The new 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class hits the streets with enough fuel economy, safety gear, and comfort technology to keep it among the most sophisticated luxury sedans on the market. Through the redesign, the company's mainstay "business-class" leader gets a longer wheelbase and more overall length. Fans of past E-Classes will certainly recognize the proportions and familiar silhouette.
The new base E300 will be powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the Mercedes C300 and GLC300, putting out 241 hp. It will run through a nine-speed automatic. We'd also wager that both rear- and all-wheel-drive models and diesel and high-performance AMG variants are on the way.
An optional driver-selected suspension allows both sport and comfort settings. An air suspension system is also available, with a self-leveling feature that adjusts depending on vehicle load and speed. The company says that highway fuel economy gets boosted, for example, when the car's ride height is lowered. You can also raise the body to increase ground clearance when driving on rough roads.
Inside, the dash is dominated by a relatively massive high-resolution screen, measuring 12.3 inches diagonally. The new 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class also gets what the company is calling touch-sensitive control buttons on the steering wheel. According to Mercedes, they're supposed to act like a smartphone interface "responding precisely to horizontal and vertical swiping movements, allowing the driver to control the entire infotainment system without having to take their hands off the steering wheel." The goal is to minimize driver distraction.
As expected in this class, high-brow leather and wood trim abounds, as well as loads of LED interior lighting. You can choose from 64 colors to light up the trim pieces, from the central display and center storage bin, to the front and rear footwells. And if you opt for the super sonorous Burmester "3D" sound system, even the tweeters illuminate.
Another interior feature that we really liked in the last S-Class we tested was the heated door armrests and center console – part of the optional Warmth and Comfort package, which also includes a heated steering wheel and front seats.
New safety highlights include a "Car-to-X communication" system, which uses your mobile phone to exchange information with other vehicles further down the road. In theory, this allows the driver to "see around corners" or "through obstacles," giving the driver more advanced warning if a danger is waiting ahead, like a broken-down vehicle on the edge of the road or pending heavy rain or black ice.
Other options include a "Remote Parking Pilot," which allows you to move a vehicle into and out of garages and tight parking spaces remotely using a smartphone app. A benefit to this self-parking feature is to let the driver and passengers get into and out of the car when it looks like a squeeze.
There hasn't been an E-Class in recent memory that didn't wow us with its feeling of substance, delivering enjoyable and agile handling without giving up a smooth and cushy ride. The interiors have always been plush, with excellent seats and fit and finish. So we have high expectations for the new one.
The new E-Class goes on sale this summer. Pricing was not announced.
