After what seemed like an eternity, the Germans released the eagerly awaited 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Citing some styling elements from the flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the new E-Class still retains some unique individual elements to separate it from the S and the lesser C-Class, like the new designed headlights and tail lamps.
Exterior Design:
The new E-Class still maintains the traditional sedan design, unlike the new Mercedes-Benz “egg-shaped” electric cars. It copies a couple of design elements from the latest S-Class and C-Class, including the flush-fitting door handles, and tail-light clusters that stretch into the boot lid.
Measuring 4949mm long, 1880mm wide, 1468mm tall and riding on a 2961mm wheelbase, the new E-Class has been stretched out in every dimension except height. Compared to the outgoing model, the W214 E-Class is 26mm longer overall, 28mm wider, and has a 22mm longer wheelbase.
Interior Design & Tech:
Access to the car can be gained through the traditional key fob, or a “digital vehicle key” that can be stored on an iPhone or Apple Watch. It can be shared with upto 16 people, and different profiles and rights can be assigned to each person.
You’d easily mistake the new cockpit with that of the Mercedes-Benz flagship S-Class. The 2024 E-Class comes standard with two displays and an optional third screen in front of the passenger which results in a large pane of glass stretching across the rest of the dashboard.
The infotainment system features the MBUX setup. The new MBUX setup includes a high-res selfie camera. This allows the car occupants to take part in zoom meetings and video calls. However, Mercedes-Benz has included a face monitoring system that can deactivate the system if it thinks the driver is not attentive to the road. Functionality has also been greatly increased to enable app downloads like tik tok and angry birds to the system.
The E-Class is also fitted with augmented reality for navigation overlaying arrows onto live images from the car’s myriad cameras. The voice assistant can now listen out for commands at all times, provided the driver is alone, thanks to the new “Just talk” function.
Sound systems available include the entry-level seven-speaker 125W unit and a 21-speaker 730W Burmester sorround setup with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio on top spec trims. Vehicles with interior active ambient light system will allow passengers to “visualize” their music, with the lights pulsing to the beat, and colours changing to the rythm or mood. The light strip can also display visual alerts from the driver assistance systems.
A two-zone climate control air conditioning system is standard, while the four-zone option can be fitted with automatic vent adjustment and fragrance ionisers.
The cabin features well-fitted executive leather and the driver gets a metal switch gear. The E-Class base has been extended by 22mm to increase cabin space, leading to better legroom, knee room and even elbow room.
Engine:
The new E-Class comes with two mild-hybrid power-trains, including the E350 with a turbo-charged 4-cylinder engine and the E450 engine with a turbo-charged inline-6 engine.
The base model, E350 comes with a turbo-charged 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine makes 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The E450 has a 3.0 litre engine that produces 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The car is fitted with a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive system. Both engines come with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system employing an electric motor making 22 hp and a whopping 148 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes says the setup lets the car glide without combustion power, and the electric motor replaces the traditional starter, so the car starts more quickly than with the older components.
Safety:
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes standard with numerous driver assist features like an automated