New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Introduced; Plug-In Hybrid Has 115 Kilometres Of Electric-Only Range

Mercedes-Benz, a German luxury automaker, has unveiled the sixth-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a significant update for one of Mercedes’ greatest pillars of global dominance. The new E-Class has grown in size, but more importantly, it is now more technologically advanced than ever before, with the automaker placing a greater emphasis on employing artificial intelligence and automation to further indulge potential buyers. Abroad, the new E-Class will only be offered with an assortment of electrified powertrains, including plug-in hybrid options with larger battery cells.

The new E-Course, codenamed ‘214’ and unveiled with a standard wheelbase, is larger than its predecessor and has a 20 mm longer wheelbase, with Mercedes asserting that the increase in size has resulted in more interior space. The new E, which is based on an updated version of the company’s MRA architecture, has obvious echoes of the all-electric powered Mercedes EQ sedans, but also visibly draws inspiration from the regal S-Course, with its prominent and upright grille (which is available with illumination), quad headlights, clean surfacing, and horizontal tail-lights featuring 3D three-pointed stars. With its sleek exterior and flush-fitting door handles, the new E-Course achieves a 0.23 Cd drag coefficient. The trunk capacity is 540 litres (370 litres for plug-in hybrid models).

On the inside, the E-Course is once again geared towards pampering its occupants. Overseas, the MBUX Superscreen – three displays integrated behind a curved glass panel on the dashboard – will be available as an option. The Superscreen cleverly conceals two displays beneath a single, seamless glass panel, with one mounted in the middle (14.4 inches) and the other facing the front passenger. The third monitor (12.2-inches) is the interface for electronic devices. In addition, Mercedes-Benz has installed a’selfie’ camera on the dashboard, enabling E-Class passengers to partake in Zoom/Webex conferences (only when stationary) and report journey times.

The MBUX system of the new E-Class also incorporates artificial intelligence to automate the selection of convenience-oriented features. Mercedes-Benz uses the term ‘routine’ to describe this component, and occupants can associate various capabilities with specific situations. If the consumer so chooses, the vehicle will activate seat heating and select a warm orange for the dynamic ambient lighting system when ambient temperatures fall below a certain threshold.

In terms of powertrains, the new E-Class is presently available in Europe with a variety of 4- and 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines coupled with a hybrid electric propulsion system. The 4-cylinder options (E200, E220d, and E220d 4MATIC) have a mild-hybrid system that can momentarily add 23 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque when the ‘Boost’ function is activated. All four-cylinder vehicles have a -100 kph acceleration time of just over seven seconds and a top speed of approximately 230 kph.

6-cylinder gasoline models (E300, E300 4MATIC, and E400 4MATIC) combined with a plug-in hybrid system augment the lineup. Thanks to a substantial 25,4 kWh lithium-ion battery, all plug-in hybrid variants of the new E-Course have an electric-only range in excess of 100 kilometres (WLTP cycle). Peak outputs for plug-in designs range between 308 and 375 horsepower, while torque outputs range between 550 and 650 newton-meters. The range-topping E400 4MATIC will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, and Mercedes says it will soon release six-cylinder diesel plug-in hybrids.

Air suspension is an option on the new E-Course, as is a rear-wheel-steering system that can tilt the rear wheels by up to 4.5 degrees to facilitate low-speed manoeuvres or enhance high-speed safety. In markets where infrastructure permits, the new E-Class is also capable of Level 4 autonomous driving, with automated valet parking ensuring that the vehicle is equipped with the technology to park and unpark without a driver.

The E-Course has been the driving force behind Mercedes-Benz’s strong sales performance in India and was the brand’s best-selling product in 2022. In early 2024, the new E-Class will arrive in India with an extended wheelbase (due to début within the next few months).