Mercedes-Benz has outed the new 2014 E-Class, the latest iteration of its mid-range luxury car, and previewing features set to debut on the upcoming S-Class flagship. The new car – available as a sedan and as a wagon – has a more distinctively “surfaced” front end, with new headlamps (full-LED as an option) and a more distinctive grille, while there are lashings of computer tech under the hood to keep you on the road and away from crushing pedestrians as you waft in your leather-lined cocoon.
It’s still unmistakably an E-Class, but Mercedes has tightened things up along the side crease-lines and the rear is less fussy. The BlueDIRECT gas engine range has been expanded, available with a choice of four-, six-, and eight-cylinder options, while ECO start/stop in low-speed traffic is standard across all models. At the top end there’s the E500 4MATIC with a 4.6-litre V8 putting out 408HP and boasting a 5.2s 0-62mph dash. Mercedes also has various diesel models, including a BlueTEC HYBRID pairing a four-cylinder diesel engine with a 26HP electric motor for improved fuel efficiency and 107 g/km CO2 output.
Transmissions include a 6-speed manual and a seven-speed auto with shift paddles. Mercedes has introduced a short-term “M” manual mode, too, which automatically returns to fuel-efficient auto mode after a period of time of manual shifting.
Technology plays a greater role elsewhere, too, with a new “Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera” mounted by the rear-view mirror and giving the onboard computers a 3D view of the 500 meter range (including up to 50 meters in front) around the E-Class. That – along with radar systems – is used to track pedestrians and other traffic, in addition to road signs, and works with the various collision prevention, brake assistance, lane-keeping, tailback-tracking, and other systems the car boasts. The cameras will even help you park, showing a bird’s eye view of your car and the space you’re trying to get into.
At the driver’s seat, you’ll have the optional COMAND Online system, with a 7-inch color display, internet connection, navigation, emergency calling, and – for a little extra cash – a 6-disc DVD changer. It supports Google search, Google Streetview, local point-of-interest search and other downloadable apps. Otherwise, it’s a choice of a CD player with USB port (and 5.8-inch display) with a choice of CD changer and optional navigation. Throw more money again at Mercedes, and they’ll put some Bang & Olufsen speakers in there too.
Pricing for the 2014 E-Class is yet to be revealed, and we’ll have to wait until 2013 to see the first glimpse of the E63 AMG sedan and wagon models the company has promised.
Mercedes 2014 E-Class revealed is written by SlashGear.
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