New Mercedes-Benz E-Class details revealed

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its new E-Class lineup that is expected to land in South Africa in 2024 – boasting a redesigned interior and exterior.

Alongside the two preexisting engines and newly enhanced features, the new E-Class will offer a range of mild hybrids.

The sixth-generation E-Class will offer these in three trim lines – the Avantgarde, AMG Line, and Exclusive – however, the official South African-specific line-up and pricing will only be revealed closer to the time, reported TopAuto.

Features

According to TopAuto, the latest E-Class shows off new high-performance LED light clusters, a black panel-like surface that connects the headlights to the front breather, two character lines flowing along the flanks, two-section LED taillights with a new contour line, flush door handles, and a selection of alloy wheels ranging from 17 up to 21 inches.

On the Avantgarde, the Mercedes badge is also integrated into the centre of the radiator grille, and it features a single louvre, while the AMG Line gets a star pattern front-end, and the Exclusive sees three twin louvres and an upright star on the bonnet.

The E-Class is now equipped with the MBUX Superscreen infotainment system incorporating a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.4-inch portrait-style media screen.

The new entertainment centre brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a “very powerful” voice assistant, online music streaming via apps such as Spotify, access to the Mercedes Me store, and “adaptive software” that makes personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort, and vehicle functions, reported TopAuto.

The new sedan also includes Nappa leather and Microcut upholsteries in several patterns and colours, the Energizing Comfort and Energizing Coach wellness programmes, dual-zone climate control, driver attention monitoring, active brake assist, active lane keeping assist, speed limit assist, and active parking assist with reversing camera.

It will support a Digital Key which can be shared with up to 16 individuals who can all have access to the car via their smart devices without the physical key in hand.

Performance

The current-generation E-Class is sold with two drivelines in South Africa in the form of the E200 and E220d, which are configurated with a 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol or diesel engine.

This selection is expected to continue going into the new model. However, they are now improved via the fitment of an integrated starter generator and 48-volt electrical system.

The mild-hybrid configuration makes significant fuel savings possible, as well as other electrically-aligned abilities, including gliding, boosting, or energy recovery.

Depending on the market, four other engine options will be available in the new Mercedes, with the specifications for the various configurations detailed in the table below, as outlined by TopAuto:

Each power unit pairs with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and, contingent on the country, both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive systems are on offer.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG Line

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Exclusive

Read: All-new Honda Civic Type R launching in South Africa – pricing and features