With the new E-Class wants Mercedes take a big step towards the future. As the "most modern business sedan in the world", it is supposed to put the arch-rivals BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 in their place. To do this, the engineers burn a veritable firework of innovations under the sheet metal and in the interior. The price list starts at 45.303 euros.
In terms of design, the sedan is clearer and more elegant than its predecessor. It takes over the basic features of the body design from the C- and S-Class; elements of both models are mixed for the cockpit. Inside, in addition to a touchpad with handwriting recognition in the center console, there are now touch-sensitive surfaces in the steering wheel, which should make it easier to operate the infotainment system. The real technology trump card is a new autopilot. With its help, the Mercedes not only automatically maintains a constant distance from the vehicle in front on highways and highways, but also automatically stays on track at speeds of up to 210 km / h. There are also other assistance systems, such as an evasive helper that supports the driver in emergency maneuvers or a cell phone-based parking remote control.
The engine range initially appears to be relatively narrow. Two engines are available at the market launch in spring: the four-cylinder petrol engine known from the predecessor with 135 kW / 184 hp (E 200) and a brand new diesel (E 220 d). With the 2,0-liter four-cylinder, Mercedes celebrates the start of a new family of diesel and gasoline engines, which in the future will also include three- and six-cylinder engines in series construction. The first of the engines has an output of 143 kW / 195 hp and a torque of 400 Nm; the manufacturer specifies the standard consumption with very low 3,9 liters per 100 kilometers. A nine-speed automatic transmission ensures the power transmission. When it comes to the suspension, customers have the choice between two differently taut variants with steel springs, a sports suspension with adaptive dampers and air suspension.