Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Long-awaited, Mercedes-Benz’s latest expansion in its executive saloon portfolio, the new E-Class, upgraded and launched in Malaysia.

A sixth-generation build (W214), underpinned is Mercedes’ second-generation Modular Rear Architecture (MRA2) platform with two powertrain setups (MHEV, PHEV).

Locally-assembled (CKD - Pahang), available are two variants (E 200 Avantgarde - MYR 355,888, E 350 e AMG Line - MYR 418,888). 

Prices (OTR, w/o insurance) cover a standard vehicle warranty (four years/unlimited-mileage), and a main drive battery warranty (eight years/160,000 KM - PHEV).

Five exterior colours (Graphite Grey, High-Tech Silver, Nautic Blue, Obsidian Black, Polar White).

The new E-Class has a cascading-tiered dashboard design, linked to a low-rising centre console (deleted gear-shifter, retractable-cover stowage).

Variant-specific, it sees the Avantgarde Interior kit (E 200 Avantgarde) and AMG Line Interior kit (E 350 e AMG Line).

Soft-/hard-touch panelled, featured is Nappa (Black) ARTICO man-made leather with Black open-pore Wood Ash backlit trim (Mercedes-Benz pattern - E 200 Avantgarde).

Accentuations are open-pore Black Ash Wood (centre console) trim, metallised (dash, centre console, steering wheel, door cards) trimmings, and ambient lights (passive - E 200 Avantgarde, active - E 350 e AMG Line).

Centre-staged is the Mercedes-Benz User Experience Multimedia System (MBUX), featuring the MBUX standard (driver/central displays - E 200 Avantgarde) and the MBUX Superscreen (driver/passenger/central displays - E 350 e AMG Line).

Elsewhere, it gets AMG sports pedals (brushed stainless steel, black rubber studs), and Velour/AMG floor mats (E 200 Avantgarde/ E 350 e AMG Line).

Inclusively, the build is well-designed, with accessibilities strategically-arranged (driver-centric, passenger-oriented).

Part of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system (third-generation NTG 7), installed is a 12.3-Inch fully-digital instrument cluster (3D - E 350 e AMG Line).

Features are three display styles (Classic, Sporty, Discreet), multiple interfaces (drive modes, vehicle settings), and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).

Luxurious, the five-seater continues the Avantgarde Interior kit (E 200 Avantgarde) and the AMG Line Interior kit (E 350 e AMG Line).

Single-toned (Black), the upholsteries are in ARTICO man-made leather/Ljusdal fabric (E 200 Avantgarde) and ARTICO man-made leather/MICROCUT-microfibre (E 350 e AMG Line).

The front sees electric-powered (Seat Comfort Package - multi-way, lumbar, driver-memory, active climate) Comfort Seats (E 200 Avantgarde) and Sports Seats (E 350 e AMG Line). The rear gets a manual-operated (60:40 split-fold) bolstered bench seat. 

Included are armrests (front - centre console, rear - centre seat fold-out), a panoramic glass sunroof (auto - tilt/slide - E 350 e AMG Line), and a fabric headliner (Black).

Courtesy of its borderline bulbous build, the cabin offers ample interior mobility, providing the front and rear occupants with generous space. 

Adequately comfortable with sufficient head-, shoulder- and leg-room.

Variant E 200 Avantgarde mounts a tri-spoke steering wheel, in Nappa leather (Black) with trims (High-Gloss Black, Silver-Chrome).

Variant E 350 e AMG Line fits a tri-rounded-twin-spoke-flat-bottom sports steering wheel, in Nappa leather (Black) with trims (High-Gloss Black, Silver-Chrome).

Features are multi-switches (capacitive touch controls - media, vehicle settings), paddle shifters (Silver-Chrome), and electronic column adjustments (tilt, telescopic). 

Aiding the drive is an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.

Practical storage spaces. E.g., a glove box, centre console caverned/partitioned spaces with under-stowage, and seat back/side door pockets.

Provided are four bottle holders (two - flex - front, rear), and four bottle holders (one - door pockets - front, rear).

Equipped are multiple USB ports (front, rear - USB Package Plus), 12 V power sockets (front, boot), and one wireless charger (front).

The boot comes with the Easy-Pack Tailgate feature (handsfree - remote control/key fob, kick sensor, button).

Accessing its contactless function opens up to 540-Litres (E 200 Avantgarde) and 370-Litres (E 350 e AMG Line) of load spaces.

Weighing in at 1,825 KG (E 200 Avantgarde) and 2,190 KG (E 350 e AMG Line), the new E-Class stands at 4,949 MM long, 2,065 MM wide, 1,480 MM tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 2,961 MM.

Elegantly-luxurious, its exterior has the typical Mercedes-Benz styling, parading a seamless design with smooth and clean surfaces.

A long-overhang, the front-end sees Merc’s power dome bonnet (Mercedes-Benz emblem), sculpted quarter panels, and a hexagonal grille (Mercedes-Benz pattern - single-louvre - Chrome). 

Variant-specific, fitted is the Avantgarde Exterior kit (E 200 Avantgarde - standard bumper, small corner/centre intakes, Chrome trims) and the AMG Line Exterior kit (E 350 e AMG Line - AMG bumper, large corner/centre intakes, splitter, Chrome trims).

Accentuations are body claddings (Black - intake inserts, side mirror arms), and body trimmings (Chrome - side sill inlays, beltline, window surrounds).

Seamlessly-solid, it continues the typical Mercedes-Benz styling, exuding sharply-rounded and clean-cut surfaces.

A short-overhang, the broadly-emphasised rear-end sees a mildly-sculpted boot-lid (spoiler-less, Mercedes-Benz emblem), muscular quarter panels, and a widely-rounded-fender-flowing bumper.

Variant-specific, fitted is the Avantgarde Exterior kit (E 200 Avantgarde - standard bumper, unvented, slit tailpipes, Chrome trims) and the AMG Line Exterior kit (E 350 e AMG Line - AMG bumper, slit corner vents, diffuser, trapezoidal tailpipes, Chrome trims).

Accentuations are body claddings (Black - bumper, side mirror arms), and body trimmings (Chrome - side sill inlays, beltline, window surrounds).

Bulbous-elongated, the tail lamps are housed in a full-width-wraparound design. Installed are full LED units.

Features are welcome/leaving lights, and dynamic turn signals. Paired to the setup are corner-fitted fog lamps.

The side mirrors (two-tone - Black-body-colour) are electronic-powered (auto-fold, adjust), featuring dynamic turn signals, blind-spot indicators (Blind Spot Assist - BSA), and automatic-dimming (Mirror Package). 

Equipped is a set of ventilated (front, rear) disc brakes. Drive is aided by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold system.

Variant E 200 Avantgarde, mounts a set of 19-Inch multi-spoke two-tone (Silver-Black - high-sheen) light-alloy rims, wrapped in 245/45 R19 (front) and 275/40 R19 (rear) Pirelli P Zero tyres.

Variant E 350 e AMG Line, upgrades to a set of 20-Inch AMG multi-spoke two-tone (Silver-Black - high-sheen) light-alloy rims, wrapped in 245/40 R20 (front) and 275/35 R20 (rear) Michelin e-Primacy tyres.

The new E-Class features the following sets of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Under Driving Assistance Package Plus, grouped are Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Lane-Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, PRESAFE PLUS, PRESAFE Sound, Exit Warning Function, and Active Cruise Control with Stop/Go.

Under Parking Package, grouped are Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, and parking cameras (360-degree, reverse).

Others include Adaptive High-Beam Assist (AHA), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

Passive safety under GUARD 360-degree Vehicle Protection, grouped are Anti-theft Alarm system (ATA) with Collision Detection, interior monitoring system, pedestrian protection, and acoustic presence indicator. 

Others include nine airbags (driver-passenger, driver-knee, front-rear sides, front-rear curtain), airbag disable function (front passenger), seat belts (reminders, pre-tensioners, anchors), ISOFIX (anchor, top tether - rear outer seats), Door Opening Warning (DOW), automatic-dimming rear-view mirrors (interior, exterior - Mirror Package), parking sensors (six - front, rear), parking cameras (360-degree, reverse), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold, TIREFIT and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Drive modes available via DYNAMIC SELECT (ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, INDIVIDUAL).

Whereas, via Recuperative Braking are D+, D, D-, Gliding (Shift Pedals), DAuto, and Eco Assist (One-Pedal-Driving).

Part of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system (third-generation NTG 7), installed are variant-specific setups.

Variant E 200 Avantgarde gets a 14.4-Inch central display. Variant E 350 e AMG Line gets a 14.4-Inch central display and a 12.3-Inch passenger display. 

System supports three display styles (Classic, Sporty, Discreet), multiple interfaces (drive modes, vehicle settings), and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).

Features are MBUX Interior Assistant, MBUX AR-Navigation, MBUX Navigation Premium, MBUX Entertainment Plus, Driver Monitoring Camera, Mercedes-me Services, Live Traffic Information, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (wireless), Selfie/video camera, fingerprint scanner (MBUX custom drive settings), voice/gesture/steering controls, and climate control.

Audio is by a Burmester 4D surround sound system (21 speakers). 

The new E-Class harbours two powertrain setups. A Mild-Hybrid (MHEV) and a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV).

Variant E 200 Avantgarde gets the mild-hybrid, featuring a (M254) 2.0-Litre inline four-cylinder 16-valve turbocharged direct-injection DOHC petrol engine, producing 204 HP (150 KW) and 320 NM.

Working in tandem is Mercedes’ second-generation Integrated Starter-Generator (RSG), a 48 V mild-hybrid system, providing an extra boost of 17 KW (23 HP) and 205 NM.

Variant E 350 e AMG Line gets the plug-in hybrid, nestling a (M254) 2.0-Litre inline four-cylinder 16-valve turbocharged direct-injection DOHC petrol engine (204 HP/150 KW, 320 NM), and a rear-mounted electric motor (129 HP/96 KW, 440 NM).

Combined output reads at 313 HP (233 KW) of power and 550 NM of torque.

The setup is mated to a 9G-Tronic (nine-speed) automatic transmission.

Power is transmitted to the rear axle (E 200 Avantgarde, E 350 e AMG Line), via a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) system.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 KM/H is done in 7.5 seconds (E 200 Avantgarde) and 6.4 seconds (E 350 e AMG Line). 

The top speeds are 240 KM/H (E 200 Avantgarde) and 236 KM/H (E 350 e AMG Line).

Variant E 200 Avantgarde has a fuel consumption of 6.7 L - 7.2 L/100 KM, and the electric motor is juiced-up by a 1.0 KWH Lithium-ion battery.

Variant E 350 e AMG Line has a fuel consumption of 0.6 L/100 KM, and the electric motor is juiced-up by a 25.4 KWH Lithium-ion battery (boot floor-mounted), enabling up to 118 KM of electric-only range (WLTP).

Charging via AC (Type 2 - 11 KW) takes two hours for a 0% to 100% State of Charge (SoC). Charging via DC (CCS2 - 55 KW) takes 20 minutes for a 10% to 80% SoC.

The new E-Class features these conveniences.

E.g., KEYLESS-GO Convenience Package (keyless access, engine Start/Stop button), Easy-Pack Tailgate (hands-free - remote control/key fob, kick sensor, button), Load Compartment Package (side bags, luggage net), Mirror package (automatic-dimming rear-view mirrors - exterior, interior), Light And Sight Package (64-colour/active ambient lights, illuminated door sills, exterior Mercedes-Benz surround lighting projection, interior LED lights), THERMOTRONIC dual-zone automatic climate control system (rear air-vents, air purification), electronic-powered Comfort/Sports Seats (Seat Comfort Package - multi-way, lumbar, driver-memory, active climate), window sun-blinds (pull-out - rear doors), windshield sun-blinds (electric - rear), panoramic glass sunroof (electric - tilt/slide), steering wheel (electric column adjustments, multi-switches, paddle shifters, EPAS), MBUX Multimedia System, multiple power outlets (USBs, 12 V sockets, wireless charger), flex cup holders, interior monitoring system, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold, parking cameras (reverse, 360-degree), parking sensors (six - front, rear), automatic headlamps (On/Off/high-beam), automatic wipers (rain sensing, intermittent), automatic-pinch windows (up/down), and speed sensing door locks.

Installed for the cabin is the THERMOTRONIC dual-zone automatic climate control system (rear air-vents, air purification). 

Propping up the chassis (E 200 Avantgarde, E 350 e AMG Line) is a setup of multi-link (front, rear) with AGILITY CONTROL suspension (frequency selective dampers) system. 

Variant E 200 Avantgarde upgrades with a lowered comfort setting (15 MM).

The vehicle delivers a high-power density, high efficiency and high-power reliability. Ultimately, it has great handling stability and agility at high speeds.

Overall, it is spacious and comfortable, suitable as a daily driver. Inside and out, performance- and comfort-wise, the ride quality is satisfactory. 

Good sound insulation with the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) aspects accounted for. The build is acoustically designed to enhance the in-car ambience. 

Overall, the cabin is able to suppress unwanted noises well and make them barely noticeable, in most of the day-to-day driving environment.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class exudes an all-around sophisticated outlook. Its smooth and seamless silhouette is simply Mercedes.

Stepping inside, it boasts a luxurious cabin with its high-tech advanced cockpit layout and the overall premium upholsteries.

Build quality is excellent, and pairing all these with its electrified powertrain, Mercedes-Benz’s new e-saloon is really well suited for the luxury executive segment.