The New Mercedes E-Class Is a 130mph Hands-Free Weapon

It might look like a baby S-Class, but beneath the familiar-looking exterior the new E-Class has some class leading tech all of its own...
The New Mercedes E-Class Is a 130mph Hands-Free Weapon

Mid-level executives everywhere rejoice, this is the new Mercedes E-Class, and it looks almost exactly the same as your boss’ more expensive (and probably out of reach) S-Class. Mercedes describes the new car as being a product of ‘emotional design’ rather than being a product of cut and paste laziness. But in all fairness the new car (which we’ve already seen thanks to last week’s leak) with its low roof line and broad shoulders is a very sharp looking vehicle; much more so than the angular but fairly bland outgoing model.

Exterior design aside, the new E-Class is a very high-tech machine. One of the most interesting features is the new Drive Pilot system which walks the line between traditional cruise control and a fully autonomous mode. Very impressively, the system allows the car to control its own braking, steering and acceleration at speeds of up to 130mph - essential for the daily autobahn commute. A new car-to-car communication system also warns the driver of potential hazards up ahead, minimising the risk of a serious accident.

The New Mercedes E-Class Is a 130mph Hands-Free Weapon

Not to be outdone by its American rivals Tesla, the new E-Class can also autonomously change lanes using its advanced radar, GPS and camera setup. These systems also allow the car to adhere to speed limits, detect crossing traffic at junctions and avoid pedestrians. The car will also be able to park itself via the owner’s smartphone app (much like the new BMW 7-Series). Ultimately, if you manage to crash this car you should get some kind of Darwin award.

When the car goes on sale later this year buyers will be able to pick from a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel (replacing the dated 2.1-litre engine) and a 2.0-litre petrol motor. The diesel will be the most popular variant in the UK, boasting some pretty impressive figures. With 192bhp, 0-62mph should be achieved in a respectable 7.3 seconds and 70mpg should mean that trips to the petrol station are kept to a minimum. A plug-in hybrid and E350d will go on sale shortly after the launch of the two base cars, and while there’s no official word on an AMG E63 yet, we’re expecting one next year with Affalterbach’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 under the bonnet.

The New Mercedes E-Class Is a 130mph Hands-Free Weapon

Each model will receive Mercedes’ nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard and owners will have the choice of advanced multi-chamber air suspension (the only car in the segment to offer this option) or traditional steel springs. The Air Body Control is fully active and can automatically adapt the damping based on the driving situation and road conditions.

The new interior is another step forward for the E-Class and looks incredibly premium. Two vast 12.3-inch touch screens dominate the dashboard and touch-sensitive control buttons on the steering wheel are intended to allow the driver much greater control over the infotainment system. The idea is that the driver can swipe and scroll through menus (much like an iPhone) without having to take their hands off the wheel - the first time this technologically has featured on a car.

The New Mercedes E-Class Is a 130mph Hands-Free Weapon

With all these new developments the E-Class looks set to re-claim its crown as the most advanced car in its class. Prices haven’t been revealed yet, but we shouldn’t have to wait too long with the car making its public debut at the Detroit motor show this week.

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Comments

Q1994vH

I don’t care how much it looks like a C or S-class, I like it!! Mercedes just gets that when you have a good design that the customer likes you don’t change it! I’m looking forward seeing it in real-life and the AMG-versions!!!! According to some info it will get at least 570hp!!

01/11/2016 - 13:14 |
24 | 2

Agreed
Well it MUST have at least 570bhp - otherwise it will have less power than the outgoing generation

01/11/2016 - 14:39 |
0 | 0
phil93

It seems like Merc wants to cut the salary of the exterior and interior designer by only rescaling the C class and S class design. They are almost identical..

01/11/2016 - 13:16 |
1 | 0
lolol mm2

In reply to by phil93

Similar to the period of the w140 s class

01/11/2016 - 14:09 |
3 | 0
Vespasian

Great car but wait for the new 5 series this year

01/11/2016 - 13:59 |
1 | 1
lolol mm2

…and that means the car will wear quite soon due to the excessive amount of electronic, and that means Mercs are very likely to be a money portal

01/11/2016 - 14:07 |
5 | 1

Not as bad as a BMW.

01/12/2016 - 08:14 |
0 | 0
Neidjel

Why does everyone keep complaining it looks identical to the C and S klasse, while it clearly doesn’t. I also see a (too) great resemblance between the C and the S, but the E at least has different (smaller) head and tail lights. Yes, it looks similar, but not like they just copied/pasted everything on a slightly different scale.

As a VAG hater I like to complain about how all Audis look exactly the same (except for the a3 “limousine” which is beautiful) so is it that everyone complaining about it simply doesn’t like Mercedes-Benz or what?

01/11/2016 - 14:53 |
2 | 1
Mohamed Abdul

In reply to by Neidjel

As a vag hater 😂😂that made me laugh

01/11/2016 - 18:52 |
0 | 0
ramses rizal

Car designer are getting lazier or maybe the manufacturer just don’t want to spend more money to redesign something new?

01/11/2016 - 15:16 |
1 | 0
Emanuele Pinna

I’m thinking about how many cars would I buy for that money…

01/11/2016 - 15:47 |
0 | 1
Anonymous

Interior is sexy AF <3

01/11/2016 - 16:20 |
1 | 0
Anonymous

Much better with decent taillights.

01/11/2016 - 18:11 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

Why Mercedes? Be original, not like Audi. Fair enough the previous eclass was a rip off Hyundai Sonatra, but do you have to copy the sclass? For someone who’s grown up with mercs I must say they’ve just lost all their class and originality.

01/11/2016 - 20:26 |
0 | 1
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Why would they change desing if it is best looking interior.. Of course they will take elements of s class becouse people like that design and mercedes always did somethin similar to this, taking elements from other classes(btw designers are expensive and they are gambling huge reputation with new design.. They play safely )

01/12/2016 - 12:22 |
0 | 0