Mercedes E Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-class is the saloon that fills the niche between the top of the range S-class and the base C-class..
Mercedes have re-invented its mid-size E-class range for 2010, and not with just a styling refresh; but the design indeed has evolved, and it’s q stand out change after two generations of the same old in a reshaped bodyline. Most obvious are the removal of the oval x four headlights replaced by four parallelogram-shaped lamps that look unique but still work on the E-class. The roofline, is more angular and creased more sharply than before. This has drawn some criticism for what happens to the rear bumper. The roundness of the rear bumper flare and the horizontal line that sits above work far better on the actual car than the images show.
Under The Skin
But its under the skin that the real changes take place - first up there is an entirely new steel unibody structure. Apart from a few pieces of aluminium in the front bumper, bonnet and steering column bracket, the E-class is a steel vehicle. Not surprisingly, overall weight is slightly higher than its predecessor. However, Mercedes is quick to point out that the E’s new structure passes future crash legislation and enjoys a 30-percent improvement in structural rigidity. Making for an all but silent and quiver-free ride.
Mercedes has resisted making the E-class a larger car. Overall length is 191.7 inches, an increase of 0.7 inch, and the wheelbase measures 113.1 inches, again a growth of 0.7 inch. Subjectively, interior seems about the same as the previous generation. The more upright roofline adds a few fractions of an inch to front and rear headroom, and rear legroom is up slightly, but the difference is minimal. Boot space, however, is up 2.2 cubic feet to 19.1.
What really separates the new E’s interior from its predecessor is the new look. Inside is where the E-class’s reconciliation between the C-class and S-class truly occurs. Many elements look as if they were borrowed from the more luxurious S-class; the column gear change, the centre armrest and console, the LED lighting that glows at night, and the quality of the materials are all very close to its bigger cousin. The only part borrowed from its poorer sibling, the C-class is the knob that controls the COMAND infotainment system, the radio buttons, and the instrument gauges. Exclusive to the E are new seats that have more padding and feel more supple and richer than the previous car’s thrones.
Same Power, Smoother Action
What hasn't changed is what powers the E-class. The two engines, a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and a 382-hp, 5.5-liter V-8. Both engines are connected to a seven-speed automatic transmission. The E500, will be followed by the introduction of the E300, an E300 estate, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and the AMG variants will join the lineup.
Driving the latest E-class reveals a familiar character, but it doesn't take long to realize that something is different. Steering accuracy is better and more BMW-like. Some of the sluggishness of the previous E-class’s helm has been ousted and replaced with more responsive tuning. Consequently, the car feels more alive. The slightly lethargic feel of the previous car, like the low-mounted turn signal stalk, was long a Mercedes trait and something we'd come to expect from the E-class. Some of the creaminess of the ride and steering is left, but it feels like the car is on a smaller dose of Vicodin than before
Safety
The E Class is bristling safety features, some borrowed from the S-class such as the optional infrared Night View Assist Plus that can now warn the driver of the possibility of pedestrians (that’s the Plus part). There’s also the optional Distronic radar-based cruise-control system that uses short- and long-range radar to allow the car to come to a complete stop on its own when using cruise control. When equipped with Distronic, the E-class also gets automatic emergency braking. Even if the driver ignores the collision warning and doesn't brake, the car will automatically apply the brakes to lessen the speed of impact. Also borrowed from the S-class is the standard Pre-Safe system that will prepare the car for a collision by clinching the seatbelts, adjusting the seat, and flashing the warning lights under heavy braking or when an imminent collision is detected.
The car sports 11 airbags, optional blind-spot warning, and optional lane-departure warning that sends a subtle vibration through the steering wheel to let the driver know when the car leaves its lane without a signal. Adaptive High-Beam Control, which automatically adjusts the height of the high-beam pattern depending on traffic conditions to give the driver the maximum amount of illumination, also is available as an option. The system’s camera senses oncoming traffic as well as cars travelling in the same direction and adjusts the light spread to avoid blinding other motorists. Another night-driving aid is the standard Attention Assist system that monitors the driver’s steering, throttle, and brake inputs using the same sensors as the stability control system. The system is programmed to look for changes in driver behaviour and is especially sensitive in the evening. The first 20 minutes provide a baseline for driver behaviour, and any alterations are monitored and compared with the initial characteristic. Should the driver start to input large corrections or strange inputs that might indicate he’s falling asleep, the car will display a coffee-cup icon to suggest taking a break from the road.
Driving
It appears like the E-class is almost an autonomous motor, but for those of us who actually enjoy driving, the E-class is actually a more engaging car to drive. The many driver-safety gadgets don't get in the way unless you make a mistake, and they can all be bypassed
In truth the E-Class almost makes the C-Class and its richer sibling the S-Class surplus to requirement but tats just our opinion.