Here it is - the brand new W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Since its launch in 1993, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has become the brand's best-selling model, with over 13 million units sold by 2015.
The popularity of the E-Class is clear - loved by everyone from towkays and tai tais to business execs and tiger moms alike, the E-Class is the quintessential executive sedan that is a dime a dozen on our roads (along with the BMW 5 Series).
It looks impressive
The new E-Class retains the brand's hallmark saloon proportions, with an elongated bonnet, flowing roof and broad rear end all stretched out over a 2,939mm wheelbase (65mm more than its predecessor). With its short overhangs, the E-Class slouches handsomely, and cuts an impressive figure on the road.
The front end differs for the different trim levels - our Avantgarde model features a muscular sports radiator grille with the large brand logo as its headliner, along with a dynamic front bumper and air intakes with diamond mesh.
The popularity of the E-Class is clear - loved by everyone from towkays and tai tais to business execs and tiger moms alike, the E-Class is the quintessential executive sedan that is a dime a dozen on our roads (along with the BMW 5 Series).
It looks impressive
The new E-Class retains the brand's hallmark saloon proportions, with an elongated bonnet, flowing roof and broad rear end all stretched out over a 2,939mm wheelbase (65mm more than its predecessor). With its short overhangs, the E-Class slouches handsomely, and cuts an impressive figure on the road.
The front end differs for the different trim levels - our Avantgarde model features a muscular sports radiator grille with the large brand logo as its headliner, along with a dynamic front bumper and air intakes with diamond mesh.
The sleek, flowing lines at the side of the car culminate in an unmistakable rear end, both curvy yet muscular. The single-piece taillights feature a new two-bar design that creates a distinctive rear silhouette.
Is it just me, or does it look just like the C and the S?
You're not wrong. From various angles, it looks incredibly similar to either the C-Class or the S-Class. You could argue that it lacks its own distinct look (is it a big C-Class? A small S-Class?), and will struggle to stand out among the plethora of other Mercedes on our roads.
Is it just me, or does it look just like the C and the S?
You're not wrong. From various angles, it looks incredibly similar to either the C-Class or the S-Class. You could argue that it lacks its own distinct look (is it a big C-Class? A small S-Class?), and will struggle to stand out among the plethora of other Mercedes on our roads.
What is the car like on the inside?
Together with the longer wheelbase, the overall length of new E-Class is also 43mm longer than before. This means that there is more space in the high-grade, impeccably-built and plush interior. From the metal-weave trim to the 64-colour ambient lighting system and the optional Burmester surround sound system, there is no denying that the E-Class is an excellent and premium place to be in.
The interior is also wonderfully high-tech and futuristic. Taking centre stage is the widescreen cockpit, made up of two high-resolution 12.3-inch displays that are seamlessly housed under a shared glass cover. On the arrestingly sleek cockpit, you can view everything from the individual suspension settings to the Garmin Map Pilot navigation system.
Together with the longer wheelbase, the overall length of new E-Class is also 43mm longer than before. This means that there is more space in the high-grade, impeccably-built and plush interior. From the metal-weave trim to the 64-colour ambient lighting system and the optional Burmester surround sound system, there is no denying that the E-Class is an excellent and premium place to be in.
The interior is also wonderfully high-tech and futuristic. Taking centre stage is the widescreen cockpit, made up of two high-resolution 12.3-inch displays that are seamlessly housed under a shared glass cover. On the arrestingly sleek cockpit, you can view everything from the individual suspension settings to the Garmin Map Pilot navigation system.
Futuristic? Tell me more...
The feature we are especially enamoured with is the Touch-Control buttons on the steering wheel. A first for a car, the touch-sensitive controls responds to horizontal and vertical swiping motions (like a smartphone), allowing you easy and intuitive access to the entire infotainment system, as well as the information displays on the fully digital dashboard.
By using the Touch-Control buttons, you effectively negate the need to press any of the other buttons in the cabin, with the exception of the ignition button. This is one feature we would love to see make its way into more cars.
The feature we are especially enamoured with is the Touch-Control buttons on the steering wheel. A first for a car, the touch-sensitive controls responds to horizontal and vertical swiping motions (like a smartphone), allowing you easy and intuitive access to the entire infotainment system, as well as the information displays on the fully digital dashboard.
By using the Touch-Control buttons, you effectively negate the need to press any of the other buttons in the cabin, with the exception of the ignition button. This is one feature we would love to see make its way into more cars.
More importantly, how does it perform on the tarmac?
Driving the E-Class can be summed up in three words - comfort, comfort, and comfort.
Our test car came equipped with the Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension, which automatically controls the ride height depending on your speed, and features all-around self-levelling. This makes for a buttery smooth ride, with the suspension soaking up every little imperfection on the road.
On highways, this is probably the most comfortable car we have driven in awhile - it strikes a wonderful balance between being soft enough to soak up bumps, but firm enough to remain stable, even at high speeds. Through bends, the car will sit slightly to either side, but remains planted and tractable.
Under the hood, the 2.0-litre engine pumps out 184bhp and 300Nm of torque. Compared to the rest of the car, which is nigh faultless, the engine lacks some refinement and gusto. It is certainly usable and practical, and makes for an easy drive, but it will leave you a little underwhelmed when you decide to give it the beans.
What about this 'most-intelligent executive saloon' business?
It's true, the new E-Class is intelligent beyond belief. It is offered with a dizzyingly comprehensive suite of safety features, too many to even list.
Driving the E-Class can be summed up in three words - comfort, comfort, and comfort.
Our test car came equipped with the Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension, which automatically controls the ride height depending on your speed, and features all-around self-levelling. This makes for a buttery smooth ride, with the suspension soaking up every little imperfection on the road.
On highways, this is probably the most comfortable car we have driven in awhile - it strikes a wonderful balance between being soft enough to soak up bumps, but firm enough to remain stable, even at high speeds. Through bends, the car will sit slightly to either side, but remains planted and tractable.
Under the hood, the 2.0-litre engine pumps out 184bhp and 300Nm of torque. Compared to the rest of the car, which is nigh faultless, the engine lacks some refinement and gusto. It is certainly usable and practical, and makes for an easy drive, but it will leave you a little underwhelmed when you decide to give it the beans.
What about this 'most-intelligent executive saloon' business?
It's true, the new E-Class is intelligent beyond belief. It is offered with a dizzyingly comprehensive suite of safety features, too many to even list.
Fully kitted out with the comprehensive suite of technologies (chief of which is the optional Driving Assistance package with Drive Pilot), the new E-Class is the first standard production car to be awarded a test license for autonomous driving.
This is a significant step forward in the pursuit of fully autonomous vehicles. And in its bid to be the 'most intelligent executive saloon', the new E-Class is certainly a masterpiece.
But, I want to buy a car for the present, not for the future...
You, and everyone else. Even with all the futuristic tech, the E-Class is still very much rooted in the present day. It is pricey ($264,888 as of 30th Aug 2016), and diving into the options list will set you back even more, but you are no doubt getting your money's worth.
It may not drive as well as a 5 Series (its most ardent rival), but it is a better all-round car that has a lot more going for it. With its high level of equipment, faultless built quality, impressive interior and sublime comfort, the new E-Class represents the brand's pinnacle of luxury and comfort in the executive sedan segment.
This is a significant step forward in the pursuit of fully autonomous vehicles. And in its bid to be the 'most intelligent executive saloon', the new E-Class is certainly a masterpiece.
But, I want to buy a car for the present, not for the future...
You, and everyone else. Even with all the futuristic tech, the E-Class is still very much rooted in the present day. It is pricey ($264,888 as of 30th Aug 2016), and diving into the options list will set you back even more, but you are no doubt getting your money's worth.
It may not drive as well as a 5 Series (its most ardent rival), but it is a better all-round car that has a lot more going for it. With its high level of equipment, faultless built quality, impressive interior and sublime comfort, the new E-Class represents the brand's pinnacle of luxury and comfort in the executive sedan segment.
