For over 75 years the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has set the standard for luxury saloons and in 2024 the brand is opening a new chapter with the launch of a new E-class that continues to represent the ultimate in terms of an executive luxury saloon while its new electronics architecture ensures a comprehensive digital user experience.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is most advanced one yet while retaining the unrivalled luxury appeal and dynamic driving experience that has made it a success for over seven decades.
Classic proportions
The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class features the proportions of a classic three-box saloon including a short front overhang and long bonnet complete with power dome ahead of a greenhouse that is set well back. The cab forward design is rounded off by a well-proportioned rear overhang.
Upfront a black panel-like surface seamlessly connects the radiator grille and headlamps, an insert that reminds of the EQ-models. The three-dimensional radiator grille is either progressive or classic, depending on the equipment line specified. High-performance headlamps are standard, however Digital Light is available as an optional extra. Both headlamps feature a distinctive day and night design while daytime running lights take the shape of an eyebrow.
The side profile highlights the harmonious proportions perfectly while two separate character lines along the side emphasise the car’s sporty character.
The fresh, modern, design culminates at the rear with two-section LED lights, a new contour and special design where the star emblem incorporated into both lights ensures a unique day and night design.
Fully digital interior
The dashboard of the new E-class has been transformed into a digital experience. When the E-Class is equipped with the optional front passenger screen, the large glass surface of the MBUX super screen extends all the way to the central display. The centre console is designed as a homogenous unit and merges in a straight line as it morphs into the lower section of the dashboard.
An illuminated light strip of the Active Ambient lighting runs in a wide arc from the windscreen, past the A-pillars and into the doors, creating a generous feeling of space.
The contours of the seat surface and backrest flow elegantly from the inside to the outside and appear to float above the base of the seat thanks to their layer design. Indented vertical lines follow the outer contour, widening out towards the top.
The E-Class continues to represent spaciousness. In the latest model the driver is treated to 5mm of additional headroom. Rear seat passengers will benefit from increased knee and leg room and even elbow width. Luggage capacity has been expanded to 540 litres.
A new electronics architecture means that the E-Class is now more software driven and less hardware driven than ever before with all computing functions, including those for the screens and MBUX driven by one single powerful onboard computer, resulting in improved computing speeds.
Thanks to the new Active Ambient Lighting with Sound Visualisation occupants in the E-Class can experience sound in three ways. Music can be heard or felt by means of sound resonating transducers and now also seen as visualisation takes place on the light strip of the Active Ambient Lighting.
With the optional thermotronic automatic climate control the comfort experience is enhanced by digital vent control which automatically adjusts the front vents to a desired ventilation scenario and which can be done for each seat via the user profile.
Wide variety of driver assistance and safety systems
The standard driving assistance systems include active distance assist, Distronic, Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Parking Package with reversing camera and speed limit assist. The status and activity of the driving assistance systems are shown as a full-screen view in the assistance mode of the driver’s display.
Safety of passengers is based on a particularly rigid passenger cell and specifically deformable crash structures. The seat belts and airbags are adapted to this and are activated in such a way that their protective effect is adopted according to the situation.
In addition to the driver and front passenger airbags, a knee airbag on the driver’s side is also standard and is designed to protect the drivers’ legs from contact with the steering column or instrument panel. The standard window airbags can reduce the risk of head impact with the side window and in the event of a serious impact it extends from the A-pillar to the C-pillar like a curtain over the front and rear side windows.
Under the bonnet
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is initially available with two engine options, a petrol and a diesel.
The E200 makes use of 2.0 litre turbocharged engine that offers 150kW at 5 800rpm and 320Nm from 1800rpm. This results in a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7,5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 240km/h. The E200 will use 7,3 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.
The E220d is fitted with a 2.0 litre turbodiesel engine that offers 145kW at 3 600rpm and 440Nm from 1 800 rpm. This model can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 7,6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 238km/h and will use as little as 5,5 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.
Both models are fitted with a mild hybrid system which includes an Integrated Starter Generator which incorporates a 48-volt electrical system and facilitates features such as coasting, boost or recuperation, ensuring significant savings in terms of fuel consumption.
Another advantage is a seamless stop/start system which can transition from coasting with the engine switched off back onto power almost seamlessly. The use of the latest battery technology means that the power of the electric motor offers an additional 17kW and 205Nm on both models, aiding with performance and fuel consumption.
Model range and pricing
Pricing includes a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan
Mercedes-Benz E200 R1 344 750
Mercedes-Benz E220d R1 430 550
