The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-class was recently unveiled at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show. This is the tenth generation of E-Classes. It is heavily inspired by the most recent Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with the addition of some small unique details. However, it remains very similar, which appears to be due to Mercedes’ desire to create a more cohesive sedan lineup. Although the rule is that a winning team should never be changed, we wonder if the public will appreciate this line of thinking when they could have been offered a more creative model.
Exterior design
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, as stated in the introduction, is strikingly similar to Mercedes’ latest S-Class and C-Class models. When comparing the sizes of these three models, the E-Class falls right in the middle.
The front is unmistakably Mercedes. The headlights, though in a different cluster than on the S-Class, still have those distinctive LED stripes that flow toward the hood. The large, lightly diamond-shaped grille is also a Mercedes trademark. The brand’s logo will be in the middle of the grille or on top of the hood, depending on which of the available design lines is chosen (four for Europe, two for the United States). A large air vent flows from side to side and shrinks in the middle of the lower fascia. Overall, it’s a very stylish and refined face.
From the side, the E-Class appears to be more streamlined than its C- and S-siblings. The rear window is more angular, giving the impression of a fast car.
The back of the car varies in some ways. The taillights are more rounded, the exhausts are shaped differently, and the chrome line above the license plate is more elegant.
Interior design
The Mercedes driver is someone who appreciates the classic Mercedes styling. They won’t be put off by the traditional exterior; in fact, it’s one of the things they like best about this brand. The interior of the car is where they will spend the majority of their time and where they will be most comfortable. The interior design of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is now something to get excited about. Mercedes completely redesigned this, and it is far superior to what we expected.
We can still see the S-Class inspiration, which is a good thing. That one has perplexed us with its luxury and cutting-edge design, but the E-Class is not a carbon copy. First and foremost, it has been upgraded with an incredible new instrument cluster.
Standard trims will have two analogue gauges and a 7-inch display in between. In addition, an 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen is located on the center console. Higher trims will have a 12.3-inch screen above the steering wheel that also serves as a gauge. The screen for the infotainment system is also 12.3 inches.
Mercedes-Benz hasn’t stopped there with its improvements. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will be the first vehicle to feature touch-sensitive controls. The steering wheel buttons, like those on smartphones, can be operated with a swipe of the finger. This increases safety because the driver can swipe the buttons with his or her thumb while keeping both hands safely on the steering wheel.
Ambient lighting is available in 64 different tints on the energy-saving interior LEDs. High-quality leather seats, wood trim, and a Burmester sound system with 23 speakers are available as options.
Engine specs
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will also provide plenty of engine options. Europe can select from four different engines, whereas the United States will have two engines.
The European standard model has a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower. The hybrid version will use the same engine, which will produce 279 horsepower when combined with the electric battery. The diesel engine will also be a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 195 horsepower. Finally, a 3.0 liter diesel engine with 258 horsepower is available.
The standard engine in the United States will be a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 241 horsepower, while the larger twin-turbocharged V6 produces 396 horsepower on the AMG E43. Wagon, coupe, and convertible models all come standard with a 329-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Some coupe and convertible models may be equipped with a more powerful 402-horsepower twin-turbo V8. All-wheel drive (AWD) will be available as an option. Sedans and wagons have a nine-speed automatic transmission, while coupes and convertibles have a seven-speed automatic.
Tech specs
The most notable technological feature is Mercedes Drive Pilot, which allows the car to follow the car in front of it at a safe distance of up to 130 mph (210 kph). The Speed Limit Pilot employs a camera to detect maximum speed signs and, as a result, limits the vehicle’s speed. These features, which will be available as part of the Driver Assistance Package Plus, will transform the car into a semi-autonomous vehicle.
Active Brake Assist, Attention Assist, and Remote Parking Pilot are some of the other driver assistance features available. The car will be able to be moved into and out of garages or parking spaces remotely using a smartphone app.
Price and sale date
In the United States, the base trim of the E300 sedan will start at $52,150, the coupe at $54,550, the cabriolet at $62,600, and the E400 wagon at $62,300.
Prices in Europe begin around €52,000, depending on which country the car is purchased in. The most expensive trim, the Mercedes AMG, will cost around €75,000.