An exemplary marriage of refinement and innovation, it is one of the German marque’s most intuitive midsize luxury sedans and a companion that will evolve with you for the long run (Photo: Emily Yap/ The Edge)
First impressions matter and a good start is often half the battle. Therefore, when the veil billowed away to reveal the brand new E-Class in September, the approving nods across the room were a favourable sign for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
For years, the E-Class has been the German marque’s bread and butter, and one would find the new locally assembled E 200 and E 350 e models, a mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) respectively, to certainly perpetuate its position as the premier business sedan, not to mention possibly the most intelligent, even in today’s cutthroat climate.
Beauty is not only skin deep with the new line-up, though it is undeniably handsome. To put it simply, the E-Class stands in the sweet spot between the previous generation and the fully electric EQ models. Its design has evolved subtly but meaningfully and progressively, with a pinch of sportiness added to the mix.
At the front, a new radiator grille with chrome surrounds is flanked by state-of-the-art LED high performance headlamps, with daytime running lights shaped like eyebrows for a sharper, more striking appearance. The E 350 e is equipped with Mercedes’ Digital Light technology, where 1.3 million micro mirrors direct and refract light for precise distribution and optimum visibility. With Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, the headlamps illuminate pitch black roads while accurately masking out oncoming traffic to prevent dazzling.
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The flush door handles are obviously an inherited feature from the S-Class. They pop out when the driver approaches the car. By the way, with the Keyless Go Convenience package, Apple users will be able to download a digital vehicle key and gain access to the car using their personal device, such as the iPhone or Apple Watch. Which is pretty neat, especially if the car is intended for multiple drivers — that is, unless you are part of the Android faction.
The rear design is equally fetching, with new tail lights that feature a three-pointed star motif. This illuminated design may also be applied to upcoming models, we hear. The chrome detail continues at the back as a trim bar along its rear edge.
The entry-level E 200 and range-topping E 350 e models are differentiated by their trims. The former comes with the Avantgarde package while the latter is equipped with the sportier AMG Line with all the bells and whistles, which we will get into.
The E 200’s internal combustion engine (ICE) is a four-cylinder unit with needs-based electrification. Thanks to a new battery in the mild-hybrid, the power of the electric motor has been increased from 15kW to 17kW and the boost torque to 205 Nm. As for the PHEV, the E 350 e has an electric output of 95kW and an all-electric range of up to 118km, so errands around the city are a cinch. However, the combustion engine is still there as backup for longer drives. The E 200 accelerates from 0 to 100kph in 7.5 seconds while the E 350 e does so in 6.4 seconds — not the fastest in the market, but then again, this is a business vehicle not a sports car.
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Nary a month ago, the key to an E 350 e was placed in our hands for the weekend. The plan was to drive south to Kulai, Johor, with a pit stop at Ayer Keroh, Melaka, to recharge with the DC charger. But there was still plenty of juice left in the tank by the time we pulled into the R&R. Energy had been recovered along the way, owing to the electromechanical brake booster, which allows the maximum recuperation power to be achieved more frequently and over a longer period of time.
Drivers can easily switch between modes, such as Sport (pure ICE) or Hybrid (a combination of both engines) at the push of a button. But two in particular take advantageous use of the plug-in powertrain. In Battery Hold, priority is given to maintaining the current charge state. In Electric, the car runs on pure electricity up to 140kph. The combustion engine activates beyond that speed. A caveat: Once you have got used to its instantaneous electrical power, performance will not feel as optimal if the battery is exhausted.
The all-electric EQS has one of the cushiest, most opulent and tech-vamped cabins in our book and we are glad the E-Class is adopting some of its most significant features. The sprawling MBUX Superscreen transforms the dashboard into a striking digital hub, with a large glass surface that integrates seamlessly with the 14.4in central display and 12.3in passenger display. The driver’s screen stands upright with a 3D feature that supposedly adds depth to the indications, allowing “spatial scene perception”. This frankly added little value to the driving experience.
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As with the EQS, the car’s medley of functions are condensed behind the screen, making it tricky to make adjustments while on the road. But that perhaps is what Routines in the E-Class is for. Mercedes is harnessing the power of AI to learn the habits and preferences of the driver and its occupants, taking note of recurring processes and suggesting them to you the next time round.
For example, if grabbing a coffee before work is a religious part of your schedule, the E-Class can automatically set your favourite neighbourhood café as the first stop before directing you to the office every weekday morning. The aim is for AI to automate simple tasks such as rolling down the window at the right time for you to tap your seasonal parking pass, or turning on the seat ventilation when the temperature creeps up too much for your liking.
The personalised suggestions extend to infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions. Drivers can also customise their own Routines by setting conditions to actions. For example, to have the radio turned on to the business channel at precisely 8am every Monday or set the ambient lighting to a serene blue after work to wind down better.
Another addition to the dash is a selfie and video camera that can be linked to a number of video conferencing apps such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Coupled with 5G connectivity, the E-Class keeps you in touch at all times. Besides, talking shop from a new set of wheels definitely earns you bragging rights. The camera only works if the car is parked, though.
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The drive to Johor was long, but the leather upholstered seats provided great comfort. A tip for those who have drawn-out daily commutes: turn on seat kinetics. It makes incremental adjustments to the base, back and headrest over a set period of time to alleviate muscle stiffness. Though not a new function, we were pleasantly surprised that it actually works.
Audiophiles will be more than pleased exploring the Burmester 4D Surround Sound System, which brings the concert experience into the cabin. Musical instruments can be calibrated individually to curate your own ideal acoustics. Furthermore, there are two sound resonating transducers integrated into the backrest of each front seat. When the 4D function is turned on, these exciters send a vibration through the body, mimicking the reverberating sensations you feel in your diaphragm at a live show. Activating Sound Visualisation, which synchronises the ambient lighting to the beat, further amplifies the entire experience. Mercedes is really leaning into the discotheque vibe, huh?
In essence, the new E is a compelling all-rounder that elevates your lifestyle by adapting to it. An exemplary marriage of refinement and innovation, it is one of the German marque’s most intuitive midsize luxury sedans and a companion that will evolve with you for the long run.
The Mercedes-Benz E 200 and E 350 e are priced at RM355,888 and RM418,888 respectively on the road, without insurance. See here for more information.
This article first appeared on Oct 21, 2024 in The Edge Malaysia.
