The new E-Class points the way in the transition from the combustion engine to electric drive

Classic proportions and special character lines in the exterior design

The new E-Class has the proportions of a classic three-box saloon: the short front overhang and long bonnet are followed by a greenhouse which is set well back. The “cab-backward” design is rounded off by the well-proportioned rear overhang.

A black panel-like surface connects the radiator grille with the headlamps. This insert in high-gloss black is visually reminiscent of the Mercedes-EQ models. The three-dimensionally designed radiator grille is either progressive or classic, depending on the equipment line. The new E-Class has high-performance LED headlamps as standard. As an optional extra, DIGITAL LIGHT is available without and with a projection function. All headlamp variants offer a distinctive day and night design. As a typical feature of the brand, the daytime running lights take the shape of an eyebrow. Powerdomes accentuate the bonnet.

The side view shows off the harmonious proportions and the distinctive “cab-backward” design to particularly good effect. The flush-fitting door handles familiar from the luxury Mercedes-Benz models are available as an option. The two separate character lines on the side emphasise the car's sporty character.

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.

MBUX Superscreen as a highlight of the interior design

The dashboard makes for the digital experience in the interior. If the E-Class is equipped with the optional front passenger screen, the large glass surface of the MBUX Superscreen extends to the central display. Visually detached from this is the driver's display in the driver's field of vision. The models without a passenger display feature a large trim element that extends to the centre. Visually detached, the central display appears to float above the concave surface of this trim element.

The front section of the instrument panel is illuminated by the light strip of the Active Ambient Lighting. This runs in a wide arc from the windscreen, past the A-pillars and into the doors. This creates a generous feeling of space. An apparently free-floating control array in the upper section of the door panels matches the look of the glass surfaces of the screens.

The centre console is designed as a homogeneous unit and merges in a straight line into the lower section of the dashboard. At the front, a stowage compartment with lid and cup holders is integrated into the three-dimensionally shaped trim element. There is a soft padded armrest in the rear part of the centre console.

The door centre panel merges seamlessly into the armrest with a concave sweep. The front section here is designed as a metallic high-tech element. It serves as a grab and closing handle, and incorporates the switches for the power windows. Another highlight is the free-floating control array incorporating the door opener and the controls for the seat functions.

The contours of the seat surface and backrest flow elegantly from the inside to the outside, and appear to float above the base of the seat thanks to their layer design. Indented vertical lines follow the outer contour, widening out towards the top.

When it comes to spaciousness, the E-Class is one of the favourites in its segment. The driver enjoys five millimetres more headroom than in the preceding model. The rear passengers particularly benefit from the two centimetre longer wheelbase: Kneeroom and maximum legroom are increased by 10 and 17 millimetres, respectively. The increase in elbow width in the rear is even greater: it is now 1519 millimetres. This is an increase by 25 millimetres, and almost S-class level. The luggage capacity is up to 540 litres.

New electronics architecture

The electronics architecture is more software-driven and less hardware-driven. The computing functions of previously separate domains take place in a single processor. Screens and the MBUX infotainment system thus share a new, very powerful central onboard computer. This form of networking improves the performance and speed of the data streams.

The Digital Vehicle Key is now available for the iPhone and Apple® Watch

With the Digital Vehicle Key, the E-Class can be started and locked simply by the driver carrying a compatible device with them.

Key sharing is also possible: various digital channels can be used to invite family members or friends to use the E-Class. In doing so, the vehicle owner can assign different rights, granting only access to the vehicle or also allowing it to be driven. The vehicle can recognise several users at once, and the Digital Vehicle Key can be shared by up to 16 persons. In those markets where Mercedes me connect services are available, Pre-installation for the Digital Vehicle Key forms part of the KEYLESS-GO Convenience Package. This equipment combination is available in the new E-Class from the Premium Package onwards.

Sound visualisation

With the new Active Ambient Lighting (optional extra) with Sound Visualisation, occupants can also “see” music tracks and the sounds of films or apps. Visualisation takes place on the light band of the Active Ambient Lighting. For example, fast sequences of beats can cause rapid light changes, while flowing rhythms can create softly merging lighting moods.

New third-party apps plus selfie and video camera

The entertainment programme in the E-Class is more interactive than ever. The software experts at Mercedes-Benz have developed a new compatibility layer that allows the installation of third-party apps. At market launch, the following apps are available on the central display: the entertainment platform “TikTok”, the game “Angry Birds”, the collaborative application “Webex” and the office application “Zoom”, as well as the browser “Vivaldi”. Another new feature is a selfie and video camera (part of the optional MBUX Superscreen) on top of the dashboard.

Automated comfort functions with routines

Mercedes-Benz is working on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) so that the car learns which comfort systems vehicle occupants use repeatedly. Given the same circumstances, the aim is for AI to automate such functions. Mercedes-Benz uses the term 'routine' for this innovation. On the launch of the new E-Class, customers will be able to use templates for standard routines. They also have the option of creating routines themselves.

New with ENERGIZING COMFORT and ENERGIZING COACH

The Anti-Travel Sickness programme of ENERGIZING COMFORT can help affected passengers to alleviate symptoms. A bio-feedback function is planned for the ENERGIZING COACH in the medium term. This can reduce the feeling of stress with breathing exercises. New features of ENERGIZING COACH in the E-Class also include the vital data shown in the central display.

Automatic air vents

With THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control (optional extra), Digital Vent Control enhances the comfort experience. It automatically adjusts the front air vents to a desired ventilation scenario. This can be done for each seat via the user profile, for example. However, the nozzles can also be aligned by hand as usual.

Intelligent blocking concept of the passenger screen

In Europe and in more and more countries, the front passenger can watch dynamic content such as TV or video streaming on the display during a journey. This is subject to the requirement that the driver is protected from distraction. The camera-based system in the E-Class uses a further improved filtering concept that is even more intelligent than the previous solution. The driver can no longer see dynamic content on the passenger screen while driving.

Very good aerodynamic properties

With a Cd figure from 0.23, the new E-Class performs very well in its vehicle segment. It matches the value achieved by its predecessor on market launch. At 0.236 sq. m., the frontal area A of the new E-Class is slightly larger than that of its predecessor (0.234 sq. m.).

Compact turning circle with rear-axle steering

The new E-Class is available with the Technology package as an option. This includes the all-round AIRMATIC air suspension system with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping and rear-axle steering. The AIRMATIC suspension with air springs and adaptive ADS+ dampers responds very sensitively. The new E-Class is both particularly agile and highly stable with the optional rear-axle steering. The steering angle at the rear axle is 4.5 degrees. This reduces the turning circle by up to 90 centimetres.

50 per cent plug-in hybrids already at launch

Thanks to systematic electrification and intelligent downsizing, the new E-Class sets new standards in efficiency. Half of all the models will be fourth-generation plug-in hybrids. The product range already achieves this high proportion at market launch: three of the six E-Class versions combine the advantages of a vehicle with combustion engine with those of an electric car. 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.

ATTENTION ASSIST with distraction detection

ATTENTION ASSIST, in conjunction with the camera in the 3D driver display (optional extra), can not only detect signs of microsleep. if the driver's eyes are not focused on the road for several seconds, ATTENTION ASSIST can detect a distraction and warn the driver acoustically and visually. If the driver still fails to turn their attention to the traffic situation, there is an escalation with a second warning and a continuous warning tone. If the driver still fails to respond to the warning, the system will initiate an emergency stop.

Planned for the future: driverless parking and unparking

With the optional pre-installation for the INTELLIGENT PARKING PILOT, the E-Class is prepared for Automated Valet Parking (SAE level 4). With the Parking package with remote parking functions (optional) and the Mercedes me connect service INTELLIGENT PARKING PILOT (country-dependent), the new E-Class has the onboard technology to park and unpark fully automatically without a driver. The prerequisite is that national laws allow operation of Automated Valet Parking, car parks are equipped with the necessary infrastructure and the corresponding Mercedes me connect service for the E-Class is available and booked.

Resource-conserving materials

Numerous E-Class components are made partly from resource-saving materials (recyclates and renewable raw materials). Upholstery made of undyed alpaca wool combined with a recycled material is used for the basic seat of the E-Class. For the first time, certified recycled raw materials are used in the foam of the seats according to the “mass balance approach”. In terms of their properties, they do not differ from raw materials produced from crude oil.

Stay tuned for more information, in the meantime we invite you to visit our showroom to get further information on the new E-Class.