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E-Class in a nutshell

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is still immensely popular. Not very surprising, then, that Mercedes-Benz pulls out all the stops time and again to make the “E” something special. The latest generation of the E-Class takes especially great strides in digitalization and electrification. In terms of appearance, on the contrary, the model is leaning more and more towards an S-Class. But all that comes at a hefty price. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Limousine comes from 71,700 euros and the Estate costs a minimum of 74,000 euros. The E-Class Estate also comes as an All-Terrain, an estate with mud boots and increased ground clearance. Price tag: a minimum of 84,000 euros.

MERCEDES-BENZ E-KLASSE (2024) makes S-Class obsolete – REVIEW – AutoRAI TV

Dimensions Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is 4.95 meters long, 1.88 meters wide and 1.47 meters high. The wheelbase is 2.96 meters. The limousine’s luggage space comes out to 370 liters. Want more space? Then take the Estate, which has 460 (depending on the version) to even 1,675 liters. Thanks to its wheelbase of nearly three meters, the E-Class offers a remarkable amount of space. Not only in the front, but also in the back. You can stretch your legs almost completely. This means that the E-Class is again excellent as a cab, but also that as a private citizen you are buying a car in which there is no lack of space.

As a driver, you have 5 mm more headroom than in the previous model. Rear passengers benefit from the 2 cm longer wheelbase: knee space and maximum legroom have increased by 10 and 17 mm, respectively. The rear elbow width has increased even more: it is now 1,519 mm. This is an increase of 25 mm and almost at the level of the S-Class.

Amenities in the E-Class

No shortage of luxury in the new E-Class, either. The interior is beautifully finished, but on the other hand it also looks quite crowded. There is simply a lot happening. The E-Class in which we drive is equipped with the MBUX Superscreen. If the E-Class is equipped with the optional front passenger display, the large glass surface of the MBUX Superscreen extends to the central display. In other words, the entire dashboard then acts as a display.

Atmospheric lighting in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class

In ambient lighting, Mercedes-Benz is lord and master. The front of the dashboard is illuminated by the light band of active ambient lighting. This runs in a wide arc from the windshield, along the A-pillars into the doors. Especially in the evening, this looks phenomenal, but it also creates distractions. This is because the light bar reflects into the windshield. Can be lived with though, but it does stand out. New in the E-Class is sound visualization where the ambient lighting moves with the music, as well as talking radio station. Can be fun, especially on a song with a nice beat. The combination of an excellent sound system with that sound visualization provides cozy moments in the car.

Selfie camera in an E-Class?

Also notable: the E-Class has a selfie camera. This camera is suitable for meetings on the go. By the way, you then have to stand still to use certain functions. So basically, you can also attend a Teams meeting from your E-Class. The navigation system helps you with various tools, such as via head-up display or with camera view on the large touchscreen central in the car. This works very nicely in practice.

3D instrumentation

You look out on a digital instrument cluster with stunningly sharp graphics. A unique feature is the 3D function. With the push of a button, you get a 3D effect in front of you where actual depth is created in the display. Handsomely done by those Germans. The E-Class has even more to offer. Almost too much, but what is striking is that a lot of things – even still in this price range – have to come from the options list.

For the Premium Plus package, for example, you pay 11,495 euros. That’s the price of a young used A-segment hatchback. So what exactly do you get for that fat 11 grand? At least a Keyless-Go Comfort package, an outstanding Burmester 4D surround sound system, acoustic glass, active ambient lighting, the aforementioned MBUX Superscreen, Digital Light with projection function, the MBUX Interior Assistant, a 3D Driver Display, a Head-up display, automatic climate control Thermotronic with 3 zones, an illuminated radiator grille and the Energizing package. Then again, that’s quite a lot.

Driver assistance systems

You still have to pay extra for driver assistance systems. Driving Assistance Package Plus costs 2,541 euros and offers systems such as:

• Distance assistant Distronic
• Emergency Brake Assist
• Track Assistant
• Blind spot assistant
• Steering Assist
• File Assistant
• Extended automatic restart in files
• Active speed limit assistant
• Route-based speed adjustment
• Pre-Safe Impulse – lateral

Electrification of E-Class

We touched on it briefly at the beginning of this Mercedes-Benz E-Class review: electrification. Every E-Class is basically electrified. In fact, each ‘E’ without a plug has a starter generator with an output of 17 kW (23 hp) and 205 Nm of pulling power. The E-Class lineup consists mainly of plug-in hybrids. Those can handle 11 kW 3-phase charging as standard. Optionally, this can even be done with 55 kW DC fast charging. That does cost you extra, namely 605 euros.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes as, among other things.

E300de PHEV diesel

• With 145 kW (197 hp) diesel power and 95 kW (129 hp electric motor)
• 2.0-liter four-cylinder
• 9G-Tronic automatic transmission
• 78,000 euros

E400e PHEV gasoline

• With 185 kW (252 hp) diesel power and 95 kW (129 hp electric motor)
• 2.0-liter four-cylinder
• 9G-Tronic automatic transmission
• 91,000 euros

E450 4Matic gasoline

• With 280 kW (381 hp) gasoline and 17 hp (23 hp electric motor)
• 3.0-liter four-cylinder
• 9G-Tronic automatic transmission
• 115,000 euros

E450d 4Matic diesel

• With 270 kW (367 hp) gasoline and 17 hp (23 hp electric motor)
• 3.0-liter four-cylinder
• 9G-Tronic automatic transmission
• 122,000 euros

Mercedes-Benz E 300e Plug-in Hybrid gasoline

The E-Class in which we drive bettered an E 300e Plug-in Hybrid with gasoline engine. The powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine with 150 kW (204 hp) and 320 Nm of pulling power. To complement that gasoline engine, Mercedes-Benz is also installing a 95 kW (129 hp) electric motor with 440 Nm of torque. This results in a system output of 230 kW (313 hp) with a system torque of as much as 550 Nm. Good enough for a top speed of 236 km/h and a 0-100 time of 6.4 seconds. The size of the battery is remarkable: 25.4 kWh! As a result, on paper, this E-Class has an electric driving range of 116 kilometers (WLTP). In practice, count on about 80 kilometers, depending on conditions. The E 300e weighs 2,210 kilograms. You also feel that higher vehicle weight while driving, especially when cornering. Shifting is done with a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.

How does a Mercedes-Benz E-Class drive?

If you compare an E-Class to an Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series, the Benz is by far the most comfortable choice. A BMW or Audi offers just a bit more dynamics, but that very extra comfort is reason enough for a lot of people to choose the ‘E’ anyway. In terms of steering, it is a slightly more aloof car, but in terms of amenities and luxury, this car puts you completely at ease. Design will also come into play in this segment. In fact, the A6, 5 Series or E-Class are all juggernauts of cars. Only cheap models are no longer cheap. Good they are. Very good even. If Mercedes-Benz had put an S-Class badge on this “E,” we would have believed it, too. Need to consider that in terms of luxury and driving comfort, an S-Class sets the bar even higher….