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without using the pedals if I followed someone. It’s a very well rounded tech package for those of us who like to relax during the drive (although I’m not totally confident with the steering assist yet). So new software leads to new hardware and as such that
H
ere is it, the eagerly awaited arrival of the 10th of Mercedes’ best selling business saloon, the new
generation
E-Class. 11 million units of this car have been sold worldwide since its creation in 1947 and it seems that Mercedes have thrown the technology book at the latest offering, taking them another step forward in the vision of autonomous driving. So what do we have? Well, we’ve got a new shape, new dimensions, new software, new layout and new specification but what isn’t new is that typical E-Class feel. Luxurious materials with properly innovative technology combine to bring a broad mass appeal. Younger tech-savvy bloggers/ tweeters/facebookers etc as well as the stereotypical Mercedes audience (I won’t offend anyone with the stereotypes) are likely to be drawn in by the new model; especially with its likeness to the brand’s flagship executive saloon. Intelligent styling on the interior
AN IMPRESSIVE AND
COMPREHENSIVE NEW MODEL, ONE WHICH I’D BE MORE THAN
HAPPY SITTING ON MY DRIVEWAY.
brings the E-Class back into the now, let’s face it the run-out was well overdue in terms of aesthetic modernism. Ambient lighting is one of the many upgraded features, now with 64 colours available there seems to be a shade for every occasion. Whilst I’m not totally sure of the necessity for 64 colours, I do enjoy the mood it sets when the sun goes down. The new model also brings the re-introduction of Artico leather and Dinamica microfibre upholstery on the AMG Line, adding a sporty accent to the interior, as well as standard 19” AMG alloy wheels instead of the comparatively puny 18s found on the previous chapter. Something I’ve got to talk about which is perhaps one of the biggest talking points of the new E-Class, is its intelligent drive package. Intelligent Drive is the umbrella term Mercedes use to encompass all of it’s driver assistance systems like Drive Pilot and Active Brake Assist and the release of the new model brings a collection of upgrades and improved functionality Drive Pilot (the updated version of Distronic Plus) requires less input from the driver so you can go a whole minute without steering, instead of the 30 seconds on the outgoing software. It will also automatically change the cruise control speed to any changes in the speed limit and couple this with Stop&Go Pilot I could do my whole commute to work
brings me to engines. Only two diesel blocks on offer at launch, although we know that the Mercedes-AMG 43 engine will be strapped in at some point. This’ll give you a 3 litre, twin turbo V6 petrol, producing 401hp and being transmitted through the new 9-speed automatic gearbox to a permanent 4MATIC system. Don’t panic though, 69% of that 401hp will be sent to the rear wheels giving it a sportier driving experience. Back to the everyday stuff, we’ve got an all new 220d to talk about. It’s a smaller engine, with more power (by 20ish hp up to 194hp), and more efficient with a quoted 72.4mpg combined. That efficiency is likely to be partly down to the revised aerodynamics (they’ve got the drag coefficient down to 0.23Cd) and partly thanks to much closer ratios on the 9-speed auto keeping the revs down. It also appears to be a lot smoother than the outgoing 2143cc block, meaning noise, vibration and harshness is reduced. To be honest I was quite surprised about the difference in the new engine, I suppose it could be the noise cancelling stuff under the bonnet but either way it seems like a huge improvement. Smoother, quieter, more powerful, better on fuel. Winning! Back onto the interior experience, the
Widescreen cockpit option is a must with two 12.3” screens taking over the classic analogue dials. One of the benefits of this
is a much higher level of personalisation but in my humble opinion I just think it looks better than the older style dials. The screens are much easier to operate thanks to steering wheel mounted touch control pads, much like you’d find on the old Blackberry phones. It sounds like overkill but the operation is sublime, having the ability to control the central screen with the left thumb and the right-hand screen with the right thumb really allows you to concentrate on the actual driving, instead of fumbling around with which button you’re pressing in the centre consol. With all this in mind, a test drive is a MUST. It may be an
E-Class, of which we’ve seen many before but none of them have advanced as far as this in terms of autonomous driving and widening of the demographic. Like I said earlier, there’s enough classic design touches for it to be familiar with the older E-Class generation, whilst at the same time keeping the younger executives happy with stuff like Apple Car Play and Android Auto. All in all an impressive and comprehensive new model, one which I’d be more than happy sitting on my driveway. Watch this space for a test in the Mercedes-AMG
e43... Written by Christian Baines, Product Expert, Mercedes-Benz South West
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