The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214)

Although SUVs dominate sales numbers these days, there are still some ‘traditional’ sedan models which also remain popular, especially in the executive segment where there is still a degree of formality desired. And in this segment, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long been one of the preferred choices, with its appeal not just to executives but also fleet operators who have boosted the numbers to make it among the bestselling models for the German automaker.

Introduced 71 years ago, the E-Class has evolved over the decades as times have changed, but always retaining the reliability and robustness that has also kept its residual value high. Last year, it entered its sixth generation which is now available in Malaysia in two versions assembled at the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia plant in Pekan, Pahang.

The two versions are the E 200 in Avantgarde form and the E 350e with AMG Line equipment and features, priced from RM355,888 and RM418,888 (without insurance), respectively.

Small dimensional changes
At first glance, apart from the grille, the bodystyle of the new E-Class does not seem much different from the preceding generation (W213) which was launched in 2016. However, a comparison of dimensions will show an increase of only 15 mm in length extending the body to 4950 mm, with the wheelbase stretched by another 22 mm. It’s also wider by 14 mm on each side, and the heightened roofline is a negligible 8 mm.

The ‘face’ now has a striking black panel-like surface which connects the radiator grille to the headlamps. The grille itself includes a single louvre, a chrome star motif, and chrome surrounds. The E 200 comes equipped with high-performance LED headlamps, while the E 350 e has more advanced DIGITAL LIGHT technology with 1.3 million tiny mirrors to shape the light optimally. Both versions maintain the distinctive Mercedes-Benz daytime running light design, with ‘eyebrow’ shaped lights.

Viewed from the side, the familiar proportions of the E-Class with its ‘cab-backward’ profile are maintained. The AMG Line treatment for the E 350e adds a sporty undertone with two character lines along the sides complemented by larger 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels.

At the rear, there are now two-section LED taillights, featuring a new contour and a signature star motif, creating a unique signature that identifies the car from afar at night. The width of the rear is accentuated by the seamless connection of the rear lights and the v-shaped boot lid design, complemented by a chrome trim bar along its rear edge.

Aerodynamic efficiency maintained
As always, Mercedes-Benz sedans have some of the most aerodynamic forms among production models. The new E-Class has a Cd of 0.23 which matches the previous generation’s in spite of a slightly larger frontal area.

Wind tunnel studies and computer simulations helped to refine the body, and the designers also took ideas developed for the fully electric EQ models which have even greater demands on aerodynamic efficiency. An example can be seen in the as cladding inserts for the wheels which reduce drag-inducing turbulence.

Electrified powertrains
The entire W214 range is now electrified, though there is no fully electric powertrain as that is met by the EQE from the EQ range. While both models use the same M254 turbocharged 2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission, the E 200 powertrain is what is known as a mild hybrid while the E 350e has a plug-in hybrid electric system.

In addition to turbocharging, the E 200 engine has integrated starter-generator and the electric motor generates 17 kW (2 kW more than before) while peak torque is 205 Nm available from 1,600 rpm to 4,000 rpm. Maximum power is 150 kW/204 ps which gives a claimed 7.5 second time from 0 to 100 km/h and a top speed of 240 km/h.

PHEV powertrain for E 350e
The E 350e’s plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain has the same 204 ps/320 Nm from the engine but when the electric motor joins in, total system output can be up to 230 kW (313 ps) with torque as high as 550 Nm. The powertrain can be powered by just the electric motor up to 140 km/h and, depending on battery charge, run on just electricity for up to 118 kms. Top speed, however, is 4 km/h less than the E 200.

The operating strategy of the hybrid system is complex, varying the use of the engine and motor according to driving conditions. In certain conditions, it may be possible to run for long distances on just the electric motor although consistently highly speeds will draw on engine power more, meaning petrol will be consumed. Nevertheless, the range from the 80-litre fuel tank of the PHEV will be much greater than that for a non-hybrid car.

As with all electrified vehicles, there is some recovery of energy during deceleration or downhill driving. With the W214, the energy recovery function has been improved in interaction with the hydraulic brake and Mercedes-Benz claims that as much as 100 kW can be recovered on a journey.

The high-voltage battery pack, developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz, is part of a fourth-generation family. Its energy content is 25.4 kWh, of which 19.5 kWh is available for electric operation. Besides the energy recovery process topping up the battery as the car runs, if it does become empty, recharging to 100% can be done in around 30 minutes (with the on-board 55 kW DC charger).

AGILITY CONTROL for ride and handling
The suspension is pretty much as before but doesn’t have rear-wheel steering which is an option for some variants. The E 200 features AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping and lowering.

The E 350 e’s AGILITY CONTROL suspension also comes with a selective damping system. However, it also has passive selective damping which further optimises roll characteristics, damping and stabilisation according road conditions.

MBUX Superscreen
Inside the new E 350e, the most striking feature would be the MBUX Superscreen This occupies the entire dashboard with 3 display panels, the third one for the front passenger. This concept first appeared in the S-Class and provides a fully digital area that creates a futuristic experience.

While the centre panel has its traditional role as a ‘command centre’ for the driver to manage vehicle functions and get route guidance, the third display (12.3 inches – same size as the driver’s panel) on the right is only meant for the passenger.

With the Vivaldi browser, it can stream videos, allowing viewing of TikTok and the passenger cane even play ‘Angry Birds’ (for some reason, the 15-year old videogame has been chosen for mention). There is also a selfie video camera which can be used for selfies or even for serious work like Zoom meetings online. No more need to use a smartphone or tablet while in the car.

Until now, apps found their way into the car mainly by being mirrored from the user’s smartphone into the infotainment system via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, for MBUX, there is a new compatibility layer that allows the installation of third-party apps as well.

More intelligent and intuitive
The electronics architecture of the MBUX Superscreen is even more intelligent and intuitive, more software-driven. This forms the basis for more individual updating of the interior systems in the future. The computing functions of previously separate domains take place in a single processor, which means that screens and the MBUX infotainment system now share a new, very powerful central onboard computer.

This form of networking improves the performance and speeds up transmission of the data streams. For the first time in the E-Class, at the touch of a button, the 3D driver display on the E 350e allows spatial scene perception with a real depth effect.

The E 200 doesn’t have the third panel and the space is covered by open-pore black ash wood trim, backlit with the iconic Mercedes-Benz pattern.

Both versions have ambient lighting – Active Ambient Lighting for the E 350e and less sophisticated Ambient Lighting in the E 200 – that wraps around the front section of the instrument panel, flowing seamlessly into the doors. The door panels echo the futuristic design of the dashboard with floating control arrays and high-tech metallic elements that incorporate the power window switches, grab handles, and seat controls.

Artificial Intelligence
AI (Artificial Intelligence) has become the big thing over the past few years and automakers are using it to make motoring life easier and more convenient. Applied in the new E-Class, AI is used to learn repeated actions – eg lowering the side window at the same time daily to flash an entry card at the gate – and register it in a list of automatic functions or ‘routines’.

With adaptive software and AI, the MBUX display and operating system makes personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort, and vehicle functions. With the zero-layer design, the user does not have to scroll through submenus or give voice commands. MBUX Augmented Reality for navigation also superimposes graphic navigation and traffic information on live images.

The new E-Class now comes with Digital Vehicle Key (for iPhone or Apple Watch) for unlicking doors and engine starting as part of the KEYLESS GO Convenience Package with HANDS-FREE ACCESS. Key sharing is also possible so other family members or friends (up to 16 different persons)can use the car.

Latest advancements in safety
As a pioneer in automotive safety, drivers of the new E-Class will benefit from the latest advancements that enhance system performance and making motoring safer and easier. The driver assistance systems which use radar and camera sensors are extensive, with high-speed processing for instantaneous responses.

Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC is part of the Parking Package and it has been improved in several respects. Firstly, the starting process is now possible intuitively via the touchscreen. Secondly, the proves of automated parking and departure are now faster than before as the speed has been increased to up to 4 km/h. This removes one of those criticisms that automated parking tends to be slow and therefore not appreciated nor used much.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars Collection