With the launch of the sixth-generation E-Class, Mercedes-Benz aims to strike a balance between past and future — blending classic luxury cues with an array of digital technologies including the capacity to watch TikTok videos, conduct web meetings, snap selfies or play video games on the go.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a vehicle with multiple personalities, or so the automaker suggested during a lively online debut.
“Groundbreaking technologies make the newly developed model the most intelligent and personal E-Class in the long history of the model series,” the automaker proclaimed in a news release. “The completely redesigned E-Class is fully in line with its tradition as an innovation leader and aesthetic trailblazer. It represents a pioneer for the brand with the three-pointed star leading the path to the ultimate digital luxury experience.”
More aerodynamic styling
Reflecting the changing realities of today’s automotive world, the 2024 E-Class makes its first appearance months after the launch of the Mercedes EQE, its all-electric counterpart — and the conventional product line clearly shows its influence.
While not quite as radical as the EQE’s “one-bow” styling, the gen-six E-Class adopts a more rounded and aerodynamic shape, adding such wind-cheating details as its flush, pop-out door handles.
In keeping with past practices, look for a variety of different trim packages, each with unique features, starting with the grille. Most versions, it appears, will feature a backlit grille stippled with tiny versions of the brand’s familiar tri-star. That iconic logo will reappear in the taillights, as well. Among exterior options, buyers can choose an illuminated outer grille ring.
Lavish and decidedly high-tech
Inside, Mercedes appears to have moved the new E-Class up a notch, with features such as Nappa leather quilted, diamond-pattern perforated seats and ambient lighting built into both the doors and instrument panel.
That lighting, it seems, can be synced up to the music you’re playing — upper E-Class trims available with an audiophile’s Burmeister 4D sound system with Dolby Atmos.
The instrument panel, meanwhile, picks up on the Hyperscreen system first introduced on the flagship S-Class and then carried into the new EQ EV line. Here, it adds plenty of additional features, including the ability to run a variety of apps, including TikTok and games like Angry Birds. You’ll have to pull over to hold a Webex video call or use any of the other video functions that display on the center screen. But front seat passengers will be able to do things like watch movies using Zync media streaming while driving, as the third screen is designed not to be visible to the driver.
“The most intelligent and personal E-Class ever”
The infotainment screen adopts a more smartphone-style user interface, but motorists are just as likely to rely on voice commands using the latest version of MBUX, Mercedes’ Alexa-like voice assistant.
As is becoming more and more common, the 2024 E-Class features smartphone-style over-the-air update capabilities. That will let Mercedes revise software on the fly, even add new features without requiring a visit to the dealership. And it’s one of the first vehicles to feature the latest 5G wireless connectivity.
The German automaker is billing the 2024 sedan as “the most intelligent and personal E-Class” ever, and it’s designed to not only respond to your commands but even read your biometrics. MBUX now can sync up with your smartwatch, for one thing, to measure your “state of wellness.” If you’re stressed out, it might trigger a massage, or offer up some breathing exercises.
A bit more useful, perhaps, a stereo camera will automatically adjust the sedan’s outside mirrors. The new E-Class will even be able to track your travels. Open your window each day to use an entry pass when pulling into the company garage? The car will ask you whether to open the driver’s window automatically when you reach the same place on your morning commute.
Powertrain options
Unfortunately, for American drivers, the most high-tech drivetrain technology won’t make the trans-Atlantic leap. In Europe, China and some other markets, a plug-in hybrid package will be offered, capable of delivering up to 100 kilometers, or about 60 miles, per charge in all-electric mode. The new diesel won’t be States-bound, either.
U.S. dealers will offer two other options. The E350 4Matic will draw power from a 2.0-liter inline 4 with mild hybrid assist. The internal combustion side of the package will punch out 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. When a little extra boost is needed, the 48-volt, 18-kilowatt electric motor will deliver an additional 20 hp and 148 lb-ft.
However, if you’re seeking a bit more performance, the upgrade is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic. It relies on a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder drivetrain that boost output to 375 hp — 10 more than the outgoing E450 — and 369 lb-ft. It shares the same mild-hybrid system as the E350. And both drivetrain packages direct power to all four wheels.
Options, pricing and availability
Depending upon the trim package, the 2024 Mercedes E-Class will offer a variety of different features and functions. These include an air suspension, as well as rear-wheel steering, the back wheels able to turn up to 4.5 degrees. In urban settings, that will trim the car’s turning circle by nearly three feet. At highway speeds, it will improve handling in tight corners.
As always, Mercedes will introduce an assortment of different body styles. The automaker indicated a wagon version is in the works — though its not clear if it will reach U.S. shores considering the lack of demand for wagons these days. As for the coupe and convertible versions, they’re apparently not in the plans — at least wearing an E-Class designation. Word has it they may return badged as new CLE models.
If past is prologue, meanwhile, look for higher performance AMG models to follow.
We’ll have to wait until closer to the launch of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class for some useful information. That includes fuel economy numbers and pricing. Expect to see the sixth-generation sedan begin rolling into dealer showrooms later this year.