The 2014
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
is here, and it's had a lot more work done than just a little plastic
surgery. Four years into the current model's lifecycle, the changes
begin with the unusual step of a serious sheetmetal rearrangement: gone
are the four headlights we've seen on the segment leader for 17 years,
and gone are the light-relief pontoons over the rear wheels. In front,
the one-piece headlights contain LED signatures that 'break' them into
two segments, but the main lighting functions have been consolidated
into a single lens. Full LED headlights will be available for the first
time.
Around the lights, the new E-Class will come with a choice of two grille
treatments: the luxury version is a showcase in chrome, with a
three-bar center section topped by a
Mercedes three-pointed
star ornament on the hood; the sport version (pictured) is muted, with a
two-bar center section supporting a large Mercedes emblem. Beneath
either one of them, the lower fascia takes on a more aggressive shape
with larger twin scoops outboard.
Down the body, the pontoon detail has been replaced by a stronger and
lower trim line that runs to just beyond the rear wheels, and beneath
that is another character line that describes wheel arches. Two-tone LED
taillamps laid horizontally emphasize the sedan's width. Inside, the
dash is separated into two zones with a horizontal element in one of
three finishes, and features a new dash cluster and head unit design.
Among the eleven new and enhanced safety systems are some that borrow
from the coming S-Class, the Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera now able to
build a three-dimensional view of what's ahead at a distance of up to
1,650 feet. The systems it serves can detect the speed and position of
vehicles in front and those crossing, and can detect pedestrians.
Underhood, buyers can opt for a four-cylinder diesel with 190 horsepower
and 369 pound-feet of torque in the E320 BlueTec, and pair it with
4Matic all-wheel drive for the first time. The
E400 Hybrid
also joins the ranks next year, bringing 24 city and 30 highway mpg
with it. The V6 E3560 and V8 E550 will continue, and all come with
stop/start and are are yoked to a seven-speed automatic.
We'll see them in person at the
Detroit Auto Show, and that's where we'll get more information on the E63 AMG that will arrive in the Fall.
Press Release
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A
Daimler Brand The MY 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan & Wagon
Stylish, Efficient, Intelligent
MONTVALE, NJ – Mercedes-Benz introduces the extensively updated 2014
E-Class Sedan and Wagon, featuring highly efficient engines, an array of
new driver assistance systems and even more refined styling. No less
than eleven new or optimized assistance systems from the future S-Class
celebrate their world premiere in both the sedan and wagon models. They
combine a host of comfort and safety features, referred to by
Mercedes-Benz as "intelligent drive." These groundbreaking systems
include technologies that can help prevent accidents with pedestrians or
vehicles crossing in front, Active Lane Keeping Assist for avoiding
collisions with oncoming traffic and anti-glare continuous high-beam
headlamps. All this and more ensures that Mercedes-Benz maintains its
pioneering role in vehicle safety. The new E-Class also takes a major
step forward in terms of efficiency, thanks to the new four-cylinder
diesel engine. An extensive package of design updates round-off the new
and compelling features of the MY14 E-Class, delivering an accomplished
combination of efficiency, intelligence and style. The 2014 E-Class
Sedan and Wagon will be in U.S. showrooms this Spring.
By conducting such a comprehensive redevelopment of the E-Class range,
Mercedes-Benz is ensuring that its customers benefit from the very
latest technical advances as soon as possible. The new E-Class also
comes with distinctive updates in its styling for an elegant and sporty
look, as well as significantly enhanced comfort features and upscale
equipment, rounded-off by an exceptional level of efficiency and
everyday driving pleasure. All of this comes together to ensure that the
E-Class continues to consolidate its leading position in the luxury
segment.
Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing
Mercedes-Benz Cars: "We are setting clear trends in terms of safety,
design and efficiency with the new E-Class. It puts many technical
innovations on the road and undoubtedly is the best E-Class ever. This
also finds expression in its design and its carefully revised interior,
which bring a breath of fresh air to the luxury class. The 'E' thus
continues to hold its place at the very top of this demanding segment."
Design – a choice of two new front-end styles
Numerous intelligent modifications have given the E-Class a new
front-end design and revised proportions. Designers applied the new
Mercedes-Benz design language to reinterpret the brand's classic design
values on the existing basis. The outcome is an elegant, refined and yet
sporty look.
The front end has been completely revised with new headlamps that
incorporate all light functions within a single lens, while flowing
light elements within the headlamps help to retain the "four-eyed"
appearance that is such a distinctive E-Class signature. When it comes
to light and sight, the E-Class sets the benchmark – low beam and
daytime running lights both come with partial LED as standard, while
full-LED headlamps are available as an option for the first time in this
class.
In another first, the MY14 E-Class is available with two different
front-end designs. The Luxury version comes with the classic sedan
grille with 3-louver look and star on the hood. The Sport version, on
the other hand, features the sports grille with integrated star, forming
a visual link to the brand's high performance sports car models.
The hood and front bumper have also been completely redesigned. With
its flowing lines, the hood offers a smooth, sleek expression of the new
design language. The bumper has new, contemporary styling with an
aerofoil shape along its lower edge for an even more distinctively
sporting character. Sport models receive an even more confident front
design, using the AMG styling package that features larger air intakes
and a distinct aluminum trim line along the entire lower rim of the
front bumper.
Dynamic, elegant proportions
A new feature line and a repositioned three-dimensional trim line
bring new proportions to both the sedan and wagon. The feature line runs
below the structure line from the rear door to the tail light, giving
the car greater visual length. This is reinforced by the side trim,
which is now much lower. The overall effect is to make the MY14 E-Class
look longer and more elegant, and at the same time both dynamic and
composed.
Broad, distinctive rear end
The rear end of the MY14 E-Class features modifications to the lights
and the bumper. The new LED tail lamps have a horizontal design that
emphasizes the width of the vehicle, while the two-tone look comes with a
distinctive nighttime signature. Sport models feature exposed dual
exhaust pipes.
Premium interior
The generously proportioned interior of the E-Class has been subtly
revised and harmonized with the expressive exterior. Premium materials,
precise lines and clearly defined surfaces combine to create a
sophisticated overall look - and feel.
A new feature is the two-part trim extending across the entire
soft-touch dashboard, which is available in two wood finishes – burl
walnut or black ash. Also new are the 3-tube instrument cluster, the
trapezoidal head-unit display, the air vent design and the analogue
clock between the two central vents.
"Intelligent drive" with new assistance systems
What started with PRE-SAFE® and continued with DISTRONIC PLUS® has
emerged as a new dimension of driving at Mercedes-Benz, where comfort
and safety merge into one. Mercedes-Benz calls this "intelligent drive."
A whole host of new or optimized systems from the future S-Class
celebrate their world premiere in the E-Class, delivering increased
comfort and safety, such as the all-new DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering
Assist.
The basis for all this is new state-of-the-art sensors and their
associated algorithms. Mercedes-Benz has taken a major step forward with
the introduction of the Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera. Just like the
previous Mono Multi-Purpose Camera, it is located on the windshield near
the rearview mirror. However, this camera features two "eyes," set at
an angle of 45 degrees to produce a three-dimensional view of the area
up to 55 yards in front of the vehicle and with an overall range of up
to 550 yards. The stereo camera gathers data for processing by various
systems using intelligent algorithms. The systems can detect vehicles
driving in front, oncoming or crossing and evaluate this
three-dimensional visual information to determine their speed and
position. They can also identify pedestrians within a large field of
vision.
Along with the Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera, Mercedes-Benz is also
introducing enhanced versions of the Multi-Mode Radar sensor system.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, a radar-based collision warning system with
Adaptive Brake Assist is standard equipment on both the sedan and
wagon. It helps to reduce significantly the risk of a rear-end
collision. Also part of standard equipment is ATTENTION ASSIST®, which
now warns of inattentiveness and drowsiness across a wider range, and
provides visual information on attention level and time driven since the
last break. The sensitivity of the new generation ATTENTION ASSIST® can
be adjusted by the driver.
Also available are a number of assistance systems that are either new
or now feature significantly enhanced functionality. In overview:
- DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist can help the driver keep the
vehicle centered in its lane and can semi-autonomously follow in-line
traffic.
- For the first time, the Brake Assist system BAS PLUS® with
Cross-Traffic Assist is able to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians,
and boost the braking power applied by the driver accordingly.
- The PRE-SAFE® Brake can now detect pedestrians as well and initiate autonomous braking.
- PRE-SAFE® PLUS can identify an imminent rear-end collision and then
prompt the PRE-SAFE® system to trigger occupant protection measures that
reduce the forces exerted on passengers. If the vehicle is stationary,
it can also prevent secondary accidents in the event of a rear-end
collision by applying the brakes.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist can now detect when the adjacent lane is
not clear, including the presence of oncoming traffic, overtaking
vehicles, crash barriers etc. Under threat of a collision, even if the
lane marking is not a solid line, the system can prevent the vehicle
from leaving its lane unintentionally by applying the brakes on one
side. This system pairs perfectly with Active Blind Spot Assist.
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist PLUS allows high beam to remain permanently
switched on without dazzling traffic by masking out other vehicles in
the beams' cone of light.
- Active Parking Assist enables automated parking with active steering
and brake control in both parallel and perpendicular spaces
- The Surround View Camera will cover all four sides of the vehicle
and enable a 360-degree view including virtual bird's-eye perspective – a
top view of the vehicle and its immediate surroundings. Dynamic guide
lines help during parking and maneuvering.
Excellent performance with high gas mileage
Both the E-Class sedan and wagon boast a range of powerful and
efficient gasoline and diesel engines. All come with the ECO start/stop
system as standard equipment and are highly efficient. Mercedes-Benz
offers the broadest range of ECO start/stop systems in the United
States, as well as the most seamless, smooth, and unobtrusive
algorithms.
The gasoline engines offered in the MY14 E-Class are the highly
successful V6 and V8 units in the E350 and E550, which will go on sale
in Spring 2013. They combine excellent response characteristics and
outstanding power delivery with exceptional efficiency.
Powerful diesel engine and hybrid drive for outstanding efficiency
New in the MY14 E-Class sedan is the incredibly efficient
four-cylinder diesel engine powering the E250 BlueTEC with 4MATIC
all-wheel drive, available Fall 2013. Compliant with emissions
legislations in all fifty states, the latest diesel model from
Mercedes-Benz shows that premium elegance and outstanding economy are
not mutually exclusive. The E250 BlueTEC generates 190 hp and 369 lb-ft
of torque, replacing the V6-powered E350 BlueTEC engine that only was
available with rear-wheel drive.
A further feature of the MY14 E-Class range is the highly economical
E400 HYBRID. Supplemented by an electric motor (27hp, 184 lb-ft), the
E400 HYBRID offers the powerful and refined performance of the
Mercedes-Benz 3.5-liter V6 (302hp, 273 lb-ft) paired with an outstanding
gas mileage of 24/30 mpg (est. city/highway).
New-generation transmission for dynamic and economical driving
The engines in the MY14 E-Class are mated to the seven-speed automatic
transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever and DIRECT SELECT shift paddles.
This latest evolution of the seven-speed transmission offers significant
benefits in terms of efficiency and ease of maintenance.
A new feature is the short-term M mode. If the driver shifts up or
down manually, the transmission independently switches back to the
fuel-efficient automatic shift mode after a pre-determined period of
time elapses.
Traction and stability can also be enhanced across the MY14 E-Class
lineup with the 4MATIC® permanent all-wheel-drive system – particularly
effective in challenging surface conditions.
The E63 AMG sedan and wagon, launching in Fall 2013, comes with the
AMG SPEEDSHIFT seven-speed MCT and 4MATIC in the United States,
delivering incredible performance. More technical details will follow in
January 2013 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Refined suspension for excellent handling
Mercedes-Benz offers three suspension configurations for the MY14 E-Class:
- Configured for comfort, the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with stroke
dependent damping system is the standard suspension setup for the Luxury
model.
- In the Sport model, the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with stroke
dependent damping system is 15 mm lower and has a more sporty setup.
- The E63 AMG comes with the AMG Adaptive Sport Suspension.
All suspension variants feature outstanding sensitivity and ride
characteristics and help to ensure an excellent level of road holding.
All models in the MY14 E-Class lineup are fitted with an
electromechanical Direct-Steer system as standard. This combines
speed-sensitive power steering with a variable ratio across the steering
angle range. The rack-and-pinion steering gear is controlled on-demand
and therefore contributes towards efficiency. Advantages of the
electromechanical Direct-Steer system include:
- improved agility thanks to more direct steering response
- comfortable handling and smooth steering characteristics at all speeds
- improved efficiency, as energy is consumed only while steering
- enables innovative assistance systems, e.g. Active Parking Assist
Premium equipment
The MY14 E-Class already comes with a comprehensive range of premium
equipment as standard. Optional packages include the Premium 1 package
with Rearview camera, COMAND navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio,
Harman/kardon® Logic 7® surround sound, power rear window sunshade,
heated front seats (standard with E550), active ventilated front seats
and garage-door opener. Further packages available at launch are the
Lighting package, Parking Assist package, Lane Tracking package, Wood
Trim package and Wheel package.
The Driver Assistance package and KEYLESS-GO package will be available
shortly after launch. The KEYLESS-GO package will feature electronic
trunk closer and HANDSFREE ACCESS, which enables opening and closing of
the trunk lid without physical contact by simply holding your foot
beneath the bumper. This extremely convenient feature is particularly
useful when loading and unloading the vehicle.
When it comes to infotainment, Mercedes-Benz delivers the MY14 E-Class
sedan and wagon with the COMAND® system featuring AM/FM/WB radio,
indash DVD/CD player, in-dash memory card slot, and Bluetooth interface
for hands-free calling. Standard equipment also includes a central
controller with a 7-inch, high-resolution display and a color display in
the instrument cluster.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is
responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all
Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers
drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model
lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and
the SLS AMG supercar.
MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer
service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans, and smart products in the U.S.
More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com
and www.mbsprinterusa.com. For full bios and photos visit the MBUSA
Media Site, www.media.mbusa.com.
* * *
Quick Reference:
Availability: Spring 2013
Performance:
- E250 BlueTEC: 2.1-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel: 190 hp, 369 lb.-ft
- E350 Sedan: direct-injection 3.5-liter V6: 302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.
- E350 4MATIC Wagon: direct-injection 3.5-liter V6: 302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.
-E400 HYBRID Sedan: electric motor and direct-injection 3.5-liter V6: 27 hp + 302 hp, 184 lb-ft + 273 lb-ft
- E550 4MATIC Sport Sedan: turbocharged direct-injection 5.5-liter V8: 402 hp, 443 lb.-ft.
New Standard Feature Highlights:
- Collision Prevention Assist
- ATTENTION ASSIST (new generation)
- ECO Start/Stop
- Sport models feature integrated star in grille
- Dashboard design
New Optional Feature Highlights:
- 4-cylinder diesel powertrain
- 4MATIC all-wheel drive on BlueTEC
- Full-LED lighting
- Surround View Camera
- Parking Assist Package
- New generation Driver Assistance Package, featuring: DISTRONIC PLUS®
with Steering Assist, Optimized Active Lane Keeping Assist, BAS PLUS®
with Cross-Traffic Assist, PRE-SAFE PLUS® for rear-end collision,
Autonomous emergency braking (PRE-SAFE® Brake) on pedestrians
Credit : Autoblog