2024 Mercedes E-class
Design
This year heralds the commencement of a completely revamped era for the E-Class sedan with it undergoing a ground-up transformation enriched with an abundance of cutting-edge technology and heightened luxury undoubtedly surpassing its predecessor.
When it comes to the exterior aesthetics, the E-Class showcases its sleek charm with well-defined character lines running gracefully over the wheels. It flaunts a fresh front-end design that seamlessly connects the grille with the standard LED headlights, all set against a striking black panel. The rear lights feature an ingenious three-pointed star graphic, adding a touch of sophistication to the E-Class’s road presence. Noteworthy elements like the smoothly integrated door handles and meticulously sculpted front and rear bumpers contribute to an impressive drag coefficient of 0.23. You can choose from a selection of wheel sizes ranging from 18 to 21 inches for a tailored look.
Tech features
In an enhancement to the Keyless Go package, the latest E-Class now boasts a digital key feature, allowing seamless unlocking and ignition through a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch. Moreover, the primary user of the Mercedes me app can grant access to as many as 16 other individuals, authorizing them to unlock or drive the vehicle.
The upgraded MBUX user interface system introduces a new compatibility layer, consolidating functions onto a single processor for heightened performance and faster data speeds. This innovation also opens the door to third-party app installations.
Mercedes engineers have also integrated the foundational elements of an AI system into the new E-Class, with plans for it to learn and automatically activate frequently used comfort settings in specific driving conditions in the future.
In the meantime, E-Class owners have the flexibility to employ templates or create personalized ‘routines,’ as termed by Mercedes-Benz, to link various functions and conditions. As an example, one can configure the E-Class to activate seat heating and adjust ambient lighting to a warm orange hue when the interior temperature falls below 12 degrees Celsius.
The E-Class sedan epitomizes executive sophistication with an unmistakably Mercedes-Benz aura. It exudes a level of refinement and substance that closely rivals the illustrious S-Class flagship, all while maintaining a subtly commanding presence.
The E-Class introduces Mercedes-Benz’s innovative MBUX Superscreen. This advanced feature is available as an optional choice in select markets and spans across the right two-thirds of the dashboard, seamlessly integrating with the new vertical instrument panel. It boasts a substantial 14.4-inch central touchscreen display and a 12.3-inch screen dedicated to the front passenger, all elegantly enclosed within a single glass panel.
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius emphasizes that the Superscreen is not a mere gimmick. He expresses strong confidence in the desire of customers in China and various Asian markets to transform their vehicles into versatile hubs for entertainment, gaming, work, and relaxation. This trend is also gaining momentum in Western markets. Henceforth, with the introduction of new vehicle architectures, Mercedes-Benz is committed to offering the option of a comprehensive pillar-to-pillar screen in every model.
The Superscreen package encompasses a forward-facing cabin camera mounted atop the dashboard, and the MBUX system’s compatibility with third-party applications empowers you to engage in Zoom video conferences while the vehicle is stationary.
Even when the car is in motion, you can still participate in Zoom meetings, albeit limited to audio interactions.
Furthermore, the screen positioned in front of the front passenger will seamlessly continue streaming movies and videos while the new E-Class is on the move. Advanced digital technology intelligently conceals the screen’s content from the driver, ensuring safety and focus on the road.
Engines, transmission and performance
The European launch of the W214 E-Class introduces a versatile range of powertrains designed to cater to various preferences. These options include a single-spec 3.0-liter six-cylinder petrol engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine available with three different power and torque configurations, and a single-spec 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. Notably, all these powertrains come equipped with either mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid technology.
The mild-hybrid engines feature a 48V integrated starter-generator positioned between the internal combustion engine and the nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup provides an additional 17kW and 205Nm of power on demand, enhancing overall performance.
In contrast, the plug-in hybrid variants are equipped with a robust 95kW/440Nm electric motor powered by a substantial 25.4kWh battery. Mercedes boasts an impressive pure electric driving range of over 100km.
Although the internal combustion engine in the W214 E 200 has seen a slight increase in output, going from 145kW to 150kW, and the 48V integrated starter generator now delivering an extra 7kW, the acceleration from 0 to 100km/h is slightly slower than its predecessor. Mercedes-Benz reports a 0-100km/h time of 7.5 seconds for the W214 compared to 7.3 seconds for the W213.
However, there’s a notable improvement in fuel economy, with a combined consumption rating on the WLTP test cycle ranging from 7.3 to 6.4L/100km, showing favorable figures compared to the W213’s 8.4 to 7.1L/100km. The substantial increase in electric driving range, from 51km to 115km on the WLTP test cycle according to Mercedes, positions the new E 300e as an enticing choice.
Moreover, the Hybrid mode intelligently manages power flows between the internal combustion engine and the e-motor, optimizing efficiency for enhanced performance. The larger battery offers greater flexibility in achieving fuel-saving benefits.”
Drive and comfort
The European version of the E-Class benefits from the Driving Assistance Plus package, which empowers the new W214 with advanced autonomous driving capabilities, almost reaching Level 3 autonomy.
With adaptive cruise control engaged, the active lane change assist feature in the package takes charge when encountering slower-moving vehicles on a dual-carriageway highway. It ensures safety by checking for faster traffic approaching from behind and automatically guiding the car into the overtaking lane while activating the indicators. Although you need to keep your hands lightly on the steering wheel, the system significantly enhances the driving experience.
For those who prefer taking the wheel themselves, the W214 embodies the confident handling that has defined the E-Class for the past four decades. It effortlessly cruises through suburban streets and handles winding country roads with composed authority.
Our testing included the six-cylinder E 450 and the intriguing four-cylinder E 300de diesel plug-in hybrid, both equipped with premium features like rear-wheel steering, air suspension, 21-inch and 20-inch wheels, and the impressive MBUX Superscreen.
The E 450’s six-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrain delivers smooth and robust performance, with the option to digitally enhance engine sound for a V8-like rumble during acceleration. However, the car’s interior remains exceptionally quiet, even with low-profile 21-inch wheels, rivaling the hushed ambiance of an S-Class.
In contrast, the E 300de’s powertrain leaves a remarkable impression, thanks to its subdued noise levels inside the cabin, comparable to its six-cylinder counterpart. The diesel engine’s sound barely intrudes, allowing you to savor the premium 730-watt Burmester 4D stereo system. In pure electric mode, it approaches the serenity of a Rolls-Royce, and in Hybrid mode, transitions between internal combustion and electric power are virtually seamless.
The Comfort mode offers a plush ride, while the Sport mode subtly controls secondary body movements without compromising comfort or stability. Notably, there’s no need for a Sport+ mode as the E-Class excels without it. The optional rear-wheel steering enhances maneuverability in tight spaces and sharp turns, ensuring a confident driving experience.
No matter how aggressively you drive, the E-Class maintains its composure, delivering a truly unruffled performance.
2024 E-class Estate version
The E-class also comes in an estate version which definitely steals the show for us more than the typical sedan version. With this, you are poised to enjoy a more cavernous boot space and noticeable headroom increase.
Standard equipment in Europe includes:
Active parking assist
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
DAB digital radio
MBUX 2.0 with extended functions
Navigation connectivity package
Mercedes me connect services
Heated front seats
Keyless-Go
LED headlights
Front seats with memory function
Remote boot lid closing
Route-based speed adaptation
Wireless charging for mobile devices
Final sentiments....
While some of its competitors, notably BMW and Audi, are committed to crafting automobiles that defy and push the boundaries of conventional style luxury and performance, this mid-size badge radiates a refined and understated charm.
Mercedes-Benz has been producing sedans of this caliber since 1946, amassing over 16 million units to date. Despite evolving trends and technologies, the core principles remain unchanged.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands as a resilient and skillfully designed sedan, instilling a sense of enduring quality. In a world marked by constant and relentless change, this vehicle offers a comforting continuity that brings solace to the automotive world.
