E stands for excellence on Mercs new E-Class

The Mercedes Benz E-Class has a long and illustrious history and is categorized by the Stuttgart manufacturer as a business sedan. Unveiled at this year’s Detroit Auto Show the tenth generation was officially launched to the world’s media last week in and around the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.

The success of previous generations is proven with global sales of sedan and estate topping the 13 million mark. Styling of the all new E-Class reflects the company’s latest design philosophy known as Sensual Purity, as shown in both the current S-Class and C-Class.

Wheelbase has increased by 65mm to 2939mm and overall length to 4923 mm – a 43mm increase.

Available in several guises from the base version, the Exclusive line, Avantgarde and AMG Line models, the base and Exclusive models feature a classic Mercedes grille with the three pointed star mounted on the bonnet. The AMG and Avantgarde carry the sports grille with a large three pointed star at its centre.

Single piece tail lights with a double bar design can be enhanced by an optional light diffusion system called the “stardust effect” and this adds a really distinctive highlight.

The interior is very much S-Class and the transposition of the elegant design to the E-Class results in one of the most luxurious and ergonomically efficient cabins on the market.

The entry level versions have two analogue dials whereas all the vehicles driven were fitted with the optional 12.3 inch display screen behind the steering wheel with a second 12.3 inch screen above the centre console. The visual effect is of a fully floating display which is selectable for Classic, Sport and Progressive display options, these are selected via steering wheel mounted touch sensitive buttons. These operate in the same way as smart phone controls with response to vertical or horizontal swipes.

Seating is excellent with ergonomic, sculptured seats offering comfort and excellent support for driver and front passenger. The rear seat offers the option of a three piece backrest with a 40%-20%-40% split to allow the transportation of extra long cargo.

The initial line up for SA will be the E 200 with a four cylinder 1991cc petrol engine delivering 135kW and 300Nm of torque, the E 220 d and the E 350 d a six cylinder 2987 cc diesel that produces 190kW and 690Nm.

Due to arrive in the last quarter of 2016, is the E 400 4Matic that employs a six cylinder petrol engine that pushes out 245kW and 480Nm, a much later arrival will be the E 350 – E the plug in hybrid which is due locally in 2018.

For me the highlight of the engine lineup is the new OM 654 four cylinder diesel used in the E 220 d, replacing the previous OM 651. More compact and shorter, the 1950 cc engine utilises an aluminium crankcase and cylinder head and produces 143 kW at 3800 r/min and 400Nm of torque between 1600 and 2800 r/min. Claimed figures for the 220 d are 3.9 l/1ookm with emission figures at 102g/km. All engines for the new E-Class are equipped with the ECO start/ stop function.

The petrol engines meet EU 6 emissions standard and the new OM 654 four-cylinder diesel engine is configured for the future RDE limits. All derivatives are equipped with the new 9G-Tronic nine speed automatic transmission as standard, the gearbox ensures that engine revs are kept at an optimum for efficiency.

Suspension is another area that offers a multitude of options from the standard steel units to the Direct control system. This offers three modes, Comfort, Comfortable Avantgarde which is 15mm lower and has a more sporty feel and Sport which includes adaptive damping adjustment and is also 15mm lower.

The ultimate option is the air suspension system which allows the driver to truly adapt the car to his driving style, from an incredibly smooth on road ride to a very firm sports set up. While we are talking options, the E Class offerings are plentiful and include the Drive Assistance package that includes Drive Pilot, Active Braking Assist with Cross Traffic function and Evasive Steering Assist.

Remote Parking Assist is a further option as is Carto-X communication and the new 84 LED Multibeam headlights. At launch I experienced the E 220 d, the E 350 d and the E 400 4Matic. All impressed, but none more so than the 220 d. The smoothness and responsiveness of the engine is very good and makes the E 220 d a real pleasure to drive.

The space allowed for this column just is not enough to describe all the attributes of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, suffice to say that this has to rate as one of the best from the legendary and innovative German manufacturer and rivals its larger sibling, the S-Class in technology and ride quality in a more compact package.