Mercedes-Benz E-Class revealed ahead of Detroit debut

Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the latest E-Class ahead of its official debut at 2016 Detroit Auto Show scheduled take place tomorrow. This is the fifth generation for the German automaker’s mid-sized sedan since it was launched in 1993.

For many years, the E-Class had a distinct identity as compared to the S-Class and the C-Class but now it seems that the S-Class’ likeable appearance will be the norm for the three-pointed Star’s models.

It gets a fascia similar to that of the S-Class and this includes the grille as well as the headlights. The basic variants get a three-slat grille and emblem on the hood while the more expensive versions (including AMG) will be offered with a two-slat grille and the avantgarde style logo. However, from the side, the E-Class has managed to retain some of its uniqueness thanks to the proportionate overhangs. Moving over to the rear, we can see tail lamps similar to that of the other models. This includes the shape of the tail lamps, number plate section and bumpers.

The trickle-down effect from the S-Class is quite visible in the cabin as the E-Class has many of the parts from its bigger sibling. The instrument cluster and COMAND display are now seven-inch screens. The layout remains the same as the outgoing model but with the latest elements from the Mercedes-Benz parts box. This new car is believed to be longer and lighter making for more space inside the cabin.

In terms of petrol powertrains, this new E-Class will be offered in the E200 guise which basically stands for a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 184bhp/300Nm. In the US and possibly markets like China there is also expected to be an E350 e plug-in hybrid as well as an E400 4MATIC. The latter will be offered with a 3.0-litre V6 petrol mill that produces 333bhp and 480Nm of torque.

On the diesel front, the cars will be offered in the E220 d and the E 330 d guise. The former is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder mill while the latter is a 3.0-litre V6 diesel. All variants are expected to be offered only with a new nine-speed ZF automatic gearbox.

It will debut a new semi-autonomous driving technology which has been termed Drive Pilot and can automatically drive the car on highways at speed of up to 210kmph. This car will also get the remote parking pilot system and as the name suggests, it will enable the car to automatically drive in and out of parking spaces using a smartphone app.

Given the importance of the E-Class in the Indian market, we believe that the car will come to India within four months of its European launch both in petrol and diesel guises.