Intelligence gets exciting with the updated Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Automotive intelligence is getting exciting and dynamic with the updated Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

The new car sports increased chrome content for a fresh appearance. The grille of the Avantgarde Line has been redesigned with two chrome louvres and vertical high-gloss black struts. Chrome and high-gloss black trim elements in the front bumper also underscore the sporty and elegant appearance.

Meanwhile, the Exclusive Line lives up to its name with a special grille, the upright star on the bonnet and the large chrome elements in the front bumper emphasising its positioning.

The AMG Line comes with a new bumper in the style of the AMG Performance models for an even sportier look. In addition, Avantgarde, AMG Line and All-Terrain trims for the E-Class now feature a bonnet with power domes. The E-Class now also features LED headlamps as standard. MULTIBEAM LED headlamps including ULTRA RANGE high beam are available as an option.

The designers have also updated the saloon's rear end with a new bumper, split tail lamps and a new boot lid. The inner design of the tail lamps was revised for all models.

The new E-Class has the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems providing cooperative support to drivers. This results in an especially high level of active safety.

The car's hands-off recognition now works on a capacitive basis. Where steering input was previously required as feedback, the new steering wheel features a pad with appropriate sensors in the rim to register if the driver is holding the wheel.

If the system detects that the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for a certain time, a warning cascade is started, which finally activates the Emergency Brake Assist if the driver continues to be inactive.

As standard, the E-Class comes with Active Brake Assist, which in many situations is able to use autonomous braking to prevent a collision or mitigate its severity. The system is also able to brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians at typical city speeds and even to prevent collisions, depending on the situation.

Some Intelligent Drive functions can optionally be added to the Driving Assistance Package.

They include Active Speed Limit Assist, which uses map data and information from Traffic Sign Assist to respond to changes in the speed limit. Route-based speed adjustment ahead of bends, roundabouts, toll stations, T-junctions as well prior to turning off and exiting motorways or expressways is also included.

The electrification of the powertrain takes another major step forward with the update of the E-Class. The lineup of high-efficiency, low-emissions and powerful petrol engines will cover an output range from 154bhp to 362bhp, while the spectrum of diesel vehicles spans from 158bhp to 325bhp.

For the first time, the M254 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine will pair with a second generation Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG) which produces up to 20bhp of additional power and 180Nm more torque to complement the engine range. Models equipped with this engine will have a 48V on-board electrical system. Thanks to energy recovery and the ability to 'glide' with the engine switched off, the petrol engine is highly efficient.

In the M254 engine, Mercedes-Benz has for the first time combined all the innovations of the modular engine family of four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel units into a single engine. They include the NANOSLIDE cylinder coating, the CONICSHAPE cylinder trumpet honing and the emission control system positioned directly at the engine.

The twin-scroll turbocharging technology has also been advanced for greater responsiveness. When needed, an additional electric compressor quickly builds up the charge pressure - especially useful at low engine speeds - and thereby contributes to faster throttle response.

The M256 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine will also be available for the first time in the E-Class, and also is fitted with an ISG.

The 9G-TRONIC transmission has also been upgraded, with the electric motor, the power electronics and the transmission cooler now moved into or to the transmission. Previously required cables are eliminated, which offers advantages with regard to installation space and weight. In addition, the efficiency of the transmission was increased, thanks to an electric auxiliary oil pump and a fully integrated transmission control system.