New Mercedes-Benz E-Class unveiled – The details

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its year of big announcements with the latest reveal, the new E-Class.

The executive sedan is expected to make local landfall in 2024, boasting a redesigned interior and exterior, even more advanced features, and a range of mild-hybrid powertrains.

The sixth-generation E-Class will offer three trim lines taking the name of Avantgarde, AMG Line, and Exclusive, however, the official South African-specific line-up and pricing will only be revealed closer to the time.

Digitized

Design-wise, the latest E-Class shows off new high-performance LED light clusters, a black panel-like surface that connects the headlights to the front breather, two character lines flowing along the flanks, two-section LED taillights with a new contour line, flush door handles, and a selection of alloy wheels ranging from 17 up to 21 inches.

On the Avantgarde, the Mercedes badge is also integrated into the centre of the radiator grille and it features a single louvre, the AMG Line gets a star pattern front-end, and the Exclusive sees three twin louvres and an upright star on the bonnet.

Inside the passenger cell, the E-Class is now equipped with the MBUX Superscreen infotainment system incorporating a 12.3-inch instrument display and 14.4-inch portrait-style media screen.

The new entertainment centre brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a “very powerful” voice assistant, online music streaming via apps such as Spotify, access to the Mercedes Me store, and “adaptive software” that makes personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort, and vehicle functions.

More fresh additions to the Mercedes comprise Nappa leather and Microcut upholsteries in several patterns and colours, the Energizing Comfort and Energizing Coach wellness programmes, dual-zone climate control, driver attention monitoring, active brake assist, active lane keeping assist, speed limit assist, and active parking assist with reversing camera.

The sedan now also supports a Digital Key which can be shared with up to 16 individuals who can all have access to the car via their smart devices without the physical key in hand.

As usual, a selection of useful and quirky optional extras are available on the Mercedes including a “light show” for the rear lightbar, Digital LED headlights, an illuminated grille surround, a front passenger screen, active ambient lighting with sound visualisation, augmented reality navigation, automatic air vents, the intelligent parking pilot, a selfie and video camera, a 21-speaker Burmester stereo, four-zone airconditioning, and up to 10 extra advanced assistance features.

Electrified

The current-generation E-Class is sold with two drivelines in South Africa in the form of the E200 and E220d.

This selection is expected to continue going into the new model, however, they are now improved via the fitment of an integrated starter generator and 48-volt electrical system.

The mild-hybrid configuration makes  significant fuel savings possible, as well as other electrically-aligned abilities including gliding, boosting, or energy recovery.

Depending on the market, four other drivetrains can be had in the new Mercedes with the specifications for the various configurations detailed in the below table:

Each power unit pairs with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and, contingent on the country, both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive systems are on offer.

Like with the cabin, the foundation can also be customised with several add-ons including rear-axle steering and air suspension.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG Line

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Exclusive