Launch Drive: Innovative (2016) Mercedes E-Class

Mercedes Benz has often set the benchmark when it comes to safety innovation.  From the safety cell to ABS, the Stuttgart based manufacturer has many times advanced technology in such a way that the competitors are forced to follow.  This time it is not just the competitors left in awe, the rest of the Mercedes range will receive similar technological permeation.

Available Models

Currently three models are available in various trim.  The E 200 135kW petrol engine, the impressively frugal 143kW E 220 d (3.9l/100) and my pick of the range; the 190kW 620Nm E 350 d.  Other variants are said to arrive in October with the AMG versions filtering into South Africa next year.

Mercedes proudly touts its E 220 d engine as a technological marvel. The engine is smaller, lighter and more efficient. In typical Mercedes fashion where engineering is pushed to finest tolerances, the cylinders are now 4mm closer to each other than before and the catalytic converter is housed nearer to the engine.  This means more efficiency, better thermal dynamics, more power and lower emissions. All models come with Mercedes silky smooth 9G-Tronic gearbox.

Interior

The dash pays homage to the older E series combining style with technology.  The heads up display is minimal and un-intrusive and the touch control steering wheel is one of the fastest ways of scrolling through menus.

The Mercedes E-Class comes standard with a centrally mounted 12.3 inch screen and a second Command Online 12.3 inch screen can be ordered to replace the traditional instrument cluster. This option includes support for Carplay and Android Auto while wireless charging is possible. In 2017 buyers will be able to replace the traditional key with their smartphone – adding a level of security in the process.

The 2016 Mercedes E-Class boasts a slippery drag coefficient of just 0.23, and one can tell by the lack of wind noise inside once the windows seal shut.

Exterior

The wheelbase has grown by 65mm, however the overall length is just 43mm longer, giving passengers extra legroom inside.  Considering that in some overseas markets 80% of E-Class owners will be travelling in the back seat, this makes sense. The 540 litre boot capacity remains largely the same and Mercedes says it can house  “up to three golf bags”.

Another interesting option is the 84 individually controlled LED light cluster, which automatically senses road conditions and adjusts accordingly. The technology now has far surpassed previous iterations with smoother more functional operation.

E-Class comes standard with 18 inch wheels and 19 inch rims are available as an option.

How does it drive?

The Air Body Control suspension is comfortable in almost any situation, however highway driving is where the Mercedes E-Class excels. Our 350km round trip was dispatched effortlessly.  The suspension does have a slight “jiggle” when traversing uneven ruts at speed, however this is more than likely to make sure that these ruts aren’t felt as harshly.

Parking is even easier

Parking a large sedan can often be problematic but not with the 2016 Mercedes E-Class. The new Parking Pilot allows the driver to park the car nose first, and unlike other systems, changes gears too. The sophisticated radar aligns the car perfectly in the bay and the on screen display shows a rear facing camera and also a virtual “satellite view”.  The ground breaking Remote Parking Pilot which is due for SA in 2017 will allow owners to manoeuvre in and out of tight parking bays remotely using a Smartphone app.

Pioneers of safety

E-Class certainly does blaze a trail when it comes to safety. The debate as to whether fiddling with one’s cell phone whilst driving has been settled ages ago, however many road users still do it. Mercedes Benz has taken a pro-active approach with Drive Pilot. The semi-autonomous system is designed to keep the car in-lane if the driver’s hands are off the wheel or if the driver starts to veer off the road.

Pre-Safe initialises a maintenance free diaphragm that pushes occupants away from the B pillar in the event of an imminent side impact, thus creating space for the curtain airbag to deploy. Another world first by Mercedes.

With too many options to list in this article, it is clear to see that the E-Class has yet again set the benchmark when it comes to safety innovation.

Stay tuned to SA Car Fan for a full review of the new Mercedes E-Class later this year.