Mercedes reveals new E-Class; to be showcased at NAIAS

Mercedes has released the official images and details of its next-gen E-Class range. The new E-Class has been thoroughly redesigned, taking on a far more dynamic form than its predecessor in a bid to appeal to younger buyers globally. The German carmaker will showcase the new E-Class for the first time at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show 2016. 

It has a clear resemblance to the smaller C-Class and larger S-Class in its exterior design, featuring a swooping roofline and heavily structured surfacing treatment. The visual similarities are part of a broader plan aimed at providing Mercedes’ sedan line-up with a more cohesive appearance than before.

The fifth generation model has grown by 43mm in overall length to 4923mm. The wheelbase also extends by 65mm in standard form to 2939mm, resulting in shorter overhangs. This E-Class is also 2mm narrower and 6mm lower than the car it replaces. As with other recent new Mercedes, the new E-Class sets a record for aerodynamic efficiency in its class with a drag coefficient of 0.23.

Key among the engineering developments is a new platform structure with higher percentages of hot-formed high-strength steel and aluminium. Similar to the structures used by the C-Class and S-Class, it is claimed to bring weight savings of up to 100kg on a model-for-model basis. The front wings, bonnet and bootlid are all made of sheet or cast aluminium.

The new E-Class will eventually come with the choice of up to eight engines globally. They include a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with 181bhp in the E200 and an all-new 2.0-litre diesel with 192bhp in the E220d. The latter engine, codenamed OM654 is set to be introduced to other Mercedes-Benz models this year, replaces the OM651. The diesel line-up will expand to include a base E200d running a detuned version of the new 2.0-litre engine with 148bhp. 

Further, petrol engines to follow include a more powerful version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit with 242bhp in the E250, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with 328bhp in the E400 4Matic and AMG’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 with up to 580bhp in a successor to the E63 AMG. 

Also planned to make its debut in the new E-Class is an all-new 3.0-litre straight six diesel, which replaces the existing 3.0-litre V6 and will produce 254bhp in the E350d. There will be plug-in hybrid variants on offer to in the international markets.  

All launch models will come with Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard. Alongside standard rear-wheel drive, selected models will offer 4Matic four-wheel drive as an option, but final details are yet to be revealed.  

The E-Class is underpinned by an evolution of Mercedes’ modular rear architecture (MRA) platform. A choice of three suspension tunes with variable damping control is planned from the outset: Comfort, Comfort Avantgarde (with a 15mm reduction in ride height) and Sport, which also features a 15mm ride height reduction.