Review
Mercedes E-Class
Mercedes recently presented the brand new E-Class. We are now in the tenth generation and the latest addition excels in numerous technological innovations and driver assistance systems. We were introduced to the new E-Class through a test drive with the E 220 d in a beautiful AMG styling.
Motorizations
If you want a petrol version, you can opt for the E 200. This is available from 48,400 euros and has a 2-liter petrol engine with a power of 184 hp and a 9G-TRONIC PLUS automatic gearbox. There is also an E 300, an E 400 4Matic and an E 350 e Plug-In Hybrid in the pipeline.
Diesel drivers can choose an E 220 d or an E 350 d. The E 220 d has a power of 194 hp or 163 hp in the case of the tax-friendly version. For the latter you have to pay at least 49,620 euros. If you want even more power, you can opt for the E 350 d with a power of 258 hp. To park this E-Class in your driveway, you have to pay at least 60,379 euros. All models have the nine-speed automatic transmission 9G-TRONIC PLUS
E 220 p
We were introduced to the new E-Class through a test drive with the E 220 d. This was the version with a power of 163 hp. It is equipped with a brand new diesel engine with four cylinders and a capacity of 1,950 cc. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 7.9 seconds and the top speed is around 232 km/h. The nine-speed automatic transmission ensures that you are always in the right gear. The automatic transmission shifts quickly from one gear to another and keeps the revs low. This makes the E-Class less noisy and also consumes less.
Looks
In terms of appearance, the E-Class looks like a small S-Class or a large C-Class. No matter how you look at it, the E-Class has become a very beautiful appearance. There is also a difference in appearance depending on, among other things, which equipment level you have chosen. The basic version and the Exclusive line have a classic grille with three slats and a Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet.
Both the Avantgarde Line and the AMG Line get a sportier grille with an integrated star. Our test car was equipped with, among other things, the AMG Line. Definitely a look that we personally like. You then get, among other things, an AMG front apron with striking air intakes, an AMG rear apron in diffuser look with chrome trim and a sporty interior: sports seats in leather look or optionally in nappa leather, a multifunction sports steering wheel with a flattened bottom and AMG sports pedals. Our test car was also equipped with optional 20” multi-spoke AMG wheels. These give the car a very sporty and successful appearance. The color “Kallait green” also looked very stylish.
Innovative driver assistance systems
The new E-Class is available with numerous driver assistance systems. So you get Active Brake Assist as standard. This system will warn the driver in the event of an impending collision or will brake autonomously if necessary. In addition to vehicles, the system can also detect pedestrians who are in the danger zone in front of the E-Class. Another standard system is ATTENTION ASSIST. This system will warn the driver when it detects fatigue and inattention. In this way, for example, it can warn the driver when he or she is in danger of falling asleep during a long or night-time drive. Crosswind Assist is also standard and will reduce the effects of strong side winds, so that the car will deviate less.
In addition, there are also numerous optional driver assistance systems from which you can choose. With the DRIVE PILOT, for example, Mercedes is writing a new chapter in autonomous driving. This system consists of a steering assistant, distance control and a speed limiter and ensures that the E-Class can partly “drive itself”. The steering assistant helps with steering by using lane markings and can even follow vehicles ahead in certain circumstances. There is an active lane assistant, which can assist the driver when changing lanes. The DISTRONIC distance control regulates the distance to the vehicle in front and can also brake itself and start again. Thanks to the speed limiter, DISTRONIC also takes speed limits into account.
One option we would definitely take is the 360° camera. This system consists of four cameras and ensures that the car and its surroundings are shown on the display from a bird’s eye view and in very high image quality. When parking, guide lines are also displayed so that you know where you are going you are manoeuvring.
Conclusion
The new Mercedes E-Class has become a showcase for numerous innovative driver assistance systems and technology. The finish inside is superior, including the best screen we have ever seen. The E-Class is also a handsome appearance in terms of looks, although it is becoming a bit more difficult to see the difference between, for example, an E-Class and a C-Class.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
