A bridge between tradition and digitalization: the new E-Class

• 2024 E 350 4MATIC will launch in Canada in Q4 2023, with 2024 E 450 4MATIC to follow in Q1 2024
• The entertainment experience is immersive, interactive and intelligent
• Exterior design connects tradition and modernity

For more than 75 years, the E-Class has set the standard for mid-range luxury sedans. In 2023, Mercedes-Benz will open a new chapter for the business sedan: the new E-Class points the way in the transition from the combustion engine to electric drive. At the same time, its new electronics architecture allows a comprehensive digital user experience.  

Classic proportions and special character lines in the exterior design

The new E-Class has the proportions of a classic three-box sedan: the short front overhang and long hood are followed by a greenhouse which is set well back. The "cab-backward" design is rounded off by the well-proportioned rear overhang.

The connection between tradition and modernity is made particularly clear by a feature at the front: A black panel-like surface connects the radiator grille with the headlamps. This insert in high-gloss black is visually reminiscent of the Mercedes-EQ models. The three-dimensionally designed radiator grille is either progressive or classic, depending on the equipment line. The new E-Class has high-performance LED headlamps as standard. As an optional extra, DIGITAL LIGHT is available. All headlamp variants offer a distinctive day and night design. As a typical feature of the brand, the daytime running lights take the shape of an eyebrow. Power domes accentuate the hood.

The side view shows off the harmonious proportions and the distinctive "cab-backward" design to particularly good effect. The flush-fitting door handles familiar from the luxury Mercedes-Benz models are available as an option. The two separate character lines on the side emphasize the car's sporty character.  

Highlights at the rear include the two-section LED lights with a new contour and special design: the star motif in both light units provides a special day and night design.

MBUX Superscreen as a highlight of the interior design

The dashboard makes for the digital experience in the interior. If the E-Class is equipped with the optional front passenger screen, the large glass surface of the MBUX Superscreen extends to the central display. Visually detached from this is the instrument cluster display in the driver's field of vision. The models without a passenger display feature a large trim element that extends to the center. Visually detached, the central display appears to float above the concave surface of this trim element.

The front section of the instrument panel is illuminated by the light strip of the Active Ambient Lighting. This runs in a wide arc from the windscreen, past the A-pillars and into the doors. This creates a generous feeling of space. An apparently free-floating control array in the upper section of the door panels matches the look of the glass surfaces of the screens.

The center console is designed as a homogeneous unit and merges in a straight line into the lower section of the dashboard. At the front, a stowage compartment with lid and cup holders is integrated into the three-dimensionally shaped trim element. There is a soft padded armrest in the rear part of the center console.

The door center panel merges seamlessly into the armrest with a concave sweep. The front section here is designed as a metallic high-tech element. It serves as a grab and closing handle, and incorporates the switches for the power windows. Another highlight is the free-floating control array incorporating the door opener and the controls for the seat functions.

The contours of the seat surface and backrest flow elegantly from the inside to the outside, and appear to float above the base of the seat thanks to their layer design. Indented vertical lines follow the outer contour, widening out towards the top.

Spacious interior for drivers and passengers

When it comes to spaciousness, the E-Class is one of the favourites in its segment. The driver enjoys five millimeters more headroom than in the preceding model. The rear passengers particularly benefit from the two centimeter longer wheelbase: Knee room and maximum legroom are increased by 10 and 17 millimeters respectively. The increase in elbow width in the rear is even greater: it is now 1519 millimeters. This is an increase by 25 millimeters, and almost S-class level. The luggage capacity is up to 540 liters.

Turbocharging and intelligent support

In addition to turbocharging, the combustion engines feature intelligent support from an integrated starter-generator (ISG). They are therefore mild hybrids. Thanks to a new battery, the power of the electric motor has been increased from 15 to 17 kW and the boost torque to 148 lb/ft.

AIRMATIC and rear-axle steering are optionally available

The agile handling of the new E-Class is due in large part to precise guidance of the front wheels by four control arms each. At the rear axle, an optimized multi-link independent rear suspension with five links ensures excellent wheel control and excellent straight-line stability. At the front axles, the springs and dampers are combined in a single strut and are not involved in wheel guidance tasks, therefore the suspension responds with corresponding sensitivity. The front subframe and rear axle carrier decouple the suspension and body from vibrations and noise.

The new E-Class is available with the Technology package as an option. This includes the all-round AIRMATIC air suspension system with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping and rear-axle steering. The AIRMATIC suspension with air springs and adaptive ADS+ dampers responds very sensitively. Level control is another feature of AIRMATIC. It keeps the ground clearance constant irrespective of the vehicle load, but also makes changes when needed.  

The new E-Class is especially agile and stable with the optional rear-axle steering and the accompanying, more direct steering ratio at the front axle. The steering angle at the rear axle is 4.5 degrees. This reduces the turning circle by up to 90 centimeters.

Impressive, immersive entertainment experience

Music, games and streaming content can be experienced with almost all the senses in the E-Class¹. Thanks to digital innovations in the interior, the E-Class is now more intelligent, achieving a new dimension of personalization and interaction. At the same time, the electronic architecture is more software-driven and less hardware-driven.

The computing functions of previously separate domains take place in a single processor. Screens and the MBUX infotainment system thus share a new, very powerful central onboard computer. This form of networking improves performance, as the data streams can be transmitted significantly faster.

The Entertainment package (MBUX Entertainment Plus) will be available for the new E-Class. It includes Mercedes me connect services and a data package from a third-party provider. Depending on the market, a communication module with 5G as the transmission technology is used. The mobile phone standard 5G makes much faster data rates possible than LTE/UMTS².

Music becomes visible: Sound Visualization

With the new Active Ambient Lighting with Sound Visualization, occupants in the new E-Class can experience music with three senses: pieces of music and sounds from films or apps can be heard (with Dolby Atmos® technology if desired), felt (by means of sound resonating transducers in the optional Burmester® 4D surround sound system) and now also "seen". Visualization takes place on the light strip of the Active Ambient Lighting (optional extra). For the first time, this applies throughout in the E-Class. For example, fast sequences of beats can cause rapid light changes, while flowing rhythms can create softly merging lighting moods.

The entertainment experience for the front passenger is always impressive. On their optional screen, the front passenger can watch dynamic content such video streaming even when the driver at the wheel is looking over at them. This is because the display is switchable. The advanced camera-based privacy function reduces its brightness and therefore the risk of driver distraction.

More operating convenience is also available with MBUX. With the "Just Talk" function, the intelligent voice control can now be activated without the keyword "Hey Mercedes". When the function is activated, a red microphone symbol appears in the display. This indicates that the vehicle is ready and waiting for commands.

Added day-to-day convenience: the routines

Mercedes-Benz is working on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) so that the car learns which comfort systems vehicle occupants use repeatedly. Given the same circumstances, the aim is for AI to automate such functions³. The result is personalized automation. Mercedes-Benz uses the term 'routine' for this innovation, the development of which is already well advanced.

On the launch of the new E-Class, customers will be able to use templates for standard routines. They also have the option of creating routines themselves. In doing so, the occupants can link several functions and conditions. For example, "Switch on the seat heating and set the ambient lighting to warm orange if the interior temperature is below twelve degrees Celsius".

For enhanced well-being: ENERGIZING COMFORT (optional)

Soothing sounds, mobilizing massage, activating light - Mercedes-Benz offers a comprehensive wellness program with the variously configured ENERGIZING COMFORT programs. The E-Class marks the debut of a new feature: The anti-travel sickness program⁴ of ENERGIZING COMFORT can help affected passengers to alleviate the symptoms.

The driving assistance systems with which the E-Class is equipped as standard⁶ include ATTENTION ASSIST, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Parking package with reversing camera and Speed Limit Assist. The status and activity of the driving assistance systems are shown as a full-screen view in the Assistance mode of the driver's display.

In conjunction with the camera, ATTENTION ASSIST now also offers a driver distraction warning in the 3D driver display (optional extra): if the driver's eyes are not focused on the road for several seconds, ATTENTION ASSIST can detect a distraction and warn the driver acoustically and visually. If the driver still fails to turn their attention to the traffic situation, there is an escalation with a second warning and a continuous warning tone. If the driver still fails to respond to the warning, the system can initiate an emergency stop by Active Emergency Stop Assist.

The Driving Assistance Plus package is also offered as an optional extra, for example as part of the Pinnacle Trim package. Components include Active Steering Assist, which assists with lane-keeping. As previously on motorways, the E-Class can now also start off automatically in city traffic and on country roads after coming to a standstill. Another new feature: if Active Steering Assist is no longer available because the lane markings are not clearly visible, it signals this to the driver by vibrations in the steering wheel.

Sophisticated body concept and coordinated restraint systems

The safety concept of the E-Class is based on a body with a particularly rigid passenger cell and specifically deformable crash structures. The restraint systems, e.g. seat belts and airbags, are specifically adapted to this. In the event of an accident, they can be activated in such a way that their protective effect for the occupants is adapted to the situation.

In addition to driver and front passenger airbags, a knee airbag on the driver's side is also standard. It can protect the legs from contact with the steering column or instrument panel in a severe frontal crash. The standard window airbags can reduce the risk of head impact with the side window or penetrating objects. In the event of a serious side-on collision, the window airbag on the side of the impact extends from the A- to the C-pillar like a curtain over the front and rear side windows. If a rollover is detected, the window airbags can be activated on both sides. In addition to the head protection system, side airbags can also cover the thorax area in the event of a severe side impact – including on the outer rear seats (optional).

In addition, the vehicles are equipped with a center airbag. Pyrotechnic belt tensioners and force limiters are standard on all outer seats.

Resource-conserving materials

Numerous E-Class components are made partly from resource-saving materials (recyclates and renewable raw materials). Upholstery made of undyed alpaca wool combined with a recycled material is used for the basic seat of the E-Class. In the foam of the seats, certified recycled raw materials are used for the first time according to the "mass balance approach", and their properties do not differ from those of raw materials produced from crude oil. In this way, the need for fossil resources can be reduced while maintaining product quality.

Key Specifications

Interesting facts & figures

The new E-Class: at a glance

The illuminated surround of the radiator grille (optional extra) has two optical fibers behind the chrome strips. Light is fed into the glass-fiber bundles via LED modules.

With two display styles (Classic and Sporty) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service), the graphics of the screens can be individualized. The new MBUX is accompanied by a change in the presentation of the main icons on the displays. They are presented in a simpler way, and based on the colours used for smartphone tiles.

Depending on the market, a communication module with 5G as the transmission technology is used. This mobile phone standard makes much faster data rates possible than LTE/UMTS.

Personal preferences such as a favourite radio station and preselected settings can be transferred to any seat via the personal Mercedes me profile⁸. Up to seven different profiles with a total of around 800 parameters are possible in the vehicle.

The blocking function of the passenger screen operates in two stages: first of all, the seat occupancy recognition system registers whether the seat next to the driver is occupied. If this is the case, the touch surface of the display can be used from the front passenger seat via MBUX. If the front passenger seat is not occupied, the screen becomes a digital decorative feature.

In the new E-Class, customers can create their own routines in MBUX. In doing so, they can link conditions and functions with each other. For example, "Switch on the seat heating and set the ambient lighting to warm orange if the interior temperature is below twelve degrees Celsius".

Many passengers have experience of car sickness. The new anti-travel sickness program of ENERGIZING COMFORT can help alleviate the front passenger's symptoms or delay their onset, reduce the perceived severity and generally increase well-being.

In the new E-Class, the acoustics can now be experienced with a third sense: the active light strip at the top of the instrument panel and in the front door panels can be used to produce a visual interpretation of any content from any of the sources of entertainment sound.

Mercedes-Benz uses almost 500 microphones during the aeroacoustic development work.

The essential information and innovations

The new E-Class: the key points at a glance

Generously dimensioned interior

The new E-Class (length/width/height: 4949/1880/1468 millimetres) has the proportions of a classic three‑box sedan: the short front overhang and long bonnet are followed by a greenhouse which is set well back. The passenger area is generously dimensioned, partly owing to the two-centimetre longer wheelbase (2961 millimetres) compared to the preceding series. The luggage capacity is up to 540 litres.

New electronics architecture

The electronics architecture is more software-driven and less hardware-driven. The computing functions of previously separate domains take place in a single processor. Screens and the MBUX infotainment system thus share a new, very powerful central onboard computer. This form of networking improves the performance and speed of the data streams.

Sound visualisation

With the new Active Ambient Lighting (optional extra) with Sound Visualisation, occupants can also "see" music tracks and the sounds of films or apps. Visualisation takes place on the light band of the Active Ambient Lighting. For example, fast sequences of beats can cause rapid light changes, while flowing rhythms can create softly merging lighting moods.

New third-party apps and selfie and video camera

The entertainment program in the E-Class is more interactive than ever. The software experts at Mercedes-Benz have developed a new compatibility layer that allows the installation of third-party apps⁹. At market launch, the following apps are available on the central display¹⁰: the entertainment platform "TikTok", the game "Angry Birds", the collaborative application "Webex" and the office application "Zoom", as well as the browser "Vivaldi". Another new feature is a selfie and video camera (part of the optional MBUX Superscreen) on top of the dashboard¹¹.

Intelligent blocking concept of the passenger screen

In Europe and in more and more countries, the front passenger can watch dynamic content such as TV or video streaming on the display during a journey. This is subject to the requirement that the driver is protected from distraction. The camera-based system in the E-Class uses an advanced filtering concept that is even more intelligent than the previous solution. The driver can no longer see dynamic content on the passenger screen.

Very good aerodynamic properties

With a C_d figure from 0.23¹², the new E-Class performs very well in its vehicle segment. It matches the value achieved by its predecessor on market launch. At 0.236 sq. m., the frontal area A of the new E-Class is slightly larger than that of its predecessor (0.234 sq. m.).

ATTENTION ASSIST with distraction detection

ATTENTION ASSIST, in conjunction with the camera in the 3D driver display (optional extra), can not only detect signs of microsleep. If the driver's eyes are not focused on the road for several seconds, ATTENTION ASSIST can detect a distraction and warn the driver acoustically and visually. If the driver still fails to turn their attention to the traffic situation, there is an escalation with a second warning and a continuous warning tone. If the driver still fails to respond to the warning, the system will initiate an emergency stop.

Resource-conserving materials

Numerous E-Class components are made partly from resource-saving materials (recyclates and renewable raw materials). Upholstery made of undyed alpaca wool combined with a recycled material is used for the basic seat of the E-Class. For the first time, certified recycled raw materials are used in the foam of the seats according to the "mass balance approach". In terms of their properties, they do not differ from raw materials produced from crude oil.

Neutral CO2 balance in production at the Sindelfingen plant

Since 2022, Mercedes-Benz has been producing with a neutral CO2 balance in all of its own plants worldwide. The externally sourced electricity comes exclusively from renewable energies, and is therefore CO2-free. In addition, the company aims to increase the generation of renewable energy at its locations. Investments will be made in a further expansion of photovoltaics at the entire Sindelfingen location by the end of 2024. Another focus at the Sindelfingen location is on constantly reducing water consumption and the amount of waste produced.

The E-Class as a long-standing success story

Mercedes-Benz has produced more than 16 million upper mid-range vehicles since 1946. The heritage of the E-Class goes back to the very early days of the brand. At the beginning of the 20th century, the preceding companies from which Mercedes-Benz emerged brought corresponding vehicles to market.

About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes-EQ passenger vehicles, as well as Mercedes-Benz Vans. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada employs approximately 250 people across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 59 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 34,316 vehicles in 2022.

For more information, please contact:

Zakary Paget                    +1 (203) 957-9611                 zakary.paget@mercedes-benz.com

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1. To use the Mercedes me connect services, a personal Mercedes me ID and agreement to the terms of use for the Mercedes me connect services are required. In addition, the vehicle must be paired with the corresponding user account. Upon expiry of the initial term, the services can be renewed on payment of a fee, provided they are still offered for the corresponding vehicle at that point. First activation of the services is possible within one year from first vehicle registration or commissioning by the customer, whichever comes first.
2. The speed and availability of the data connection will vary depending on such factors as the network coverage at the vehicle's location.
3. The functions described are visions for the future, some of which are not yet available at market launch of the E-Class and will depend on the respective vehicle model, the individual configuration and the respective market.
4. The prerequisite for the function is a vehicle specification that includes ENERGIZING COMFORT and seat adjustment with memory function. The anti-travel sickness function cannot be used in conjunction with child seats, and is not available in the USA and Canada.
5. This function is not yet available at the market launch of the E-Class.
6. The Mercedes-Benz driving assistance and safety systems are aids, and do not relieve the driver of their responsibility. Please note the information in the Owner's Manual and the system limits which are described therein.
7. Electronically limited
8. A personal Mercedes me ID and agreement to the Terms of Use for the Mercedes me connect services are required to use the services. In addition, the vehicle must be paired with the corresponding user account. Upon expiry of the initial term, the services can be renewed on payment of a fee, provided they are still offered for the corresponding vehicle at that point. First activation of the services is possible within one year from first vehicle registration or commissioning by the customer, whichever comes first.
9. A personal Mercedes me ID and agreement to the Terms of Use for the Mercedes me connect services are required to use the services. In addition, the vehicle must be paired with the corresponding user account. Upon expiry of the initial term, the services can be renewed on payment of a fee, provided they are still offered for the corresponding vehicle at that point. First activation of the services is possible within one year from first vehicle registration or commissioning by the customer, whichever comes first. Use of the entertainment package also requires the customer's own data volume. In order to use certain apps via the Mercedes me connect service, a separate customer-specific contract with app provider may be required.
10. An app package is planned for the market launch. The apps may vary over the life cycle of the E-Class. A personal Mercedes me ID and agreement to the Terms of Use for the Mercedes me connect services are required to use the services. In addition, the vehicle must be paired with the corresponding user account. Upon expiry of the initial term, the services can be renewed on payment of a fee, provided they are still offered for the corresponding vehicle at that point. First activation of the services is possible within one year from first vehicle registration or commissioning by the customer, whichever comes first.
11. New technologies must always meet the legal requirements of the different markets, and must therefore be adapted accordingly. We are currently looking into the approval situation in various countries.
12. Depending on the vehicle specification