The New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Arrives

By topgear, 22 May 2013

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In a nutshell, the new E-Class is available in saloon and estate guises, features more assistance systems that can help to prevent accidents with other vehicles or pedestrians. The new car is equipped with new BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engines and all of these are wrapped in a refreshing new exterior design.

 

While retaining the traditional 'four-eyed' look of older E-Classes, the headlamps have been redesigned and comprise all functional elements with a single headlamp lens. Both low-beam lights and the daytime running lamps feature LED technology as standard, with an option to go full LED.

 

For the first time, the new E-Class is available with two different front ends: the standard specification and the Elegance equipment line come as standard with the classic, three-dimensional saloon radiator with three-louvre look and Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet. The Avantgarde equipment line, on the other hand, incorporates the sporty front end with central star, and as such boasts an independent, front-end look with a sporty emphasis.

 

The interior of the E-Class has also been given an once-over. A new feature is the two-part trim which stretches across the entire dashboard. It can be selected in a wood or aluminium look, irrespective of the equipment line. Also new is the design of the air vents as well as an analogue clock between the two central vents.

 

The redesigned centre console does away the gear selector lever. Mercedes-Benz has fitted the new E-Class with a new multifunction steering wheel with Direct Select levers and shift paddles in conjunction with automatic transmission.

 

In addition to the basic appointments, there is also a choice of Elegance and Avantgarde equipment lines, with a variety of unique individualisation options available. The radar-based Collision Prevention Assist, Pre-Safe, Attention Assist and Active Parking Assist systems come as standard, but one can opt for options that claim to make every journey a safer one.

 

Some of the systems are: Distronic Plus with Steer Control that can keep the vehicle in its lane and also track traffic in tailbacks semi-automatically, Brake Assist system with Junction Assist that is able to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians and boost the braking power applied by the driver accordingly, Pre-Safe Plus that can recognise an imminent rear-end collision, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus.

 

At launch, the Sedan is available in E 200 and E 250 models, both featuring a turbocharged 2-litre petrol engine, E250 CDI with a 2.2-litre turbo diesel and E350 BlueTec which has a V6 3.0-litre turbo diesel. The Estate is offered as a E 250 with a turbocharged 2-litre petrol engine only.

 

All models are equipped with start/stop functions and a 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission with Direct Select lever and Direct Select shift paddles. The gearbox now offers a short-term M mode. The benefit of this: if the driver has shifted up or down manually, the transmission independently switches back to automatic, fuel-efficient shift mode after a set period of time.

 

The standard model and Elegance line are fitted with the Direct Control suspension with selective damping system, configured for comfort. A sportier suspension with selective damping system is positioned 15 mm lower comes with the Avantgarde package. The Direct Control lowered sports suspension is available in conjunction with the Exterior Sports package and AMG Sports package, with the Airmatic suspension as an option.

 

All of the models of the E-Class family are fitted with an electromechanical Direct-Steer system as standard. This combines the speed-dependent power assistance of speed-sensitive steering with a variable ratio across the steering angle range. The steering assistance provided by the rack and pinion steering gear is controlled on-demand and therefore contributes towards efficiency.

 

For more information, visit the Mercedes-Benz Singapore website.

 

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