Mercedes-Benz E-Class Facelift | Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Facelift

The E-Class receives a minor model change, adopting a new front design that respects its heritage while fitting seamlessly into the current Mercedes-Benz family. It features numerous advanced safety systems unique to Mercedes-Benz, along with a focus on environmental performance.

Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)

Modernized Exterior

Safety, design, and efficiency. These are the keywords that define the reborn E-Class.

The most striking aspect of the exterior is its sporty look, characteristic of current Mercedes-Benz models, with the emblem positioned centrally and struts extending from it. The headlights, previously known for their distinctive "four-eyed" appearance, have been updated using LEDs, retaining their traditional image while achieving a modern look.

Alternatively, for those who prefer the classic look, a sedan-style front grille with three louvers and the three-pointed star on the hood is also available.

Furthermore, both the "Saloon" sedan body and the "Estate" wagon body offer a wide array of options that can be freely combined to create a unique E-Class. For instance, it's possible to achieve a classic exterior finish with a modern interior.

Equipped with Two Cameras

Various safety features, which Mercedes-Benz calls Intelligent Drive, have also been enhanced. The key to this is two cameras capable of recognizing a 50-meter range in three dimensions. They can identify not only vehicles but also pedestrians and traffic signs.

These cameras also expand the functionality of the radar sensor system.

Standard equipment includes "COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST," which uses radar to issue collision warnings and assist with braking, and "ATTENTION ASSIST," which detects inattentiveness due to drowsiness and indicates the driver's fatigue level.

Key optional features include "DISTRONIC PLUS," which provides lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control functions, and "BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM," which reacts to sudden pedestrian appearances and assists with braking.
The "PRE-SAFE" system, designed for occupant protection and avoidance of secondary collisions, now includes "PRE-SAFE BRAKE," which automatically applies the brakes upon detecting pedestrians at speeds up to 50 km/h, and "PRE-SAFE PLUS," which alerts the following driver with light signals when a rear-end collision is imminent.
"Active Lane Keeping Assist" also determines if the adjacent lane is safe for changing. Other selectable features include "Adaptive Highbeam Assist PLUS" to prevent dazzling oncoming traffic with high beams, "Active Parking Assist" to support parking, "Traffic Sign Assist" to recognize road signs, and a 360-degree camera.

Diesel Hybrid Models Continue

Among the gasoline models, the "E 250" with its 1,991cc inline-4 engine achieves the best environmental performance, with fuel consumption of 5.8 L/100km and CO2 emissions of 135g/km. The 2,996cc V6 twin-turbo engine in the "E 400" delivers a maximum output of 245kW (333ps) at 5,250-6,000rpm and a maximum torque of 480Nm at 1,600-4,000rpm, achieving 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds. Despite this performance, it boasts fuel efficiency of 7.5 L/100km (approx. 13.3 km/L) and CO2 emissions of 175g/km, meeting the Euro 6 emissions standard. Additionally, 3,498cc V6 engines are available for the "E 300" and "E 350," and a 4,663cc V8 engine for the "E 500." Four-wheel drive 4MATIC is also available for the "E 300," "E 350," "E 400," and "E 500."

The diesel engine models will continue to feature theE 300 BlueTEC HYBRID"E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID." This system combines a 2,143cc 4-cylinder diesel turbo engine with a 19kW (26ps) electric motor, as before.

For vehicles equipped with the "7G TRONIC PLUS" transmission, a short-term manual operation mode has been added. This system automatically returns to automatic mode if no shifting operation is performed after manual shifting via paddle shifters, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption.

Four types of suspension are available, tailored to the character of each model. The "DIRECT CONTROL" for standard models comes in two versions: a standard and a sportier setting. The AMG Sport Package features a lowered, sportier suspension, while the "AIRMATIC" models and V8 models come standard with air suspension. The rear suspension of the wagon body Estate is fundamentally this air suspension.

The introduction of this new E-Class to Japan is already scheduled for next year. Attention will be focused on which models will arrive in Japan and when.