No matter which luxury brand, executive sedans are the first choice for business travelers and also the one-step choice for many family users, playing an important role. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, as the backbone of the Mercedes-Benz family, is certainly highly valued by Mercedes-Benz. Unlike the unified family appearance of the previous generation C, E, and S, the exterior of the new long-wheelbase E-Class is different from the current S-Class and C-Class, with its own design language; the interior design and intelligent cockpit also learn from the QES full of technology; the rear small triangular window, rear surround ambient light, and more comfortable rear seats draw on the essence of the Maybach S-Class. Among the same level of models, the new long-wheelbase E-Class can be described as almost perfect. Paying tribute to classics and having its own style
1-10 generations of Mercedes-Benz E-Class From 1947 to the present, for 76 years, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has evolved through 11 generations, from “Iron Head Benz” to “Butterfly Benz”, leaving a deep impression on the Chinese people. Starting from the sixth generation, the E-Class began to adopt a design with four large headlights. Since then, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has had its own unique label, which has consistently continued to the present day.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan.
After the 11th generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class was produced in China, the front face is completely identical to the overseas version, continuing the classic design of both sedan and sport sedan front faces. Personally, I think the sport sedan front face looks better, while the upright front face leans towards a more dignified and atmospheric look, but slightly understated.
“The dazzling starry grille” shines The front grille features the fiber-optic “dazzling starry grille”, and a new black high-gloss trim panel is added between the grille and the headlights, complementing the grille design elements of the Mercedes-Benz EQ pure electric models, reflecting the concept of the new E-Class embracing electrification.
The “Brilliant Starlight” digital headlight pays tribute to the classic design of the “four-eyed round light” with 4 LED arcs, and projects a new “brilliant star river” or “meteor shower” welcome animation through digital micro-mirror projection technology.
When the automatic headlights are turned on, the 2.6 million pixel LED headlights will automatically switch to high beam on roads without street lights, while also intelligently avoiding vehicles in the same direction and oncoming. From actual driving experience, high beams can quickly and effectively avoid vehicles ahead, while also illuminating other parts of the road and roadside signs.
The addition of engine hood lines gives it a sportier look.
The front bumper has hollowed-out air blades on both sides to reduce wind resistance.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class dimensions are: 5092/1880/1493mm, with a lengthened wheelbase of 133mm to 3094mm. Compared to the previous generation, the 11th generation model has increased its wheelbase by 15mm and its body length by 14mm. The front and rear two-stage character lines outline a dynamic and sporty side profile, with the consistent C-pillar triangular window from the previous long-wheelbase E-Class, derived from the Maybach S-Class sedan, providing a wider view and also taking care of the rear passengers’ privacy.
The door handle comes with a built-in ambient light.
The hidden door handles and smoother transition from the C-pillar to the trunk create a more streamlined look for the entire vehicle, while also achieving a low drag coefficient of 0.23Cd, reducing wind noise and improving fuel economy. It is worth mentioning that the hidden door handles are identical to those of the Mercedes S-Class, and have passed Mercedes’ crash tests, withstanding 50g of side impact acceleration and still being able to retract normally.
The new E-Class sports car features AMG-style five-spoke wheels and a low drag design. I personally prefer the AMG-style wheels, they look good and are easier to clean during car washes. The tires are equipped with Pirelli P ZERO run-flat tires, with front tire size of 245/45 R19 and rear tire size of 275/40 R19. The tire diameter is slightly larger than the previous generation of the long wheelbase E-Class, and the aspect ratio is smaller, which improves comfort while using larger wheels. In actual experience, the new Mercedes E-Class with 19-inch wheels and run-flat tires provides almost the same comfort, quietness, and grip as the previous generation E-Class with 18-inch wheels and regular tires. It’s worth noting that no matter how good the car is, it can be ruined by four bad tires. The previous drawbacks of run-flat tires, such as noise and hard shoulder, have been mostly resolved in this generation of the E-Class, but if you want a quieter and more comfortable ride, switching to regular tires will provide a greater improvement.
The all-new two-tier “Star Emblem Tail Light” seamlessly integrates four deep three-pointed star emblems, making it unforgettable and highly recognizable. Compared to the previous generation, chrome trim and decorative panels have been added between the left and right tail lights, extending the visual width of the rear of the car. In addition, “wind knife” decorations have been added on both sides of the bumper, and the chrome trim under the bumper has been reduced compared to the previous generation, creating a more sporty visual experience.
Tail light illumination details The tail light illuminates in specific patterns.
Brake light illuminates details.
- Turn signal details
- The turn signal lights up
- The turn signal lights up in detail
- The turn signal illuminates the details
The all-new Mercedes E-Class adds a small ducktail. The all-new Mercedes E-Class has more changes in its appearance, with more character lines added to achieve a sportier look compared to the previous generation’s rounded appearance. The biggest changes are in the front grille and taillights, as well as the smoother transition between the C-pillar and trunk, and the hidden door handles sourced from the Mercedes S-Class.
When you open the car door, you will find that the interior of the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is neither like the S-Class nor the C-Class, but rather similar to the EQS. The interior is full of technological sense, equipped with the third-generation MBUX intelligent human-computer interaction system, using the 8295 intelligent cockpit chip. The super screen, paired with the independent driver’s instrument screen, adopts a new “2+1” screen layout, which meets the individual needs of the main and co-pilots for the screen.
The 12.3-inch standalone full LCD instrument panel has naked-eye 3D function, making the display content more vivid and three-dimensional. In actual experience, it can indeed achieve naked-eye 3D, with the circular instrument panel on the surface and the navigation map in the depth, displaying clearly and without dizziness.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the first model to feature the third-generation MBUX intelligent human-machine interaction system, displays the zero-level menu for air conditioning, media, Bluetooth, and navigation on the desktop for easy user operation. At the same time, the voice interaction function on the all-new E-Class has also been upgraded to the “mind-reading voice assistant”, supporting millisecond-level response and full-scene wake-up-free, accurate recognition, and rapid response. Voice control can recognize deep-level operations in the second-level menu, such as “open vehicle settings” and “close head-up display”, all of which can be operated by voice.
Of course, some physical touch bars are also retained, such as driving mode, vehicle settings main menu, hazard warning lights, etc., for settings that need to be accessed more quickly.
The 14.4-inch central display screen and the 12.3-inch passenger display screen are integrated into one, covered by a single piece of glass, with its edges matching the height of the dashboard. The passenger screen does not block the driver’s view when displaying vehicle settings, but it will automatically block the driver’s line of sight if you play a video.
The air outlet of the through-type air conditioner is suspended above the screen, with the air conditioning air direction digital adjustment function of the multi-zone intelligent air conditioner, which can automatically adjust the up and down and left and right swing of the air outlet. Of course, you can also adjust it directly by hand, without worrying about damaging it. At this time, the system will automatically store this position in the “personalization” option.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class still has the Burmester surround sound system, upgraded to a total power of 730W with 21 high-performance speakers, working in conjunction with 2 oscillators for each front seat to create a 4D surround sound, giving you a more immersive feeling. In addition, it is also equipped with the “dynamic mood” function for the first time, and the 64-color active ambient lighting can change dynamically with the music, allowing the audio content to be visually presented through the ambient lighting, making the wonderful music not only audible, but also visible.
Interior details The interior details are important for creating a comfortable and stylish atmosphere in the car.
Interior details Still prefer sitting in a Mercedes-Benz.
The old label “riding in a Mercedes” is once again reflected in the all-new Mercedes E-Class, with a significant improvement in the comfort of the rear seats compared to the previous generation. The most obvious feeling is that the rear seat cushion is longer and the backrest angle is more reclined. The all-new Mercedes E-Class is particularly “considerate” to Chinese consumers, with more than 10 exclusive luxury comfort enhancements for the rear seats in China. This includes rear seats with a backrest that can be reclined by 36 degrees, extended seat cushions for the rear seats, electrically adjustable rear seat leg rests, rear headrests with neck heating function, continuous ambient lighting for the rear seats, and wireless charging for the rear seats.
The rear seat cushion in normal condition.
The rear seat cushion with leg support extended
The rear leg drag can support the entire thigh The previous generation of Mercedes-Benz E-Class had slightly short rear seat cushions, which many people were dissatisfied with. The length of the rear seat cushions in the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class extends almost the same as the front seat when the legs are extended, greatly improving comfort. Plus, with a 36-degree adjustable backrest, you can comfortably recline in the rear seat.
Rear headrests with heating function.
Rear ambient lighting surrounds derived from the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
Rear dual-zone automatic air conditioning The all-new Mercedes E-Class has optimized the design of the rear center console to better meet the needs of Chinese customers, integrating ambient lighting and luxurious wood trim to create a exquisite texture.
B-pillar air conditioning outlet The improvement of the rear seat comfort is one of the biggest changes in the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the extended wheelbase also provides ample legroom in the rear. If Mercedes-Benz C-Class and below are more for those who like to “drive a Mercedes” themselves, then from the E-Class and up, “riding in a Mercedes” will make you feel like this is the real Mercedes.
Model height 180cm. Rear legroom spacious. Feels fast, but really is fast.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is equipped with the M254 turbocharged four-cylinder engine + ISG 48V electric motor light hybrid power system, paired with Mercedes’ own 9AT gearbox. In Comfort mode and normal water temperature, the previous generation E-Class defaulted to 2nd gear, while the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class starts in 1st gear, reducing one gear for greater torque output and a lighter start compared to the previous generation model. With the support of the ISG motor, the shifting process after starting is also smoother and the power is continuous.
The M254 2.0T engine uses electric water pump, electric air conditioning, and electric oil pump, eliminating the need for belt-driven power. This reduces fuel consumption. The E300L is equipped with a 2.0T high-power engine, with a maximum power of 190kW and maximum torque of 400Nm. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 6.6s, 0.3s faster than the previous model, with a fuel consumption of 6.65L per 100km. The E260L has a 2.0T low-power engine, with a maximum power of 150kW and maximum torque of 320Nm. It accelerates to 100km/h in 7.7s, with a fuel consumption of 6.15L per 100km.
The overall performance of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class makes you feel like you don’t want to drive fast. The power output of the throttle pedal in the first half is relatively mild. If you like to drive steadily, you definitely don’t need the second half, and the smooth and continuous power output of the first half can already increase the speed of the car quickly. In addition, the heavy suspension and excellent NVH performance allow you to reach the road speed limit unconsciously. The power is smooth, comfortable, and smooth, in line with the quality of an executive sedan. In addition, the calibration of the 9-speed automatic transmission from Mercedes-Benz is also quite good, almost feeling like driving an electric car.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class features adjustable suspension that offers a smooth and comfortable ride in comfort mode. The steering feels light and the suspension filters out road imperfections effectively. Switching to sport mode, the steering becomes heavier and the suspension more resilient, providing good control during fast cornering. Overall, the suspension tuning of the new E-Class leans towards comfort, making it suitable for long-distance high-speed driving.
In actual experience, we also tried intense driving several times. When the throttle pedal travel exceeds half, the all-new Mercedes E-Class will show another side. The transmission will downshift decisively, the power is strong, effortlessly driving the nearly 2-ton car, and it performs with ease when overtaking. The overall driving quality of the all-new Mercedes E-Class can be described as smooth. The power is smooth and strong, the linear brake feel indirectly enhances comfort, and the steering wheel is precise. Combining all of this together, attacking corners on mountain roads even brings some driving passion. It is worth mentioning that the M254 engine can use 0W-20 oil with the MB229.71 standard, similar to the low viscosity oil of Japanese cars, which can bring better cold start protection and fuel economy.
The all-new Mercedes E-Class features double-layer laminated glass in the front and rear seats, reducing wind noise at high speeds and minimizing road and engine noise for excellent NVH quietness.
Let’s talk about fuel consumption. The test drive was with the E300L model, with a total distance of 66km, including 50km on suburban roads and the rest on city roads. It took 40 minutes in congested traffic. The overall fuel consumption was 7.8L/100km, which is satisfactory. But if you usually only drive in the city, the fuel consumption is likely to be close to 10L.
The new Mercedes E-Class HUD displays rich and clear content. It has a larger projected area than some brands’ advertised 70-inch area. If you’re not used to using HUD, you can voice control it: “Hey Mercedes, turn off the head-up display.”
The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class has L2+ level navigation assisted driving, taking the lead among luxury brands in the same class. It covers highways and city expressways, with the ability to achieve point-to-point navigation assistance on highways. It has L2+ intelligent driving functions such as automatic lane changing and automatic distance keeping from large vehicles. In addition, automatic on-ramp and off-ramp driving will be launched in 2024.
Environmental perception dual-camera system.
Millimeter wave radar for ACC The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class uses a high-level intelligent driving system that relies on pure vision and high-precision map routes, while the L3 level automatic driving system on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS relies on laser radar. In practical experience, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s L2+ level high-level intelligent driving has already reached mainstream level.
Automatically change lanes to overtake on the right side. When the L2+ navigation assisted driving system is activated, even without setting the navigation, the system can intelligently change lanes to overtake, accelerate, and brake based on the surrounding traffic conditions, greatly reducing driving fatigue. The automatic lane change action is relatively gentle and not aggressive. It is worth mentioning that when a slow vehicle is detected ahead and the conditions for changing lanes to overtake are not met, the braking process of the vehicle is also very gentle, unlike some high-end intelligent driving models that have a feeling of hard braking.
When encountering a large vehicle in the adjacent lane, the vehicle will slightly veer towards the lane line to avoid the large vehicle. The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class L2+ navigation assisted driving system is the first developed by a Chinese team, with a smaller lane change distance, a lane change speed as low as 50 kilometers per hour, a maximum hands-free time of 30 seconds, better understanding of Chinese users, and only available on the long-wheelbase E-Class produced in China. It is worth mentioning that the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class AEB active braking assist system can operate within the range of 7-250 kilometers per hour, and can also identify bicycles and pedestrians, reducing the occurrence rate of pedestrian accidents by 27%. Passive Safety
Brand new white Mercedes E-Class.
Front-end energy absorption structure On the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class white body, the proportion of high-strength steel used exceeds 77%, including 20% of ultra-high-strength steel. In addition, additional structural reinforcement treatments have been carried out for the body characteristics of long wheelbase models, with material thickening in the rear bottom plate, rear side doors, and structural optimization of the rear anti-collision beam with high-strength steel and unique collision load design.
B-pillar
Large area side curtain airbags in the rear row.
Front central airbag
The new Mercedes E-Class comes standard with 13 safety airbags, setting a new record for the number and variety of airbags in the E-Class. Specifically developed for the long-wheelbase models in China, the exclusive side air curtains have a larger area, further reducing the risk of head injuries for passengers. The introduction of the knee airbag for the front passenger and the central airbag for the front seats in the E-Class enhances protection for the front passengers and the driver, while the central airbag effectively prevents secondary injuries from driver-passenger collisions.
Side Airbags Side airbags are designed to protect passengers in the event of a side collision. They inflate quickly upon impact, reducing the risk of injury.
Pedestrian Protection Engine Hood Written at the end
The long-wheelbase E-Class from Mercedes-Benz is unparalleled in luxury, comfort, intelligent cockpit, and intelligent driving, whether compared to its previous generation E-Class or to other models in the same category. Its outstanding driving performance and luxurious exclusive rear seats for China make it the new benchmark for luxury executive vehicles that cater to the solid force of Chinese society.