Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Never a Taxi Again!

Since the frequently rusting four-eyed face W-210, Mercedes-Benz has stuck to its numbering for the E-Class: the “Wagon 211” was followed by 212, 213, and now 214. And yes, this E-Class has grown again, becoming stronger, more digital, and more luxurious than ever. It starts with four-cylinder engines, with half of all models offered in Europe being fourth-generation plug-in hybrids. The company also remains loyal to diesel. The first sedans of the 214 series are arriving.

Visually, it follows the "Cab-Backward" design with a trailer-like long rear overhang, clearly oriented towards the S-Class. This ensures elegant proportions, contrasting with the dachshund-like appearance of the EQE series, and visually connects it to the top model. The bridge to the EQ models is especially evident in the AMG Line, which features a black-panel-like surface connecting the grille with the headlights. The new E-Class comes standard with LED High Performance headlights. As an optional extra, Digital Light is available, with or without a projection function. All headlight variants reference ancestors W123, W210 to 212 with four LED strips. The daytime running lights are typically designed in the shape of an eyebrow. Powerdomes accentuate and visually extend the hood.

From Hyperscreen to Superscreen

The instrument panel is fundamentally taken from the S-Class or EQE, as expected. Equipped with the optional passenger display, the large glass surface of the MBUX Superscreen extends to the central display. Visually separated from this, the driver's display is positioned in the field of vision of the driver. Models without a passenger display feature a large trim piece extending to the center. The central display appears to float above the concavely shaped surface of this trim piece.

The light strip of active ambient lighting runs through the front area of the instrument panel. It forms a large arc from the windshield, past the A-pillars, into the doors. This creates a spacious feeling. A seemingly floating control island in the upper area of the door panels visually matches the glass surfaces of the screens.

The external growth also benefited the interior: the driver and passengers enjoy five millimeters more headroom than in the predecessor. The two centimeters longer wheelbase particularly benefits the rear passengers: knee clearance and maximum legroom increase by ten and 17 millimeters, respectively. An even greater increase is seen in rear elbow width, measuring 1,519 millimeters. This is an increase of 25 millimeters and is almost at S-Class level. The cargo volume is up to 540 liters.

Half of the Powertrains are Plug-in Hybrids

The combustion engines consist of four- and six-cylinder units from the current modular Mercedes-Benz engine family FAME (Family of Modular Engines). This engine program significantly contributes to the flexibilization of the international production network while simultaneously ensuring demand-driven electrification.

Both the diesel and gasoline engines are supported by a turbocharger and an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), making them mild hybrids. Thanks to a new battery, the power of the electric motor has been increased from 15 to 17 kW, with boost torque rising to 205 Nm. The E200 starts with 150 kW (204 PS) and 320 Nm torque. Additionally, in boost mode, up to 17 kW and 205 Nm are available. It is claimed to consume 6.3 to 7.4 l/100 km, equating to 144 to 166 g CO2 per km. The E 220d, which also comes with all-wheel drive, offers 145 kW (197 PS) and 440 Nm, with up to 17 kW and 205 Nm from the electric motor in boost mode. It consumes 4.8-5.7 l/100 km according to WLTP, which corresponds to 125 to 149 g CO2/km. Three fourth-generation plug-in hybrid models are also available. With an electric drive power of 95 kW (129 PS) and a fully electric range of up to over 100 kilometers (WLTP), they will operate purely electrically in many cases and on many days without using the gasoline engine. Additional plug-in hybrids with diesel engines will follow. The E 300 e (available as 4Matic) and E 400 e are based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. The E 300 e offers 150 kW (204 PS) and 320 Nm, while the E 400 e has 185 kW (252 PS) and 400 Nm. The electric motor increases system output to 230 and 280 kW, respectively, with system torque at 550 and 650 Nm. The battery provides 25.4 kWh capacity. Mercedes-Benz indicates electric ranges of 95 to 115 km. The combined CO2 emissions are 12 to 20 g CO2/km, which should be particularly interesting for fleets, unless they choose the EQE.

The E-Class again boasts impressive suspension, featuring four-link suspension at the front and five-link at the rear, with Airmatic and rear-axle steering optionally available. The mild-hybrid models come standard with steel suspension, called "Agility Control," featuring a selective damping system. Compared to the suspension of the plug-in hybrids, it is additionally lowered by 15 millimeters. The new E-Class is optionally available with the Technology Package, which includes the full-support air suspension Airmatic with continuously adjustable damping ADS+ and rear-axle steering. The optional rear-axle steering makes the E-Class more maneuverable and is combined with a more direct steering ratio at the front axle. The steering angle at the rear axle is 4.5 degrees, reducing the turning circle by up to 90 centimeters.

New Central Computer for More Intelligence

The new electronic architecture is more defined by software than hardware: the computing functions of previously separate domains are combined into a single control unit. Screens and the MBUX infotainment system share a new, highly powerful central vehicle computer. This type of networking increases the performance and speed of data flows. For the new E-Class, the Entertainment Package (MBUX Entertainment Plus) will be available. It includes Mercedes me connect services and a data package from a third-party provider. Depending on the market, a communication module with 5G as a transmission technology will be used. The 5G mobile communication standard enables significantly higher data rates than LTE/UMTS.

A new compatibility layer allows for the installation of third-party apps. At the E-Class market launch, “TikTok,” the game “Angry Birds,” the collaboration application “Webex,” and the office application “Zoom,” as well as the browser “Vivaldi” will be available. Additionally, the ZYNC entertainment portal offers video streaming, on-demand content, interactive experiences, local video programs, sports, news, games, and much more on the central and passenger displays (optional). But beware: all of this requires a user account and extra money, or must be renewed.

Good business idea: Conferences from the car

Also new is a selfie and video camera (part of the optional equipment MBUX Superscreen) at the top of the instrument panel: When the vehicle is stationary, the driver can participate in online conferences via, for example, “Webex” with a video image and take personal photos and videos.

MBUX is also intended to offer more comfort in operation: With the “Just Talk” function, the intelligent voice control can now be activated without the keyword “Hey Mercedes”. When this function is activated, a red microphone symbol appears on the display. The vehicle is then ready and waiting for commands.

AI to learn routines and simplify everyday life

The artificial intelligence (AI) learns which comfort systems the drivers repeatedly use. Under the same conditions, it should then automate such functions. Ideally, the result would be “personalized automation,” called “Routine” by Mercedes-Benz. At the launch of the new E-Class, customers can use templates for standard routines. They also have the option of creating their own routines. In the process, passengers can link multiple functions and conditions. For example, “Turn on seat heating and set ambient lighting to warm orange, if the interior temperature is below twelve degrees Celsius.” Coming up with such ideas in the first place! Maybe I’d prefer red on another day?

The E-Class as a coach: It optionally offers breathing exercises

Also back on board are the diverse Energizing Comfort programs with individual recommendations from the Energizing Coach – which could be an overbearing annoyance for many self-thinking Europeans. But the programmers again had new ideas here: The anti-motion sickness program can help affected passengers alleviate symptoms. And a biofeedback function is planned for the medium term. It can reduce stress levels with breathing exercises.

The Thermotoronic automatic climate control (optional equipment) is intended to enhance the comfort experience with “Digital Vent Control”: This allows the front air vents to automatically adjust to a desired ventilation scenario. This can be done seat-specific, for example, via the user profile. However, the nozzles can still be manually adjusted as usual – how simple it was before: you decided where and at what temperature the air should be blown, and that was it! In this way, the new E-Class degrades every driver to a software novice, because all the wonderful programs need to be learned first.

Safety remains a priority: Some further developed driver assistance systems

The E-Class comes with enough assistance systems as standard. In conjunction with the camera in the 3D driver display (thankfully optional equipment), Attention Assist now also offers a distraction warning: If the driver’s eyes are not on the road for several seconds, it can detect distraction and warn the driver both acoustically and visually. If the driver does not redirect their gaze to the traffic situation, an escalation occurs with a second warning and a continuous tone. If the driver still does not respond to the warning, the system can initiate an emergency stop through the Active Emergency Stop Assistent. One has to wonder how annoying the system will be in practice. Because many manufacturers’ new high-tech programs require (too) long looks at large screens – leading to a few hundred meters of blind driving on the highway.

Assistants also help with steering and restarting

As an optional feature, for example as part of the Premium Package, the Driving Assistance Package Plus is also offered. This includes the Active Steering Assist, which helps with lane-following. Just as it has been on the highway, the E-Class can now also automatically restart after a longer stop in city traffic and on country roads. Another innovation: If the Active Steering Assist is no longer available because the lane markings are not clearly visible, it signals this to the driver via a vibrating steering wheel.

Airbags: Only complete in the rear as an option

Unusual: There are many airbags, but not in every country is there one between the front occupants, and the side airbags for a severe side impact in the rear, which additionally cover the thorax area, cost extra on the outer rear seats.

Also in the E-Class: Resource-conserving materials

Many E-Class components are partially made from resource-conserving materials (recycled materials and renewable raw materials). The E-Class base seat uses a cover made from undyed alpaca wool, combined with a recycled material. For the first time, the foam in the seats uses certified recycled raw materials based on the "mass balance approach," which do not differ in their properties from raw materials made from petroleum. This way, the need for fossil resources can be reduced while maintaining the same product quality.

Mercedes-Benz has been producing in all its own plants worldwide in a CO2-neutral manner since 2022. The externally sourced electricity comes exclusively from renewable energy sources and is therefore CO2-free. In addition, the company aims to increase the generation of renewable energy at its sites. By the end of 2024, further expansion of photovoltaics at the entire Sindelfingen site will be invested in. Another focus at the Sindelfingen site is on continuously reducing water consumption and waste generation.

What does this mean?

The E-Class is the core model of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Car 214 is likely to be the last combustion engine. It can be assumed that it must/will/can last longer than its predecessors and that its successor, along with the EQE, will be merged into a new E-Class, potentially the "Car W215".