Sleeker aesthetic, heaps more cabin tech and a big emphasis on electrification headline all-new premium large sedan
The covers have finally come off the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and, as expected, the new BMW 5 Series rival looks a lot like an enlarged C-Class sedan or shrunken S-Class limousine with just a whiff of EQ.
Due in Australian showrooms during the first half of next year, the new E-Class is described by its maker as a “bridge between tradition and digitalisation” on account of its new-age interior design and the way in which technology has been used to enhance the motoring experience – just like the flagship S-Class and all-electric EQS limousines.
Styling-wise there’s not all that much to report given the multitude of teasers, leaks and spy images we’ve seen over the past few months, but it’s clear the E-Class has borrowed cues from its bigger and smaller siblings, as well as the battery-electric EQ portfolio.
For those into numbers, the new model measures 4949mm long (+26mm), 1880mm wide (+28mm), 1468mm tall (+0mm) and rides on a 2961mm wheelbase (+22mm), with the boot now able to swallow 540 litres of luggage.
Examples of the EQ relationship come primarily in the form of the gloss-black front bumper trim linking the textured grille with the scalloped headlights, as well as the flush-fitting door-handles – both features which contribute to the impressive 0.23Cd drag coefficient and allude to the myriad electrified drivetrains set to be on offer.
Three of the six powertrains available from launch (globally) are plug-in hybrids, while the remaining three internal combustion offerings comprise a pair of diesels and one petrol engine.
Like the smaller C-Class and its GLC mid-size SUV sibling, all the E-Class’s core powertrains are based around turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines and total system outputs range from 145kW/197Nm to 280Nm/650Nm, depending on the variant and degree of electrification.
That said, at least two electrified six-cylinders – one petrol and one diesel – are confirmed to be in development, paving the way for a ballistic new plug-in hybrid Mercedes-AMG E 63 super sedan to emerge further down the line.
Mercedes says the mainstream E-Class PHEV variants will be able to cover between 95-115km on battery power alone, depending on the configuration, thanks to their bigger new 25.4kWh lithium-ion battery packs.
While this new line-up of mild- and plug-in hybrid powertrains is advanced compared to the previous E-Class powertrains, they’ve got nothing on the level of technology being offered within the cabin of the new E-Class, which has evidently been designed as a smaller S-Class.
Leading the charge here is the optional ‘Superscreen’ digital dash, which gifts front passengers their own interface in addition to the central MBUX infotainment screen.
The primary difference between the E-Class’s Superscreen and EQS’s optional Hyperscreen is the fact the former’s digital instrument cluster is detached from the dash face and sits more prominently in the driver’s field of view, whereas the Hyperscreen collates all three displays under a single pane of glass.
Powering these screens, displays and interfaces is an all-new operating system and electronics architecture, which are said to deliver improved network performance and faster data streaming while tightening up responses to inputs.
Other technological highlights include 5G connectivity, digital key compatibility, audio visualiser, an in-built selfie and video camera, Zoom, Webex and TikTok functionality, native Angry Birds, ‘Just Talk’ voice command, routine learning via AI, active park assist and myriad other advanced and enhanced driver aids.
Air suspension, adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering, digital light, active ambient lighting, Thermotronic automatic climate control and 3D driver’s display comprise some of the other headline optional extras at a global level.
At this stage only the E-Class sedan has been shown to the world and, while the corresponding wagons will be revealed later in the year, they’re almost guaranteed to not make the cut Down Under given Mercedes’ local outfit axed every previous-gen E-Class Estate from its line-up several years ago.
For those with a sportier disposition, both the new-generation C-Class and E-Class two-door coupes are being rolled into one combined model positioned above the former but below the latter in size, which has thus far been dubbed the Mercedes-Benz CLE and spied several times throughout its development.
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Keyword: 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class makes world debut