The new Mercedes E-Class will launch in three weeks: from taxi to digital luxury vehicle

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For over 75 years, the E-Class has been one of the most important Mercedes model lines, also for taxi drivers, for example. But not much remains of the once popular, simple and robust taxi. The latest generation of the E-Class makes it clear where star travel is headed: from the bread and butter car to the highly digitized luxury car. Who can afford the new E-Class with lots of tech gadgets, most of which are subject to additional charges (official prices won’t be announced until the start of sales on August 15th)?

The list of new innovations is long: the front has a black panel-like surface that connects the radiator grille to the headlights. Depending on the equipment range, this three-dimensionally designed grille is available in a progressive or classic version. A chrome frame with additional lighting can be ordered as an option for all equipment lines (Avantgard, Exclusive, AMG). The rear also plays with light: striking thanks to the standard taillights with star optics.

The slightly laid back passenger compartment makes the 4.95-metre-long sedan look a little more coupé-like and dynamic. In addition, the wheelbase is two centimeters longer than its predecessor, giving the rear passengers a little more legroom. The new E-Class is also wider. A Mercedes technician proudly explains what the 2.5-centimeter increase in rear seat elbow room entails, almost reaching S-Class level.

Digitization in the cockpit

Also, when we tried the technology in our first test drive, we had the impression that the E-Class came very close to the true flagship S-Class. In the cockpit, of course, the issue of digitalization dominates. You can now also order a separate screen for the front passenger, so they can browse the web or watch movies while driving. And there’s a new 3D option on the driver’s screen, which Mercedes sells with “spatial scene perception”. On the other hand, we find it more of a trick with a dangerous distraction effect.

However, the innovations and extras do not end there. Thanks to artificial intelligence, comfort systems such as heating, ventilation or radio learn the driver’s preferences and present them as standard routines. Thanks to the automatic ventilation channels, a separate usage profile can be created for each seat. Of course, the ventilation can be adjusted manually as usual.

autonomous overtaking

The new E-Class is optionally available with a technology package that includes, among other things, air suspension and rear-axle steering. This makes it even more comfortable to glide in what used to be a luxury sedan. And the turning circle is reduced to 90 centimeters. In the future, it should be able to overtake completely independently on the motorway as well: With this vehicle, which can be activated with an automatic distance controller, the system detects a slower car ahead, then checks whether the overtaking lane is clear, lights up the indicator, changes lanes, passes, flashes to the right again, and then switches back to the right lane. It works completely autonomously and error-free in our test drive – you just have to keep your hands on the steering wheel for legal reasons.

However, this gadget will not be available in Europe at the start of sales – it should arrive at us in 2024 at the earliest. Mercedes offers the new electric sedan with petrol, diesel and two hybrid drive options. And the station wagon will also be available as a petrol, diesel or hybrid 300 e. Of course, Mercedes doesn’t want to reveal what is most important to many: prices. They only need to become available to the public at the official launch on August 15. However, it can be assumed that entry-level prices for the current base model will not start below CHF 66,000. And with few options and hybrid engines, E-Class prices should quickly reach six figures. Here, too, the E-Class moves in the flow of the S-Class.

Source: Blick