This Is The New Sixth-Gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214)

The mighty three-point star marque has finally unwrapped the latest sixth generation iteration of its staple E-Class mid-sized executive saloon offering. Designated as the W214, it now packs a host a new connectivity-driven tech powered by artificial intelligence (AI), hybrid powertrains, plus rear-wheel-steering (RWS).

On the surface, the new W214 E-Class sports a striking new design whilst retaining a traditional three-box sedan layout. In terms of size, the W214 has grown a little over its W213 predecessor, sitting 4,949 MM long, 1,880 MM wide and 1,468 MM tall. The wheelbase now measures 2,961 MM, marking a  20 MM increase over the W213, translating into greater passenger space plus a bigger 540-litre boot space too.

Distinct new LED lighting in the new W214 E-Class are unmistakable.

Compared to the W213-gen E-Class, the wheelbase in the W214 has grown by 20 MM.

A black high-gloss insert between the grille and the headlamps is now present up front, whilst the headlamps feature a distinct LED DRLs arrangement that mimic the shape of eyebrows. Flush-fitting down handles a la those see in the all-electric EQE are available as an option, while the taillights bear the marque’s signature three-point star motif in each of the two-unit assemblies.

As for powertrains, the W214 E-Class gets a choice of three mild-hybrid engines (one petrol and two diesels) alongside three petrol-electric hybrids; all featuring an in-line 4-cyl mill.

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) range now consists of the E300e, the E300e 4Matic and the E400e 4Matic variants. Both the E300e and E300e 4Matic harnesses a 2.0-litre petrol mill rated at 204 HP and 320 NM, and it’s paired with an electric motor good for 129 HP and 440 NM, yielding combined outputs of 308 HP and 550 NM.

Both MHEV and PHEV powertrains are available, the latter now paired with a 25.4 kWh battery pack.

The E400e 4Matic, on the other hand, sees peppier outputs of 252 HP and 400 NM from its petrol mill, which gets paired with paired with identical outputs from the electric motor as with the E300 twins, thus yielding higher combined outputs of 375 HP and 650 NM instead.

Among the mild-hybrids (MHEVs) are two diesels and one petrol, the former being the E220d and an E200d 4Matic variant. These pack a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel  with 197 HP and 440 NM. The petrol MHEV variant for Europe is the E200, which harnesses a 2.0-litre turbo petrol outputting 204 HP and 320 NM.

Notably, all three petrol PHEV variants get a 25.4 kWh battery that are capable of delivering three-figure (100 KM+) electric-only range; whilst 4Matic-equipped variants can reach up to 109 KM on battery power alone. 

As for the chassis, the W214 E-Class adopts a four-arm front suspension setup with a five-link rear suspension unit. Agility Control suspension with adjustable dampers are standard equipment in the MHEV variants, which rides 15 MM lower than the PHEVs.

Rear-axle steering is offered as an option, offering 4.5 degrees of steering in the rear wheels.

Besides that, an air suspension suite is available as a cost-option, which forms part of the Technology pack that adds the Airmatic setup with ADS+ continuously variable damping tech. Also offered as a cost-option is a rear-axle steering setup that offers up to 4.5 degrees of steering to the rear wheels. This, in turn, reduces turning circle by up to 90 CM according to Mercedes.

As seen in recent previews, the cabin of the W214 E-Class is now packed with a host of new connected tech powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Primed in the dash too is the latest iteration of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) Superscreen that brings an optional front passenger screen alongside the main central display and digital driver instrumentation.

New MBUX Superscreen even features a selfie and video camera mounted in the dash.

Passenger display is an option, offering a bevy of interactive functions. Drivers also get a fully-digital instrument display panel.

When specified the Superscreen also adds a selfie and video camera positioned atop the dashboard, as well as an entertainment suite capable of running  various apps such as TikTok, Angry Birds, Webex, Zoom as well as the Vivaldi browser. While front passenger can watch dynamic content on the passenger screen, the driver is blocked from viewing said content on the passenger display to avoid distraction.

Other key tech present include a Digital Vehicle Key available via the Apple iPhone and Apple Watch, thus enabling vehicle access shared with up to 16 persons. This suite allows owners to assign different operating rights to different individuals as well.

Like its W213 predecessor, the new W214 E-Class also packs an arsenal of advanced driver assist tech.

Over on to the driver assistance tech, the W214 E-Class gets a bevy of which. Included in the list now are Active Distance Assist, Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Parking Package with reverse camera and Speed Limit Assist. Additionally, Attention Assist now adds a driver distraction alert to warn drivers acoustically and visually.

Optionally available too is Driving Assistance Plus, which adds Active Steering Assist as a lane-keeping function.

As for availability, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214) is set to go on sale in Europe starting from Summer this year, with deliveries slated to start later in the year from Autumn. Availability in other markets beyond Europe are set to follow suit after.