- Two Powerful Engine Options Should Satisfy Most Needs
- Sophisticated Ride And Handling
- Styling Is A Mash-Up Of Modern Mercedes Sedans
- Interior Is A Harmonious Blend Of Tech And Old World Luxury
- MBUX Is More Sophisticated Than Ever Before
- Sound System Is A Remarkable Piece Of Kit
- Latest Safety Features Turn The E-Class Into A Rolling Fortress
- When Will The New E-Class Arrive?
The new BMW 5 Series should be very worried.
- New E-Class offered in electrified four-cylinder E350 and six-cylinder E450 derivatives
- Range-topping 450 trim produces 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque
- Interior and exterior inspired by all-electric EQE and EQS sedans
- MBUX infotainment system bristles with the latest technology
The new 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been unveiled, with the eleventh generation of the legendary executive sedan (or the sixth, depending on how you look at it) arriving with a blend of modern technology, fresh styling, and plenty of luxury.
Two Powerful Engine Options Should Satisfy Most Needs
The US-spec 2024 Mercedes E-Class will have four and six-cylinder powerplants that benefit from mild hybrid technology. An integrated starter-generator with a 48-volt onboard electric system aims to save fuel and boost performance under certain conditions.
The E350 4Matic uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The stronger E450 4Matic employs a 3.0-liter inline-six that produces 375 horses and 369 lb-ft. Both models provide an additional 20 hp and 148 lb-ft of boost from the electric motor. The top speed of the 350 and 450 is limited to 130 mph.
Mercedes' 9G-tronic automatic transmission is standard across the range and has been updated for improved efficiency. with an electric auxiliary oil pump that reduces the delivery rate by 30% compared to its predecessor. Even the 4Matic all-wheel drive system has been refined. The front axle drive can withstand greater torque, allowing for ideal axle load distributions.
Sophisticated Ride And Handling
Mercedes attributes the fine handling and comfort to the revised multi-link independent rear suspension that is said to provide superb stability and wheel control. The springs and dampers share a single strut and are kept separate from the wheel guidance, allowing the suspension to deal with bumps and movements as best as possible.
If you require an even softer ride, air suspension is available. Together with the adaptive ADS+ dampers, the E-Class glides over surfaces, as the damping is automatically controlled for each wheel when faced with ridges or road irregularities.
The mid-sized E-Class borrows the rear-axle steering setup from the larger S-Class. The optional system enables the rear axle to steer at angles of up to 4.5 degrees when parking. At speeds above 37 mph, the rear wheels move up to 2.5 degrees in the same direction as the front wheels.
Styling Is A Mash-Up Of Modern Mercedes Sedans
Ever since the W210 arrived in the mid-'90s, the E-Class has always been set apart from the C-Class and S-Class sedans with its quad-headlight treatment. Sadly, the latest model looks like an amalgamation of existing Benz sedans, with hints of S-Class, EQS, and C-Class all applied to the new E. The wind-cheating Cd figure of 0.235 allows the Mercedes to cut through the air cleaning and efficiently.
The bulbous headlights are connected to the conspicuous radiator grille with a black panel, reminding us of the EQS and EQE electric sedans. The grille itself is littered with details; a centrally-positioned Three-pointed star is connected by just one horizontal chrome strip, with an array of star motifs decorating the rest of the surface.
Two prominent character lines flow down the side of the vehicle and, together with the “cab-backward” design, lend the E-Class a purposeful and sophisticated stance. However, passers-by would be hard-pressed to tell it apart from a C-Class or S-Class at a quick glance.
Two subtle power bulges hint at the power on offer and provide a touch more character to the front end. We assume these will only grow bigger for the AMG models.
The rear isn't much to rave about and appears to have been lifted straight off the S-Class with very few changes. That's no bad thing, though, as the Sonderklasse is one of the best-looking large sedans on sale at the moment. A Mercedes three-pointed star motif in the rear clusters does set the new E-Class apart, though.
Customers can elect to have an illuminated grille surround or replace the standard LED headlights with the sophisticated Digital Light setup. Naturally, the new E-Class is bigger than the outgoing car. Thanks to a 0.4-inch longer wheelbase, passengers can enjoy more interior space. The front and rear tracks now measure 64.1 and 64.7 inches, respectively. Mercedes says the E-Class can accommodate wheel sizes of 21 inches.
Interior Is A Harmonious Blend Of Tech And Old World Luxury
The interior of the 2024 E-Class is similar to the modern design treatment found in the electric EQE and EQS sedans, with the MBUX Superscreen spanning the width of the fascia. The glass cover extends all the way to the passenger side, where you'll find the optional passenger screen. Interestingly, the digital instrumentation isn't incorporated into the greater screen and gives the illusion of floating behind the steering wheel.
The center console appears to flow out of the dashboard and includes a concealed storage compartment with cupholders, an armrest, and USB ports. Elsewhere, the modern design extends to the door panels, where you'll find a variety of controls. The floating theme continues here, with the seat controls and door handles positioned on an elevated piece of trim.
Mercedes says the seats were inspired by the “organic beauty of seashells.” It's easy to see what they're talking about, with the contoured surfaces featuring several vertical lines that follow the seat shape and widen out at the top.
The seat design differs depending on the selected upholstery. Opt for leather and the pews receive classy “longitudinal fluting” crafted from individual panels. Spring for the pricier Nappa hide, and the E-Class receives a high-class quilted and perforated diamond pattern finish.
As you would expect from Mercedes, there are myriad trim inlays and interior color schemes to choose from. This includes Space Grey paired with Tonka Brown or Space Grey accompanied by a creamy beige hue. Open pore wood veneers will be made available, including the New Dark Ash finish with a backlit Mercedes pattern. This trim is currently exclusive to the new E-Class.
Those looking to emulate the high-class ambiance of the S-Class will be pleased to know the Manufaktur Piano Lacquer Flowing Lines trim will be offered, presumably at a hefty cost. Those seeking a more modern aesthetic will spring for the silver blended metal interior trim which, says Mercedes, provides the cabin with a futuristic look.
MBUX Is More Sophisticated Than Ever Before
The 2024 E-Class receives the latest and greatest iteration of MBUX, which Mercedes claims is more intelligent than ever and even capable of learning. With a bigger focus on software, a single processor is responsible for the computing functions of different domains. As the systems and screens share a central onboard computer, performance has been vastly improved.
A segment-first comes in the form of the optional 3D driver display. This is quite impressive, using autostereoscopy (glasses-free 3D, as it's also known) to create a multi-dimensional effect. The LCD display makes use of a special pixel structure and LCD aperture grill, which causes the left and right eye to see different pixels. This creates the illusion of depth.
MBUX now allows owners to install third-party apps, with Mercedes using Webex and Zoom as an example. An optional in-vehicle selfie and video camera can be used to take meetings in the car, for example, while the vehicle is stationary.
MBUX can also act as a butler of sorts, pre-empting your needs before you can. Owners will be able to select from established routine templates or create their own routines. In the future, Mercedes-Benz says artificial intelligence (AI) will be able to anticipate your needs based on the most commonly used comfort systems. For now, the vehicle can support the driver and passenger in unique ways.
The vehicle can be programmed to switch the seat heating on below a certain temperature or use specific ambient lighting setups for specific times of the day, or occasions. A “Date Night” setting, for example, could change the ambient lighting to shades of red and play romantic music via the Bluetooth audio system.
In the future, the vehicle will be able to anticipate your arrival at work, rolling the window down for you to sign in at the security booth.
The “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant now has a “Just Talk” function that allows the driver to activate the voice assist system, so long as no one else is in the vehicle. An optional Interior Assistant uses infrared cameras to provide support to occupants. The cameras monitor body language and movement and can anticipate their needs. The new Zero Layer feature is also standard in the 2024 E-Class.
The Entertainment package comes standard on the new E-Class and includes an array of functions, including MBUX Augmented Reality for the navigation system. As mentioned, the new MBUX system can work with third-party apps. And no, we're not talking about screen mirroring through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
A dedicated app store within Mercedes Me will let customers enjoy apps such as Angry Birds, TikTok, and the Vivaldi web browser. Why any E-Class owner would want to use TikTok in the car is a mystery, but it's there if you need it. ZYNC4 is also included and enables passengers to stream content from more than 30 service providers.
Sound System Is A Remarkable Piece Of Kit
The onboard audio system sounds extraordinary and should provide owners with an immersive and rich listening experience. A standard Burmester 4D surround sound system includes Dolby Atmos and features as many as 21 speakers littered across the cabin.
Two speakers are integrated into the roof lining and, together with the sound resonance in the seats, create an incredible experience. A pair of tactile transducers in the backrest of the front seats provide an acoustic massage of sorts. Sound is visually represented by the Active Ambient Lightning, which can flash and move along with a beat-synchronous display.
Apple Music is part of the package, and customers with a subscription to the music app can enjoy all their favorite tunes with ease.
Latest Safety Features Turn The E-Class Into A Rolling Fortress
Passive and active safety features abound, with airbags for the driver and front passenger, along with a knee airbag for the driver. Window airbags are included, along with side airbags for the front and optional rear-seat side airbags. Mercedes-Benz Pre-Safe is also standard.
The Mercedes E-Class ships with active brake assist, active lane keeping, a parking package (with a reverse camera), and a speed limit assist. Attention Assist has been updated, and can optionally detect signs of microsleep thanks to a 3D driver display. If the driver doesn't respond to the various warnings, the vehicle can initiate an emergency stop. The doors then unlock and the interior assistant can contact emergency services.
An optional Driving Assistance package includes an active steering assist along with lane detection and several other nice-to-haves. Systems worth mentioning are the evasive steering assist that can take avoiding action in the face of stationary objects and pedestrians.
When Will The New E-Class Arrive?
Mercedes-Benz has not mentioned when the new E-Class will hit showroom floors, but the newcomer should arrive in the USA before the end of the year.
Pricing has yet to be announced but the W214 will doubtless be more expensive than the outgoing model. New technology, heightened refinement, and increased luxury come at a price, and we already know Mercedes fully intends to target wealthy customers with high-end products. The current range kicks off at $56,750, so we wouldn't be surprised to see the base model come in at over $60,000.
It seems like a seriously impressive product, but the new E-Class will have to face off against the next-generation BMW 5 Series, also expected to debut later this year.
Keyword: 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Arrives With EQS-Inspired Styling, Electrified Engines, And Cutting-Edge Tech