Most striking of the visual changes is the new ‘A shape’ diamond radiator grille with a central three-pointed star, bringing the look of the new E-Class in line with other Mercedes models. The LED headlamps are new, as are the front and rear bumpers, while the wider taillights now extend inwards across the edge of the boot lid. Inside, there are new colour and trim options, the MBUK infotainment system now has a central touchpad and the steering wheel design is a new design.
TECHNOLOGY
While the two Plug-in Hybrid models are described elsewhere, the rest of the E-Class drivetrains – two petrol, two diesel – have also been updated. The petrol E200 and E450 models now feature a new mild hybrid EQ Boost 48-volt onboard electrical system, with an energy recovery and ‘glide’ mode to improve fuel efficiency. In the E200, the 197hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivers 197hp, 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds and an official combined figure of 38 mpg. The fuel economy champion is the four-cylinder E220d diesel which delivers up to 53.3mpg and 0-62mph acceleration in 7.2 seconds. All models come as standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
SAFETY
Features such as Active Brake Assist, Adaptive Braking, Blind Spot Assist, Attention Assist Traffic Sign Assist, and the Pre-Safe anticipatory safety system are standard across the line-up, while the optional Driving Assistance package includes multiple semi-autonomous systems, among them Active Blind Spot Assist, adaptive cruise control, Emergency Stop Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Pre-Safe Plus and route-based speed adjustment.
FEATURES
Four trim levels are available, starting with Sport and progressing upwards with AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and the range-topping AMG Line Night Edition Premium Plus. All models come with two 12.3-inch digital widescreens for instrumentation, infotainment and navigation – there are no longer any analogue dials. All feature 64-colour ambient interior lighting, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, the MBUX infotainment system with ever more intuitive voice control, cruise control and Keyless Go. AMG-Line adds AMG body styling features and Multibeam LED Intelligent headlights, while the range-topping Night Edition includes a 360-degree camera and parking assistance system, an ‘Energising Comfort’ system to keep you alert on long journeys and a concert-quality Burmester® surround sound system with 13 speakers and a total output of 590 watts.
