The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been revealed with a high-tech interior, a fully electrified engine range and the latest autonomous driving aids. Keep reading for everything we know so far.
2023 Mercedes E-Class:
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Exterior Design and Dimensions
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Interior, Infotainment and Technology
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Engines, Plug-in Hybrid Technology and Driving
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Price and Release Date
2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Exterior Design and Dimensions
The new Mercedes E-Class takes styling cues from the range-topping S-Class, as well as EV models like the EQE and EQS.
Up front, the large grille looks identical to the one found on the S-Class. Its black panels hide various sensors for the car’s autonomous driving and safety features, and you can have the bezel illuminated at extra cost. On either side of the grille, you get LED headlamps with the option to upgrade to matrix LEDs.
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Around the sides, you’ll find Mercedes’ cab-backward design, with a long bonnet and a stubby boot in profile. A subtle crease runs from the front to the back of the car, and below it you’ll find new aero-friendly, recessed door handles. Overall, the E-Class has a drag coefficient rating of 0.23 Cd, slightly behind the 0.22 figure posted by its BMW 5 Series rival.
The back, meanwhile, features a light show to match the front of the car, with LEDs that replicate the three-pointed star on the E-Class bonnet.
In terms of dimensions, the E-Class is longer (4949mm) and wider (1880mm) than the current model, while being the same 1468mm height . A wheelbase that is 2cm longer than the current model, meanwhile, should translate into more passenger space, while the 540-litre boot is the same as in the outgoing car. That drops to 370 litres in plug-in hybrid models.
2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Interior, Infotainment and Technology
The new E-Class interior oozes luxury and technology, as Mercedes brings its conventional saloons in line with its high-tech electric models. As a result, you get acres of leather and pretty trim finishes, as well as tech like electrically controlled air vents and ambient lighting that can react to the music you're playing on the car's stereo.
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The optional full-length digital display is a stunning piece of kit. Called the Superscreen (slightly smaller than the Hyperscreen in the EQE and EQS), it combines a ‘floating’ digital instrument binnacle, with a centre touchscreen and a third (optional) screen that sits under a single pane of glass. While the centre screen covers features like the car’s sat-nav, ventilation system and stereo, the third screen means your passenger can watch TV or browse the internet without distracting you when you’re driving.
You can control the E-Class’ infotainment directly via the car’s touchscreens, or via voice commands that are activated by the phrase “Hey Mercedes…” followed by your instructions. The system in the current E-Class is pretty good, so expect it to be even better in the new model.
2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Engines, Plug-in Hybrid Technology and Driving
Half of the new Mercedes E-Class models will be plug-in hybrids when it goes on sale later this year, and buyers can choose from options such as four-wheel drive, rear-wheel steer and air suspension.
The regular range kicks off with the 203bhp E200 petrol, while diesel power comes in the form of the 194bhp E220d diesel. Both versions have mild hybrid technology and get from 0-62mph in less than eight seconds, and the diesel is available with 4Matic four-wheel drive as an option. The E200 returns fuel economy of around 35mpg, while the E220d gets closer to 50mpg.
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Plug-in hybrids make up the rest of the E-Class range. All use a petrol engine boosted by a 127bhp electric motor and a 25.4kWh battery to give the E-Class a 62-mile pure electric range.
The E300e produces 308bhp, which is enough for 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds and a 146mph top speed. It’s available with four-wheel drive as an option. The E400e, meanwhile, gets four-wheel drive as standard, accelerating from 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds and onto a top speed of 155mph.
For the record, the E300e returns fuel economy of up to 470mpg, while the E400 e manages 393mpg. However, both figures are skewed by the cars’ 62-mile pure electric range, and are about as believable as a politician’s promise.
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The driving experience should be just as advanced as the powertrains. Specify the optional Technology Package, and you can have your E-Class with comfy Airmatic air suspension and rear-wheel steering. The latter makes the E-Class feel more agile on country roads and more manoeuvrable in town, knocking 90cm off the turning circle.
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Along with the new hardware, you get new software like the latest version of Mercedes Attention Assist. It can detect when you’re getting sleepy behind the wheel or being distracted and – if its warnings aren’t being heeded – can bring the car to a stop if needs be. Intelligent Parking Pilot, meanwhile, can park the car without you even having to be in the car, although this technology isn’t currently legal in the UK.
2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Price and Release Date
The new Mercedes E-Class goes on sale later this year with a starting price of around £50,000 for a basic E200 petrol, rising to closer to £70,000 for a top-of-the-range E400e 4Matic plug-in hybrid model. The Mercedes’ main rivals are the Audi A6 and the soon-to-be-revealed BMW 5 Series.
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