High tech new E-Class sticks to combustion tradition
While Mercedes-Benz continues on its electric vehicle charge, it has not forgotten its traditional combustion roots. Benz Tuesday revealed its high-tech new 2024 E-class sedan with petrol, diesel and hybrid power, advanced infotainment, and a traditional gas twist.
High Tech Hybrid New E-class Still a Gas Classic
In the face of Mercedes’ electric onslaught, the new E will come in a launch range of four-cylinder and straight-six turbo petrol and diesel powered models. All will be coupled to a gearbox-mounted hybrid electric motor-generator. The latest E continues as a traditional long-nosed three-box sedan. It does however have a new EQ-like black trim between the headlights and grille. Full-width taillights get a pair of tri star elements on the main clusters each side.
The slick new body is wider and rides on a slightly longer wheelbase than the outgoing car. Mercedes says it has improved interior space for the high tech new cabin. The rich-looking leather trimmed space gets metal switchgear, ambient lighting wrapped around the dashboard. An optional disco-like pulse package keeps it in tune with the Burmeister surround sound system. The light strips even display visual driver assistance alerts.
New E-class Gets an Optional Passenger Screen
One interior option even includes a full width Superscreen dash with a third screen for the passenger. The infotainment now works off a single onboard computer to allow passengers to live stream videos and games on the move. So long as a dash camera senses the driver’s eyes stay on the road!
Augmented reality navigation now uses live images from the car’s cameras, and the Hey Mercedes voice assistant can now listen for commands at all times. New third-party infotainment system apps will access web browser Vivaldi, Zoom, TikTok, and Angry Birds.
Upgraded Turbocharged Hybrid Engines
New E Class will initially be sold with a choice of four mild hybrid four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Producing between 145 and 280 kW, all are mated to that upgraded 17 kW electrified nine-speed automatic gearbox. Two new petrol-electric plug-in hybrid systems with a greater electric range of up to 115 km thanks to a 10.6kWh larger 24.1kWh battery.
New E-class has adaptive dampers and multilink suspension at each corner. A load-levelling function adapts the car to road surfaces. Air suspension replaces steel-springs in the optional Technology package. It also adds rear-wheel steering to make E-class nimbler at low speeds and reduce the turning circle by nearly three feet. E-class’ driver-assistance package can be upgraded to include active lane-centring and automatic lane change steering.
Expect new E-class Early Next Year
Further models, including the AMG 53 and 63 expected. A pair of hot new 3-litre super-hybrid straight six engines, will also follow,. Other markets will also get four and six-pot turbodiesels. Mercedes has not yet revealed pricing, or an on sale date. Buyers can expect the new sedan on dealership floors early next year. Starting at a slight price increase over the outgoing car.
