The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a versatile vehicle that caters to a wide range of customers with diverse needs, from taxi drivers in Frankfurt to adrenaline junkies in Los Angeles. As an essential part of the brand’s lineup, the new W214-generation model aims to remain true to the nameplate’s legacy of comfort and build quality, even in an SUV and crossover-dominated market. This latest model features a sharper-looking design and a long list of cutting-edge technologies, including in-car games such as Angry Birds.
In the United States, buyers can choose between two flavors of the E-Class: the E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic. The former is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The latter, the most powerful E-Class model available in the U.S. for the time being, boasts a turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine that delivers 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Both models benefit from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that provides up to 148 pound-feet of torque into the driveline, and come with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive as the only available configuration.
While European motorists have additional drivetrain options, such as turbodiesel and plug-in hybrid models, these options will not be available in the U.S. due to the lack of demand for turbodiesel engines and the perceived unimportance of plug-in hybrids. However, there are expectations that AMG-designed high-performance models will join the E-Class lineup in the future.
As the E-Class is no longer the only midsize sedan in the Mercedes-Benz portfolio, the brand has made an effort to ensure that the new model does not overlap with its electric-powered sibling, the EQE. The E-Class retains a classic, three-box design instead of a futuristic shape seen in the EQE, and has a longer wheelbase that provides more space for second-row passengers. The flush-mounted door handles, previously seen on the S-Class, have also made their way to the new E-Class. The vehicle’s exterior design features a three-box silhouette, a nod to the nameplate’s lineage, with subtle design cues inspired by older E-Class variants.
The E-Class cabin is described as “cocooning,” providing a sense that the dashboard is surrounding the driver, thanks to LED strips linking it to the door panels. The digital instrument cluster and side air vents feature intricate detailing, while the dashboard houses a 14.4-inch central display called the SuperScreen, which is part of the MBUX infotainment system. In addition, an optional third screen is integrated into the dashboard ahead of the front passenger as part of the SuperScreen package. The MBUX system’s interface features new icons that look more like smartphone icons for easy recognition while driving. Other optional features include in-car games and videos, as well as in-car Zoom meetings powered by a new 5G-compatible communication module.
The new E-Class is expected to hit the U.S. market by the end of 2023, with pricing to be announced later. Despite the looming possibility of combustion-engine bans, the future of the E-Class remains uncertain, and Mercedes-Benz has yet to reveal its plans for the nameplate beyond this latest iteration. However, the new E-Class offers a harmonious blend of classic craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, making it a worthy successor to the brand’s legacy of comfort and build quality.
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