STUTTGART: The generous dimensions of the passenger compartment are partly due to the wheelbase, which is 22mm longer than that of the preceding model (2,961 mm).
The illuminated surround of the radiator grille (optional extra) has two optical fibres behind the chrome strips. Light is fed into the glass-fibre bundles via LED modules.
With two display styles (Classic and Sporty) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service), the graphics of the screens can be individualised. The new MBUX is accompanied by a change in the presentation of the main icons on the displays. They are presented in a simpler way, and based on the colours used for smartphone tiles.
Depending on the market, a communication module with 5G as the transmission technology is used. This mobile phone standard makes much faster data rates possible than LTE/UMTS.
With the Digital Vehicle Key, the iPhone and Apple Watch become a car key (
BMW
is one step ahead with its support also for Android phones) . If the driver is carrying a compatible device, it can be used to start and lock the E-Class.
Key sharing is also possible: The Digital Vehicle Key can be shared with 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.
The blocking function of the passenger screen operates in two stages: first of all, the seat occupancy recognition system registers whether the seat next to the driver is occupied. If this is the case, the touch surface of the display can be used from the front passenger seat via MBUX. If the front passenger seat is not occupied, the screen becomes a digital decorative feature.
In the new E-Class, customers can create their own routines in MBUX. In doing so, they can link conditions and functions with each other. For example, “Switch on the seat heating and set the ambient lighting to warm orange if the interior temperature is below twelve degrees Celsius”.
Many passengers have experience of car sickness. The new anti-travel sickness program of ENERGIZING COMFORT can help alleviate the front passenger’s symptoms or delay their onset, reduce the perceived severity and generally increase well-being.
In the new E-Class, the acoustics can now be experienced with a third sense: the active light strip at the top of the instrument panel and in the front door panels can be used to produce a visual interpretation of any content from any of the sources of entertainment sound.
The THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control system (optional extra) uses a new type of air vent: all the nozzles in the front area can be adjusted electrically as if by magic. The new comfort function is called Digital Vent Control. It is technically implemented with actuators. Two of these small electric drive units are located in each ventilation duct.
With a Cd value from 0.23, the new E-Class performs very well in its vehicle segment. The frontal area A of 0.236 sq. m. is slightly larger than that of the preceding model (0.234 sq. m.).
Mercedes-Benz uses almost 500 microphones during the aeroacoustic development work.
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. In the E-Class models with 4MATIC, the turning circle is 11.1 metres instead of 12.0 metres, while in the rear-wheel drive versions it is reduced from 11.6 to 10.8 metres.
Thanks to systematic electrification and intelligent downsizing, the new E-Class sets new standards in efficiency. Half of the models available at the time of the market launch in Europe will be fourth-generation plug-in hybrids. The product range already achieves this high proportion at market launch. With a purely electric range of up to over 100km (WLTP), the models will in many cases be on the roads under purely electric power, without using the petrol engine.
The standard Active Parking Assist can now be started intuitively via the touchscreen. Furthermore, automated parking and unparking is much faster than before, as the speed has been increased to up to 4kph.
Keyword: New Mercedes- Benz E-Class at a glance