Facelifted Mercedes-Benz E-Class to Sport Loads of Connectivity
Mercedes-Benz promises the new 10th generation Facelifted E-Class is its highest tech effort yet.
What better to do on a mild Tuesday afternoon with light winds, 50-50 cloud cover and a little light rain in places, than get to know the latest version of ‘the heart of the Mercedes-Benz brand? Fourteen million Mercedes-Benz E-Classes later, there’s a new range of Sedan, Coupé and Cabriolet versions of the company’s best seller on the road.
Mercedes promises the facelifted E-Class re-sets the mid-executive benchmark ‘with an even more dynamic, sportier, more luxurious and the most advanced E-Class yet. The product of an extensive facelift is heralded by clean and appealing new lines and an exclusive, high-quality interior across the board. Two-door models combine the class and beauty of a grand tourer with state-of-the-art tech, with the cabriolet sporting a classic fabric top.
The new E gets a smarter, shinier front end, flatter all-LED multibeam headlamps and wider, flared wheel arches to accommodate bigger tires. The newcomer is further set apart by a fresh rear bumper, split tail lamps and a new boot lid too.
High-tech Feast
Step inside and you’re greeted by an all-new latest generation AMG Performance multifunction steering wheel with fresh touch controls ahead of a widescreen cockpit comprising a pair of standard large 10.25 inch MBUX display screens. They’re backed by latest generation augmented reality ‘Hey Mercedes’ multimedia with video navigation images. It will take some time to become familiar with, but will surely soon become a pleasure to use.
New E also gets route-based speed-adjustable Active Distance speed control with Active Tailback that responds to tailbacks before the driver even knows they are there, distance and lane-keeping tech up to 40 mph, Blind Spot assistants and a Parking Package with 360-degree camera. Lane departure correction inputs are quite noticeable, firm and direct, with firm input to go around slow vehicles turning right ahead.
These cars are all superbly well finished with great build quality in and out. We enjoyed the new Energizing seat kinetics that use music, lighting and massage modes to keep you happy as a bird through a wide range of feel-good programs. New E also gets Urban Guard parked vehicle surveillance.
AMG E63 S: Now with Rear Wheel Drive Mode
Top of the new E pops is the double-twin-scroll turbocharged 603 hp 627 lb-ft 16 mpg biturbo 3982 cc V8 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4Matic+. Good for 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and a massive 190 mph top end. It gets an AMG speedshift MCT 9-speed automatic with short shift times and fast multiple downshifts. A double declutching function adds an emotive gear shifting experience.
The E63 S’s AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive now includes a purely rear-wheel drive Drift Mode like its fierce rival BMW M5 with Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ Individual and Race modes. Add 3-stage ESP; Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes for the new three-chamber Adaptive Damping air suspension. It makes for an exemplary blend of driving dynamics and ride characteristics. All modes can be switched to manual.
Pedigreed from the ground up, the new E63 AMG has internally ventilated and perforated compound 15.8 14.1 x 1.41-inch brake discs with six-piston fixed callipers up front. And 14.1 and x 1.14-inch discs with single-piston floating brake callipers at the rear. If that’s not enough, there are optional AMG 15.8 x 1.53-inch Carbon Ceramic front and 14.1 x 1.25-inch rear disc brakes.
Fine Nappa Leather, High Comfort MBUX displays
E63 gets fine nappa leather interior trim and high comfort AMG-specific MBUX displays and settings. There are brushed stainless pedals with rubber studs. Add AMG monocled door sill panels and black floor mats with door sill panels. And black floor mats to accentuate the sporty look.
The E63 S is precisely the beast you expect with that huge torque coming on tap very early. Four-wheel drifting is easily initiated on to the skid pan with a hard turn and a generous boot of power. Not the easiest art to master, too slow and no drift. Too fast and you just spin out! It needs a delicate balance that will only be mastered by time in the seat. The pros make it look easy, even if there was a lot going on at the controls.