January 16, 2013

Mercedes-Benz Updates E-Class


Mercedes-Benz introduces the extensively updated 2014 E-Class Sedan and Wagon, featuring highly efficient engines, an array of new driver assistance systems and even more refined styling. No less than eleven new or optimized assistance systems from the future S-Class celebrate their world premiere in both the sedan and wagon models. They combine a host of comfort and safety features, referred to by Mercedes-Benz as "intelligent drive." These groundbreaking systems include technologies that can help prevent accidents with pedestrians or vehicles crossing in front, Active Lane Keeping Assist for avoiding collisions with oncoming traffic and anti-glare continuous high-beam headlamps. All this and more ensures that Mercedes-Benz maintains its pioneering role in vehicle safety. The new E-Class also takes a major step forward in terms of efficiency, thanks to the new four-cylinder diesel engine. An extensive package of design updates round-off the new and compelling features of the MY14 E-Class, delivering an accomplished combination of efficiency, intelligence and style.

By conducting such a comprehensive redevelopment of the E-Class range, Mercedes-Benz is ensuring that its customers benefit from the very latest technical advances as soon as possible. The new E-Class also comes with distinctive updates in its styling for an elegant and sporty look, as well as significantly enhanced comfort features and upscale equipment, rounded-off by an exceptional level of efficiency and everyday driving pleasure. All of this comes together to ensure that the E-Class continues to consolidate its leading position in the luxury segment.



Design – a choice of two new front-end styles

Numerous intelligent modifications have given the E-Class a new front-end design and revised proportions. Designers applied the new Mercedes-Benz design language to reinterpret the brand's classic design values on the existing basis. The outcome is an elegant, refined and yet sporty look.

The front end has been completely revised with new headlamps that incorporate all light functions within a single lens, while flowing light elements within the headlamps help to retain the "four-eyed" appearance that is such a distinctive E-Class signature. When it comes to light and sight, the E-Class sets the benchmark – low beam and daytime running lights both come with partial LED as standard, while full-LED headlamps are available as an option for the first time in this class.

In another first, the MY14 E-Class is available with two different front-end designs. The Luxury version comes with the classic sedan grille with 3-louver look and star on the hood. The Sport version, on the other hand, features the sports grille with integrated star, forming a visual link to the brand's high performance sports car models.

The hood and front bumper have also been completely redesigned. With its flowing lines, the hood offers a smooth, sleek expression of the new design language. The bumper has new, contemporary styling with an aerofoil shape along its lower edge for an even more distinctively sporting character. Sport models receive an even more confident front design, using the AMG styling package that features larger air intakes and a distinct aluminum trim line along the entire lower rim of the front bumper.



Dynamic, elegant proportions

A new feature line and a repositioned three-dimensional trim line bring new proportions to both the sedan and wagon. The feature line runs below the structure line from the rear door to the tail light, giving the car greater visual length. This is reinforced by the side trim, which is now much lower. The overall effect is to make the MY14 E-Class look longer and more elegant, and at the same time both dynamic and composed.

Broad, distinctive rear end

The rear end of the MY14 E-Class features modifications to the lights and the bumper. The new LED tail lamps have a horizontal design that emphasizes the width of the vehicle, while the two-tone look comes with a distinctive nighttime signature. Sport models feature exposed dual exhaust pipes.

Premium interior

The generously proportioned interior of the E-Class has been subtly revised and harmonized with the expressive exterior. Premium materials, precise lines and clearly defined surfaces combine to create a sophisticated overall look - and feel.

A new feature is the two-part trim extending across the entire soft-touch dashboard, which is available in two wood finishes – burl walnut or black ash. Also new are the 3-tube instrument cluster, the trapezoidal head-unit display, the air vent design and the analogue clock between the two central vents.

"Intelligent drive" with new assistance systems

What started with PRE-SAFE® and continued with DISTRONIC PLUS® has emerged as a new dimension of driving at Mercedes-Benz, where comfort and safety merge into one. Mercedes-Benz calls this "intelligent drive." A whole host of new or optimized systems from the future S-Class celebrate their world premiere in the E-Class, delivering increased comfort and safety, such as the all-new DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist.

The basis for all this is new state-of-the-art sensors and their associated algorithms. Mercedes-Benz has taken a major step forward with the introduction of the Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera. Just like the previous Mono Multi-Purpose Camera, it is located on the windshield near the rearview mirror. However, this camera features two "eyes," set at an angle of 45 degrees to produce a three-dimensional view of the area up to 55 yards in front of the vehicle and with an overall range of up to 550 yards. The stereo camera gathers data for processing by various systems using intelligent algorithms. The systems can detect vehicles driving in front, oncoming or crossing and evaluate this three-dimensional visual information to determine their speed and position. They can also identify pedestrians within a large field of vision.

Along with the Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera, Mercedes-Benz is also introducing enhanced versions of the Multi-Mode Radar sensor system. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, a radar-based collision warning system with Adaptive Brake Assist is standard equipment on both the sedan and wagon. It helps to reduce significantly the risk of a rear-end collision. Also part of standard equipment is ATTENTION ASSIST®, which now warns of inattentiveness and drowsiness across a wider range, and provides visual information on attention level and time driven since the last break. The sensitivity of the new generation ATTENTION ASSIST® can be adjusted by the driver.

Excellent performance with high gas mileage

Both the E-Class sedan and wagon boast a range of powerful and efficient gasoline and diesel engines. All come with the ECO start/stop system as standard equipment and are highly efficient. Mercedes-Benz offers the broadest range of ECO start/stop systems in the United States, as well as the most seamless, smooth, and unobtrusive algorithms.

The gasoline engines offered in the MY14 E-Class are the highly successful V6 and V8 units in the E350 and E550, which will go on sale in Spring 2013. They combine excellent response characteristics and outstanding power delivery with exceptional efficiency.

Powerful diesel engine and hybrid drive for outstanding efficiency

New in the MY14 E-Class sedan is the incredibly efficient four-cylinder diesel engine powering the E250 BlueTEC with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, available Fall 2013. Compliant with emissions legislations in all fifty states, the latest diesel model from Mercedes-Benz shows that premium elegance and outstanding economy are not mutually exclusive. The E250 BlueTEC generates 190 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, replacing the V6-powered E350 BlueTEC engine that only was available with rear-wheel drive.

A further feature of the MY14 E-Class range is the highly economical E400 HYBRID. Supplemented by an electric motor (27hp, 184 lb-ft), the E400 HYBRID offers the powerful and refined performance of the Mercedes-Benz 3.5-liter V6 (302hp, 273 lb-ft) paired with an outstanding gas mileage of 24/30 mpg (est. city/highway).

New-generation transmission for dynamic and economical driving

The engines in the MY14 E-Class are mated to the seven-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever and DIRECT SELECT shift paddles. This latest evolution of the seven-speed transmission offers significant benefits in terms of efficiency and ease of maintenance.

A new feature is the short-term M mode. If the driver shifts up or down manually, the transmission independently switches back to the fuel-efficient automatic shift mode after a pre-determined period of time elapses.

Traction and stability can also be enhanced across the MY14 E-Class lineup with the 4MATIC® permanent all-wheel-drive system – particularly effective in challenging surface conditions.

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