Do you still see him in front of you? The typical Mercedes- Drivers of earlier times, like in an E-Class or one of the previous models? With a hat, a cigar, obviously a lot of time and this calm, already bordering on arrogance? Yes, there was the type, but those days are long gone. A C-Class drives a bit like a sports car today and the massive S-Class can be moved almost playfully, so the new E-Class should of course not be at the back. The goal of the engineers was clear: the familiar comfort of the vehicle had to be increased again in the new generation, but this time it had to be supplemented by a good dose of agility. Because in the E-Class there are usually real self-drivers and these are no longer "typical" Mercedes owners, but young and young-at-heart earners.
While the T-Model, which is only now coming onto the market, i.e. the station wagon, has an even sportier design and is clearly aimed at use by families and recreational athletes, the limousine, which has been available since spring, has retained a touch of distinction. However, it skilfully hides under an almost outrageously dynamic lines. The visual borrowings of the smaller C-Class and the large S-Class are obvious, for example in the front and rear areas, but where the C-Class still looks delicate and the S-Class ultimately does not completely hide its size, thanks to its clever design can (or also wants), the E-Class finds the right mediocrity. Every line sits here and the fashionable, sloping roof line is nothing special, because today almost every sedan comes with it, but here it does not go hand in hand with dislocations for the rear passengers when getting in and out.
Which brings us to comfort, which is still the most powerful chapter in this E-Class. Anyone who lets himself fall into the well-padded, ergonomically perfect seats and adjusts them fully electrically for an additional charge is well prepared for a journey of several hundred kilometers. By the way, also in the back, because with a 2,94 meter wheelbase even long legs have no problem finding their place.
Even the normal suspension with selective, passive dampers is not a bad parent, but the 1.130 euros surcharge for the active suspension, called Dynamic Body Control in Mercedes, should still be left. Hardly any driver will admit it, but if you are not on a fast expressway or cornering, you will do without the two sport modes and simply enjoy the comfort setting. Here you hover back-friendly over the usual faults of our infrastructure. Happy who can afford it.
When it comes to the steering, the engine and the transmission, we have to talk above all about the new agility of the E-Class. It starts with the perfect nine-speed automatic transmission, which replaced the somewhat more sedate seven-speed model some time ago. Trust the gearshift quietly, it practically always does everything right and, when the sport mode is set, it also tends to excite the gears. Incidentally, the test car was powered by a new diesel engine that generated 194 hp from two liters of displacement.
And finally, finally we finally found something to complain about: the unit is simply too loud for this vehicle and its charisma. Maybe it's just the otherwise heavenly calmness in the E-Class, but this diesel was too pushy for us. It's a shame, because apart from that it fits the vehicle very well, with up to 400 Newton meters of torque (from 1.600 rpm) for lush pulling in any position. And the engine is also economical. Although the around four liters of standard consumption were out of reach from the outset, a test consumption of 5,6 liters is really remarkable, especially since we also completed some quick motorway stages.
Speaking of prices and surcharges: An E-Class is of course very expensive and so are extras. In addition to the active suspension option, you should also invest a thousand in the displays, there are two for this money, each 12,3 inches tall. Big cinema. Otherwise, a look at the price list shows many other useful things such as LED lights for 1.030 euros, in the multi-beam version with individually controlled LEDs they cost over 2.300 euros. But the Swabians are also priced small. Even velor floor mats cost 113 euros, foldable seat backs are charged at 317 euros and if you want an ashtray and cigarette lighter, you will pay 54 euros.
Let's get to the point: In addition to prices / surcharges, there is little to complain about in this great limousine and who, as the diesel is too loud for us, can pick up one of the petrol engines and thus avoid all driving ban contingencies , On the plus side of the E-Class, on the other hand, there is a fresh design, unmatched comfort, a high level of safety (there is simply not enough space to write about the large number of assistants), the space available (especially in the back), really long-distance seats and the wonderful automatic system , Indeed, if the author in this class were entitled to a company car, he would know in which vehicle he currently wanted to sit down. (Peter Eck / SP-X)