ACCORDING TO MERCEDES-BENZ, the all-new E-Class bridges tradition and innovation by combining superior and comfortable driving with new dimensions of personalisation and interaction.
The styling of the new E-Class sedan features a raft of design highlights front to back, from the new front grille to star-motif rear lights. Powering the E 300 is the highly developed 2.0-litre M 254 four-cylinder petrol engine, featuring intelligent support from an integrated starter-generator (ISG). The electric motor provides 17kW power and 205Nm torque, resulting in 190kW of maximum power and peak torque of 400Nm.
The new generously dimensioned interior is home to the latest generation intuitive MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multi-media infotainment system. Among its highlights are a new Superscreen that features individualised graphics, smartphone-like functionality and a new high-power 5G communication module.
The E-Class and its predecessors are the best-selling model series in the history of Mercedes-Benz. More than 16 million examples have been delivered since 1946.
Exterior styling: Classic proportions and special character lines
The new E-Class uses the classic ‘three-box’ sedan layout. The wheelbase is now 20mm longer and the cabin layout positions the greenhouse rearwards, creating a long bonnet with a short front overhang balanced by a well-proportioned rear overhang.
At the front, a high-gloss black panel-like surface connects the three-dimensionally designed radiator grille with the headlamps.
The illuminated radiator grille uses LED modules to feed light to two optical fibres behind the chrome strips and is available with the optional Plus Package.
Also at the front, high-performance LED headlamps with Adaptative High Beam Assist are fitted as standard equipment. DIGITAL LIGHT creates ideal night-time illumination with a resolution of more than one million light pixels per headlamp.
At the sides, two separate character lines showcase the design surfaces.
The rear styling features two-section LED lights with a new contour. A star motif provides a special day and night design.
For Australia, the new Mercedes-Benz E 300 is fitted with the AMG Line exterior package as standard equipment. This package includes AMG Bodystyling.
The new E-Class is available in a choice of six metallic paint colours and three optional MANUFAKTUR premium paint finishes.
Aerodynamics and aeroacoustics
The aerodynamics team at Mercedes-Benz has achieved an impressive Cd figure as low as 0.23 with the new E-Class. This is thanks to computer simulations early in the car’s development as well as various detail enhancements, including innovative front-section sealing, wheels with aeroblind claddings, and an improved underbody shape.
Digital Vehicle Key: Now available for iPhone and Apple Watch
The Digital Vehicle Key lets the driver start and lock the new E-Class simply by carrying a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch.
The Digital Vehicle Key can be shared with up to 15 people and the vehicle can recognise several people at once.
A network connection is required for the initial one-time set-up and for sharing only. The main user always retains the ability to revoke other users’ access rights.
MBUX: Immersive, interactive, intelligent
The new E-Class features the latest-development MBUX, the third generation of the company’s advanced infotainment system.
The MBUX Superscreen comprises a 14.4-inch central display that extends to a 12.3-inch display for the front passenger. This two-screen combination is standard-fitment.
The main icons in this central display and the display for the front passenger are colour-coded to match smartphones.
The MBUX infotainment system is now even more intelligent and capable of learning. It uses a new electronics architecture that is more software-driven and less hardware-driven. A single processor in a powerful central onboard computer now manages computing functions previously handled by separate domains.
The interior of the new E-Class is equipped with several cameras, including a new selfie and video camera on top of the instrument panel.
The standard-fitment communication module uses 5G transmission technology for faster data rates. Mercedes me Connect gives customers remote access to their E-Class and its connected services via their smartphone or other mobile device. They can transfer their individual preferences, such as their favourite radio stations and presets, to their E-Class via their Mercedes me profile.
The new E-Class includes a wireless smartphone integration for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
In addition, MBUX in the new E-Class has a zero-layer design, which means users don’t have to scroll through submenus or give voice commands to find what they need. Based on the situation and context, applications appear at the top level in the field of view.
MBUX Augmented Reality for navigation also makes operation simple by superimposing navigation graphics and traffic data on live images.
Routines: Automating personal in-car habits
Customers can also use MBUX to automate their recurring in-car personal habits, so-called routines.
Stored templates operated via the vehicle’s central display allow drivers to access basic types of support that are possible with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). These are intended to relieve the workload of everyday driving; for example, “Cold days” activating the seat heating at a specific outside temperature and changing the ambient lighting to orange.
Self-created routines are also possible. For example, “If the interior temperature is below twelve degrees Celsius, activate the seat heating and set the ambient lighting to warm orange.”
AI-generated routines are possible in the future. The goal here is for the E-Class to fully automate recurring tasks if the driver desires. In the first expansion stage, Mercedes-Benz will offer the AI-generated routines seat heating and seat ventilation for the driver’s seat. Other interior systems are to be successively integrated.
Magic Modules
The MBUX system in the new E-Class uses AI to suggest actions with various apps. These are based on how likely an app is required and include suggestions such as a specific phone number or navigation destination.
More than 20 additional functions are offered automatically with the help of AI, if they are relevant to the customer; for example, to-do-list suggestions and birthday reminders. The developers at Mercedes-Benz call these “Magic Modules” and they are shown on the zero-layer interface of MBUX.
The intelligent voice control’s new “Just Talk” can now be activated without the user saying “Hey Mercedes”. A red microphone image signals the E-Class is ready to receive commands from the user. Several commands can now be linked with the word “and”, such as “Please turn on the seat heating and navigate to Home.”
The Hey Mercedes voice assistant can activate online services in the Mercedes me app. It can also explain vehicle functions to users.
Available with the optional Plus Package, the MBUX Interior Assistant can automatically execute in-car functions. The system detects users with an infrared camera in the roofliner and interprets their natural movements to provide suitable support with appropriate vehicle functions.
Burmester 4D surround sound
Multi-dimensional in-car surround sound in the new E-Class is delivered by the standard-fitment Burmester 4D surround sound system. This advanced 17-speaker system uses various technologies to achieve its 730 Watts of concert-like sound.
Special Burmester algorithms combine with two loudspeakers integrated in the roofliner to generate 3D surround sounds. The fourth dimension of the sound experience is achieved by translating the system’s sound into vibrations in the front seats using two tactile transducers integrated into each backrest.
Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos enhances the 4D surround sound system experience in the new E-Class. Dolby Atmos can use the entire cabin space to create a 360-degree experience, positioning individual instruments or voices in the studio mix all around the listening area.
Sound Visualisation
Active ambient lighting and sound visualisation mean the in-car acoustics can also be experienced visually. The active light strip at the top of the instrument panel and in the front door panels can be used to produce an optical interpretation of content from the entertainment system. For example, flowing rhythms can create softly merging lighting moods while quicker beats can cause faster light changes.
The active light strip also provides visual information from the Parking Assistant, it supports ENERGIZING COMFORT functions, and even provides a visual warning to the driver in certain driving situations.
Interior: Sporty, high quality, digital
Headlining the interior of the new E-Class is the wide surface of the MBUX Superscreen. This stylish digital panel spans the full width of the dashboard fascia and is home to an array of interactive experiences.
A separate high-resolution driver display is fitted in the driver’s field of vision.
The centre console, which incorporates a stowage unit, cup holders and USB ports, uses a single homogenous design that integrates into the base of the dashboard. Open-pore black ash wood adorns the centre console and Black Piano trim complements the expansive Superscreen’s surface.
An illuminated light strip provides Active Ambient Lighting at the front section of the instrument panel. Its sweeping arc across the windscreen A pillars and onto the doors enhances the spacious feeling.
Seats
Climatised electrically adjustable Sports front seats with leather upholstery and Memory Package are fitted as standard. Comfort front seats are available as a no-cost option. Heated Multi-contour front seats with rear-seat heating are available in the optional Energizing Package Plus.
The colour and trim concept of the new E-Class conveys a technoid character and the interior surfaces have a new fine-grain finish. Customers can choose from three interior upholstery colours: Leather Black, Leather Tonka Brown, and Leather Macchiato Beige.
Climate control
The new E-Class is fitted with THERMATIC dual-zone automatic climate control as standard equipment.
THERMOTRONIC four-zone automatic climate control is included with the optional Plus Package. Included is Digital Vent Control, which automatically adjusts the front air vents for extra climatic comfort. Customers can choose preset air vent functions in MBUX or adjust the vents manually.
Included in the optional Energizing Package Plus is the AIR-BALANCE package, which controls the intensity of the in-car fragrance in three stages. A new fragrance has been developed for the new E-Class: SPORTS MOOD, which expresses vitality and joie de vivre.
Interior space
Drivers enjoy 5mm of extra headroom thanks to the revised cabin of the new E-Class. The longer wheelbase (+20mm) gives rear-seat passengers an extra 10mm of kneeroom and 17mm more legroom. Rear-seat elbow width has increased 25mm, almost S-Class level.
The luggage capacity is 540 litres.
ENERGIZING COMFORT in the new E-Class
A number of innovations aimed at maximising driver fitness and occupant well-being make their debut with the new E-Class.
Available with the optional Energizing Plus Package, the ENERGIZING COMFORT programmes in the new E-Class combine seat heating and cushioning, music, ambient lighting, air-conditioning functions and fragrances to enhance occupant well-being. Each program works for about 10 minutes, and includes:
- revised programmes for Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy and Comfort
- three ENERGIZING NATURE programs: Forest Glade, Sound of the Sea and Summer Rain
- training and ENERGIZING tips.
A new Anti-travel sickness programme is now available in the new E-Class. Designed to counter motion sickness, or kinetosis, the new anti-travel sickness program of ENERGIZING COMFORT can help alleviate the front passenger’s symptoms or delay their onset. It does this via the ENERGIZING COACH function, which can now be linked to more wearable items to receive bio-feedback and reduce stress via breathing exercises.
Drive system and suspension
The advanced four-cylinder petrol engine uses NANOSLIDE cylinder coating and CONICSHAPE cylinder honing for optimal friction reduction. The exhaust aftertreatment system is positioned directly at the engine.
The ISG utilizes a 48-volt on-board electrical system to ensure functions such as gliding, boosting, or energy recovery. The intelligent interaction between the ISG and the combustion engine guarantees smooth running during idling.
The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission has been further developed in the new E-Class. Changes to the oil pumps have improved its operating efficiency. It also features new connectivity technology as well as fewer electric interfaces.
The AGILITY CONTROL steel spring suspension is fitted as standard equipment. It features selective damping and is 15mm lower compared to other overseas-market models.
The AIRMATIC air suspension system is available with the optional Plus Package. AIRMATIC includes ADS+ continuously variable damping, which individually control each wheel’s damping and responds to road surface irregularities. It also includes Level control, which keeps the car’s ground clearance constant despite the vehicle’s load.
Rear-axle steering is also included in the optional Plus Package. This controls the direction of the rear wheels (steered opposite to the front wheels) by up to 4.5 degrees (below 60 km/h), and up to 2.5 degrees (steered in the same direction as the front wheels) above 60 km/h. These actions enhance lower-speed manoeuvrability and higher-speed stability.
The new E 300 comes fitted with 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels in black with a high-sheen finish.
Driving assistance systems
The Driving Assistance Plus package is standard fitment on the new E-Class. This suite of advanced technologies comprises:
- Active Steering Assist, which helps the driver with lane-keeping using moderate steering interventions.
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, which offers automatic restart when driving, automatic speed resumption and reaction to stationary vehicles when cruising.
- The junction start-off function, which uses intuitive arrows in the driver’s display to indicate from which direction cross-traffic is approaching.
- Active Lane Change Assist, which detects cars in adjacent lanes before the driver moves into the next lane.
- Active Emergency Stop Assist brakes, which kicks in if the driver doesn’t respond in time to traffic ahead.
- Active Brake Assist with cross traffic function detects the risk of an imminent collision and can initiate emergency braking, if needed.
- Evasive Steering Assist can help the driver avoid a vehicle or pedestrian ahead in a crucial situation.
- Active Lane Keep Assist monitors the road markings and edges to help the driver from drifting from their lane.
- Active Blind Spot Assist warns the driver – when they indicate to change lanes – of vehicles travelling in their visual blind spots.
- PRE-SAFE PLUS can take occupant protection measures if an imminent rear-end collision is detected.
- PRE-SAFE Impulse Side can move an affected front occupant towards the centre of the car before a side-impact collision.
- Traffic Sign Assist detects road traffic signs and displays detected speed limits and overtaking restrictions in the instrument cluster.
The new E-Class is also fitted with an enhanced version of Active Parking Assist PARKTRONIC, part of the standard-fitment Parking Package. Automated parking and departure is now simpler via the touch screen.
Eleven SRS airbags are also fitted to the new E-Class, including front airbags, combined pelvic / thorax airbags, for the driver and front passenger, side bags for the rear occupants, kneebags for the driver and front passenger, and a centre airbag.
Australian pricing
The new Mercedes-Benz E 300 sedan can be ordered at $131,500 (plus on road costs).