylinder mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Thanks to a new battery, the power of the electric motor has been increased from 15 to 17 kW and the boost torque to 205 Nm. After Mercedes got involved in the Dieselgate scam we advise avoiding the 220d diesel.
The entry-level 4-cylinder E200 mild hybrid petrol outputs 204bhp.320Nm of torque, a 0-06mph time of 7.6 seconds, and a lab-tested fuel consumption rating of 45mpg. We’re not here to shill for the Mercedes model range, but what went before will be available again for the new generation. Expect new model variants, changes and updates along the way.
As standard, the mild hybrid models are equipped with an AGILITY CONTROL steel spring suspension with selective damping system. It is also 15 millimetres lower than the suspension of the plug-in hybrids. Rear-axle steering and air suspension are optional extras on entry-level models or standard with flagship editions.
The standard E-Class with driving assistance systems includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, ATTENTION ASSIST, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Parking Package with reversing camera and Speed Limit Assist.
The new Mercedes E-Class will go on sale later this summer, Mercedes has yet to reveal price details but expect a rise of at least £2.5K/£5k over the current generation, i.e. £50K and above.
