Do you hate SUVs? The new Mercedes-Benz E Class is the best example that there is life beyond

Bridge between tradition and digitalization, between the optimized efficiency of combustion mechanics and the ineffable electrification, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has reached a new generation, the umpteenth evolution of a model that embodies the DNA of the German firm: elegance, classicism, sophistication, luxury, quality and representativeness.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
05 February 2024 Monday 10:23
13 Reads
Do you hate SUVs? The new Mercedes-Benz E Class is the best example that there is life beyond

Bridge between tradition and digitalization, between the optimized efficiency of combustion mechanics and the ineffable electrification, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has reached a new generation, the umpteenth evolution of a model that embodies the DNA of the German firm: elegance, classicism, sophistication, luxury, quality and representativeness.

For 75 years, the E-Class from the manufacturer of the three-pointed star has set the standard in the segment of mid-size prestige sedans and luxury and business saloons thanks to a unique combination of style, technology and equipment. cutting-edge in terms of comfort, safety, and connectivity.

With an extensive range of models and bodies and a very wide variety of mechanical options - something increasingly difficult to see today - the eternal E-Class in its most modern iteration lands in our country to the satisfaction of individual and corporate clients who are looking for the solidity of a great brand, and the solvency and weight of the tradition of a saga long consolidated over time.

In an era where SUV hegemony dominates sales, and where the tyranny of anti-pollution regulations conditions propulsion possibilities, Mercedes is one of the few brands that remains faithful to its customers, offering what they have always demanded: variety and wealth of alternatives. , both in bodies and in mechanical and fuel combinations.

Thus, the new E-Class - available from 63,425 euros in only two finishes, Avantgarde or AMG Line - arrives to replace the previous one from 2020 with a stylized aesthetic, the same short overhangs of the previous proposal, and notable differences in emblematic elements, such as the radiator grille, which can now be optionally chosen with an illuminated pattern (it is the first model of the brand to offer it, and its additional cost is about €500).

Another element that in Spain will no longer be available for the E-Class (in other markets it will, with the Exclusive finish) is the star exempt from the logo, on the grille frame. The large embossed format integrated into the front grille is the only possibility now. At the rear, there are new lights that also light up in the shape of a star while the tire offer includes different models from 18 to 21”.

However, the main changes are found in the interior, which features a completely redesigned dashboard. It can include up to three screens (the passenger screen is optional) in a large format, which entails the practical elimination of physical buttons for controlling functions, which are mostly done through the screen, or some controls. haptics that are preserved under the center and on the steering wheel.

For this management, the third generation of the MBUX system has been implemented and another striking option is released, a video camera integrated in the center of the dashboard designed to be able to make video calls and multi-conferences aimed at clients with an executive/business profile.

The richness of the E-Class and its uniqueness is in a wide range to accommodate practically all needs and preferences, both mechanical and configuration. Thus, the sedan variant, 4.95 meters long, 1.88 meters wide and 1.48 meters high, is joined from the moment of launch by the corresponding family version (Estate). The E Berlina offers a boot capacity of 540 liters (or 370 in the case of plug-in hybrid versions), while the E Estate reaches 615 or 460 for PHEVs.

There is also an interesting variant with greater versatility and notable country-country abilities, the E All-Terrain, which for an additional 4,000 euros, offers 4MATIC traction, 46 mm more ground clearance, a specific driving program for off-road, and a towing capacity of 2,100 kg.

Finally, the different architectures that can be chosen belonging to the E family are completed with the specific CLE series - with a separate name and from 59,900 euros -, for the Coupé and the Cabrio, which measure 4.85 m in length. The fabric roof variant opens and closes in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 60 km/h.

It can be chosen with three hood colors (grey, light gray and red) and presents some interior differences, such as the well-known Airscarf and Aircap systems, a central screen that can be tilted from 12 to 32 degrees to avoid the incidence of the sun and its possible reflections, 60/40 folding rear seats to expand the trunk capacity, estimated at 295 or 385 liters depending on the position of the roof.

Both the Cabrio and the Coupé present a more expressive silhouette, with the "shark nose" style nose, frameless doors, automatic seat belts, specific seats, sports suspension lowered by 1.5 cm, optional rear axle steering, alloy wheels. 18 to 20” and taillights of our own design.

Another greatness of the stately E-Class is the exceptionally generous chapter of engine proposals, which fortunately retains a notable presence of diesel (including PHEV), as well as gasoline, and plug-in hybrids. In this sense, the alternatives considered – all light hybrids – are the E 200 with 204 HP in gasoline with rear-wheel drive and in diesel the 220 with 197 HP with rear or all-wheel drive, as well as the 450 with 367 HP AWD. As for plug-in hybrids, there are 313 HP (gasoline and diesel) with rear or all-wheel drive.

The combination of the electricity stored in the battery (up to 118 km in 100% electric without emissions) and the diesel mechanics translates into a total autonomy of more than 1,000 km, which with especially efficient driving and the regeneration of the routes in city ​​can reach an impressive 1,200 km without refueling or recharging. And all this with an exceptional level of ride and acoustic comfort and an enviable ride quality for traveling almost without limitations.

The CLE adds two other gasoline engines of 258 and 381 HP to the 197 and 204 HP mechanics, in addition to the usual sports developments with the AMG seal, which will be added to the catalog later.