E-Class lifts its skirts

Mercedes-Benz has released its updated and upgraded E-Class range. And while it might not look markedly different from the model its replaces, there’s around 2000 new parts and a wholesale change in driving dynamics to talk about.

Available in 11 variants comprising six sedan and five estates (wagons), three of them new models, the underpinnings of the new E-Class have been upgraded to produce arguably the most wieldy non-AMG big Benz models yet.

Benz lumps the chassis changes under the moniker DIRECT CONTROL (M-B’s capitals not ours). In essence the changes are a faster, more direct and more communicative revised rack and pinion steering system and a retuned (read: firmer) suspension package across the range. Body roll has been reduced and the settings on the new E-Class models approximate those offered on the Avantgarde trim line in the previous generation. Sport suspension packages are also offered which further firm up the dynamics.

In terms of safety upgrades, the E-Class now features PRE-SAFE across the range. This system is already featured on the CLS and M-Class as well as Benz’s range topping S-Class. A multi-layered safety system, PRE-SAFE interacts with ABS and ESP sensors to preempt any incident and ‘prepares’ the car and occupants by tightening seatbelts, closing windows and sunroof and even repositioning the passenger seat for optimum safety.

The new E-Class also gets the new Adaptive Brake system from the S-Class. The previous generation’s Sensotronic brake system was the source of some controversy after some well-publicised instances of failure in overseas markets. M-B says there were only a handful of “incidents” Down Under.

In terms of cosmetics, the new E gets a 30mm deeper, more overt front grille with plenty of S-Class DNA. There are new alloy wheel designs across the range and the rear bumper and boot flourishes have been redesigned to give the car a wider, lower look. The tweaks work, too – especially on the wagon models.

There's new mirrors with indicator repeaters that thanks to their uncoupled design help to 'lighten' the side of the car. And thanks to the adoption of the side skirts from last generation’s sporty Avantgarde line, the new big Benz no longer looks like it’s on stilts.

There’s new but fussy headlight detailing and the front driving lamps get different treatment according to the trim/mechanical level of the car. Four new colours have been added across the E-Class range.

Mechanically the highlight is the arrival of the range-topping 6.2-litre 378kW/630Nm E 63 AMG in both sedan and wagon form. Replacing the much-admired supercharged E 55 AMG, the 63 recalls the big naturally-aspirated Benz V8s of the past such as the 300 SEL 6.3 and 450SEL 6.9. It’s a serious piece of kit priced at $227,600 (sedan) and boasts a 0-100km/h of around 4.5sec.

At the opposite end of the new E-Class range is the enty-level $84,500 E 200 K. The only E to eschew the super smooth 7G-TRONIC seven-speed auto gearbox (it makes do with the old five-speeder), the 200 K gets a 135kW/250Nm version of the supercharged four-cylinder used in the C-Class range. The 200 K is offered in sedan form only.

The $160,300 E 500 features the all-new 5.5-litre V8 which debuted in the S-Class. With no less than 285kW/530 Nm it is a healthy 60kW and 70Nm up on the ‘old’ 500. With a level of equipment befitting its sticker price, the E 500’s new-found performance delivers a significant step up in desirability over its predecessor which was largely overshadowed by the E 350.

Six-cylinder models are limited to the civilized 280 and 350 petrol V6s and the frugal 280CDI, the latter offered in an Estate version for the first time. No return to the E-Class range for the ‘little’ six E240 in this generation, however.

Inside across the range the smaller, chunkier wheel from the CLS sits in front of a mildly revised dash. There are revised interior trim and leather options for most models.

In our brief launch drive we can attest to the sportier feel of the new E-Class – good news for Benz aficionados. The other good news is that prices have been kept within ‘cooee’ of the out going Es.

The premium for the wagon is still a steep $6000 (though it does include a standard rearward facing kids-only third row of seats) but most models have only increased $2000. The exceptions are the E 500 (up $2400) and the E 280 CDI which at an extra $5000 has also taken a step up in base trim level from Classic to Elegance.

Look out for CarPoint’s launch review of the revised Mercedes-Benz E-Class range soon.