By Otsile Kadiege

After countless teasers, renders and spy images surfaced on the internet, Mercedes-Benz has finally taken the veils off the all-new E-Class sedan. The newcomer, codenamed W214, sports opinion-splitting looks, a modern, luxurious cabin, it’s brimming with ground-breaking tech, new electrified powertrains and a plethora of driver assistance systems to list a few.

E-Class sedan exterior

On the outside, the new ‘baby S-Class’ has a perfect blend of tradition and modernity: on the one hand, it continues the long model history of the classic Mercedes-Benz E-Class; on the other hand, its new appearance builds a bridge to the avant-garde trendsetters from Mercedes-EQ.

Up front, the new E-Class features a black panel-like surface which connects the radiator grille with the brand,s standard high-performance LED headlamps or optional Digital Light headlamps. Customers who like a bit of modish flair can opt for an illuminated radiator grille surround. In profile, the new E-Class shows off its harmonious proportions and the distinctive “cab-backward” design. Highlights include optional flush-fitting door handles which extend electrically when the driver approaches or strokes the outer surface of the door handle and wheel sizes up to 21-inches.

Highlights at the rear include the two-section LED lights with a new contour and special design: the star motif in both light units provides a special day and night design. An animated light show is optionally available. The two rear lights are connected in the middle. This emphasises the width of the rear end, as does the v-shaped design of the boot lid and the chrome trim bar on its rear edge.

E-Class sedan interior

Inside, the new E-Class has a similar design and layout we’ve seen from Mercedes-Benz’s latest models. Highlights include a three-spoke multifunctional flat-bottom steering wheel with hepatic feedback buttons for the AMG Line models, a large centre display with the latest MBUX infotainment system with famous smart device apps like Angry Birds and TikTok to name a few. It also features and optional camera nested atop the dashboard for customers who might need to attend a videoconference on the move.

Optionally available is a passenger display which comes with the MBUX Premium Plus package. The screen is only activated when the sensors detects there’s someone sitting on the front passenger seat. Other highlights include an optional Burmester 4D surround sound system, optional Energizing Comfort and Thermotronic with Digital Vent Control, Active Ambient Lighting, an uncluttered centre console, perforated and quilted nappa leather seats, and exclusive dark ash open-pore wood which is backlit by the Mercedes-Benz pattern to name a few.

E-Class driver assistance systems

As standard, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is equipped with Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Parking package with reversing camera and Speed Limit Assist. The optional Driving Assistance Package Plus adds Active Steering Assist,  lane detection at low speeds additionally with 360° camera, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Evasive Steering Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist to list a few.

E-Class powertrains

According to Mercedes-Benz, half of all the models will be fourth-generation plug-in hybrids. Three of the six E-Class versions are said to combine the advantages of a vehicle with combustion engine with those of an electric car. The combustion engines are four and six-cylinder units from the current modular Mercedes-Benz engine family FAME (Family of Modular Engines).

In addition to turbocharging, both the diesel and petrol engines feature intelligent support from an integrated starter-generator (ISG). They are therefore mild 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.

Other mechanical highlights of the new E-Class include an optimised multi-link independent rear suspension with five links, the optional Airmatic air suspension system with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping and rear-axle steering, and rear-axle steering with a steering angle up to 4.5 degrees.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa is yet to confirm the local launch dates.