Mercedes-Benz has globally unveiled an all-new generation of its E-Class luxury sedan, and the luxury carmaker has confirmed that it will be coming to India in the second half of 2024, solely in the long-wheelbase version. With the new generation, the luxury sedan rivalling the BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6 gets updated styling, a cabin that is loaded with technology and the choice of mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.
The design of the new E-Class continues to retain the classic proportions of a three-box sedan, but the design now features softer lines, as we have seen on the newer Mercedes-Benz cars. There are three equipment lines for the E-Class – Avantgarde, Exclusive and the AMG Line – each of which get a different design for the three-dimensional front grille. An illuminated grille is optional, which is lit up in combination with the LED DRLs while driving. A black panel connects the grille to the LED headlamps with eyebrow-like LED DRLs which are offered as standard, while you can also choose to spec your E-Class with the optional DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps. The silhouette is that of a ‘cab-backward’ sedan with a long bonnet a cabin which is set well back, and the new E-Class also gets a longer wheelbase (up by 2 cm to 2961mm) along with a wide track and wheel arches that can accommodate the wheel sizes which range from 17 to 19-inches. The E-Class gets flush-fitting door handles that extend electrically, and the light signature for the LED tail lamps has also been updated, with the lights now showing a star motif and making the E-Class even more recognisable as a Mercedes-Benz.
Step inside the E-Class and you’re greeted by the glass surface of the MBUX Superscreen which integrates the central display and the optional front passenger screen. The interior of the E-Class gets active ambient lighting and the cabin of the E-Class gets Nappa leather upholstery. You get perforated MICROCUT upholstery as part of the AMG Line’s interior.
A big talking point with the new E-Class is the third-generation MBUX infotainment which now incorporates the vehicle’s selfie and video camera (a first) – the latter being used for video conferencing. You can also set AI powered ‘routines’ for the car, to automate functions that you would use on a daily basis. The MBUX also allows apps such as Angry Birds to be natively installed into the system, while the optional passenger display is capable of streaming movies for passengers while on the move. You have the option of two sound systems, which includes the optional Burmester 4D surround sound system with integration of Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio.
Two-zone climate control is standard while four-zone climate control is optional. An optional extra is a function called Digital Vent Control where the front air ducts are operated by actuators, though you can continue to adjust the nozzles by hand. In terms of additional kit, you get air suspension and rear axle steering and parking assist functions on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which enable you to manoeuvre the car into and out of parking spaces from a smartphone – and if that is not enough, the E-Class can ‘remember’ parking procedures such as how to into your garage at home with Memory Parking Assist.
In global markets, the E-Class will be offered with three mild-hybrid and three PHEV drivetrains. In terms of the mild-hybrids, the E-Class petrol with the 2-litre engine mated to the ISG produces 201bhp of power. The diesel variants make use of a 2-litre engine and produce 194bhp. The diesel gets the option all-wheel drive and all variants are mated to a 9-speed transmission.
The E-Class PHEV is powered by a 2-litre petrol engine assisted by a 95kW electric motor and 25.4kWh battery. This powertrain is offered in two states of tune, ranging from 308bhp to 375bhp. The lower-spec powertrain does get the option of all-wheel-drive, while the higher-spec gets 4MATIC as standard. Interestingly, the PHEV models of the E-Class are capable of running on battery power alone for a range of 100km without needing the engine to kick in.
Mercedes-Benz India has confirmed that the new E-Class will make its way to India in the second half of 2024, and the India-spec E-Class will be present in the LWB variant only. The E-Class will continue to go up against its traditional rivals in the segment – the BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6.