The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2013: Model range, quotes, design, interior and individualisation

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I. Model Range

Mercedes-Benz has completely revised the Saloon and Estate models of the E-Class. As a result, the new E-Class has made a significant step forward when it comes to efficiency and ecology. This comes courtesy of new, powerful BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engines featuring sophisticated direct injection technology, a new, efficient six-cylinder engine as well as even more economical diesel engines. In both the Saloon and Estate models, new or optimised assistance systems from the future S-Class are celebrating their world premiere. This powerful development boost is reflected to exciting effect in the design of the E-Class. With a new front, new bumpers, and revised side view, it encapsulates efficiency, intelligence and emotional appeal in a visually superior manner. In this way the E-Class is securing its leading position in the luxury class vehicle sector at the very highest level: dynamically elegant, it combines intelligent technology with superior style.

The Saloon and Estate are continuing the success story of the E-Class. More than 600,000 examples of the current E-Class Saloon model series have been sold worldwide, and no fewer than 100,000 customers have already opted for the latest version of the Estate. The models of the E-Class are therefore making a significant contribution to the growth of Mercedes-Benz, and are setting clear standards in the areas of safety, design, quality and efficiency.

Radiator variants – classic or sporty

For the first time, the E-Class is available with two different front ends: the basic variant and ELEGANCE equipment line come with the classic, three-dimensional Saloon grille with 3-louvre look and Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet. The AVANTGARDE equipment line, on the other hand, incorporates the sporty front end with central star, and as such boasts an independent, front-end look with a sporty emphasis.

The headlamps have been redesigned and comprise all functional elements with a single headlamp lens. The low-beam headlamps and the daytime running lamps feature LED technology as standard. Full LED headlamps are also available as an option for the first time in this class.

A modified side view with new feature line and repositioned trim strip make both the Saloon and the Estate appear longer. Overall the E-Class not only looks more elongated, but also more elegant yet at the same time dynamic.

High-tech engines: efficiency meets performance

Both the E-Class Saloon and Estate are available with a broad range of powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines – all fitted with ECO start/stop function. New units include the BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engines in the E 200 and E 250, featuring the same sophisticated technology used in the latest six-cylinder engine from Mercedes-Benz. Both of the four-cylinder petrol engines meet the future EU6 standard, while the E 250 even complies with the strict criteria of efficiency class A.

The six-cylinder petrol engines in the E 300 and E 400 are also state-of-the-art – and for the first time feature a biturbo drive. The same advanced engine technology enables the V8 in the E 500 to achieve outstanding levels of performance and efficiency.

The four cylinder diesel engines in the E 200 CDI, E 220 CDI and E 250 CDI, well known for their efficiency and featuring the latest injection technology, are now even more economical, thanks among other things to a revised drive train. This is also the case for the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, currently the most economical luxury-class saloon, which in addition to the four-cylinder diesel engine also has a 20 kW (27 hp) electric motor under the bonnet.

The V6 diesel engines in the E 300 BlueTEC and E 350 BlueTEC have been revised and fitted with environmentally friendly and efficient BlueTEC technology, such that they currently already meet the future EU6 emissions standard. Virtually all of the E-Class models with diesel engines fall into efficiency class A, while the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is even classified in efficiency class A+.

Intelligent assistance systems

In the main markets, both the Saloon and Estate models are fitted as standard with COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive brake assist systems. Also forming part of the standard equipment is ATTENTION ASSIST, which is now able to warn of inattentiveness and drowsiness across a wider speed range, and also inform the driver about his level of fatigue and the amount of driving time which has elapsed since the last break.

In addition, also optionally available in the new E-Class are a number of additional assistance systems which are mostly new or now feature significantly extended functions.

II. Quotes on the new E-Class

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "Globally we have already sold over eleven million E-Class Saloon models, and more than a million E-Class Estate models. And with the new E-Class we will continue to build on this success as it is ideally placed to enable us to do so. It features exemplary efficiency and environmental compatibility. It allows us to offer a petrol model for the first time in this segment which falls into efficiency class A, something which virtually all of the diesel models also achieve. In addition, the new E-Class offers some unique assistance systems which are helping to bring the vision of accident-free motoring closer to reality. We are also honouring the claim made by Gottlieb Daimler with the new E-Class: the best or nothing."

Dr Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales and Marketing: "With the new E-Class we are setting down clear markers in the areas of safety, design and efficiency. It brings lots of technical innovations to the road and is without doubt the best E-Class ever. This is also reflected in its design and lovingly revised interior. As a result, in visual terms it brings a breath of fresh air to the luxury class. The "E" therefore continues to stand for the leading position in this demanding segment."

Professor Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development: "The new E-Class represents a major step forward in every respect. The design elicits plenty of emotion, causing a stir in its segment. Its technical highlights are unique. For example, new and improved assistance systems from the upcoming S-Class take the burden off the driver by automatically keeping the vehicle in its lane and also tracking traffic in tailbacks. For the first time, there are also systems that can prevent accidents involving crossing traffic or pedestrians. What is more, with its new engines the E-Class achieves optimum values in terms of efficiency, offers an infotainment system with internet, and boosts safety when driving at night thanks to advanced LED headlamps and permanent high-beam with no dazzling. The E-Class is a high-tech package – and a very attractively packaged one at that."

III. Design: Stylish, refined, sporty

As part of the facelift, Mercedes-Benz has sharpened the overall appearance of the E-Class. Intelligent modifications to the design have given the E-Class a new front end and created new, exciting proportions. The modifications have implemented the new Mercedes-Benz design idiom consistently, and reinterpreted the classical design values of the brand using the existing basis. The result is a superior and refined appearance which is still sporty and emotionally appealing.

The headlamps have been redesigned and comprise all functional elements with a single headlamp lens. Flowing light elements within the headlamps help to ensure that the "four-eyed" look which is typical of the E-Class has been graphically retained, and afford both the Saloon and the Estate an unmistakable night design. The low-beam headlamps and the daytime running lamps feature LED technology as standard. Full LED headlamps are also available as an option for the first time in this class.

Design: two new front ends to choose from

For the first time, the E-Class is available with two different front ends: the basic variant and ELEGANCE equipment line come with the classic, three-dimensional Saloon grille with 3-louvre look and Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet. The AVANTGARDE equipment line, on the other hand, incorporates the sporty front end with central star and twin louvre which is softly shaped around the star recess, and as such boasts an independent, front-end look with a sporty emphasis.

The swept-back bonnet and front bumper have also been redesigned. With its flowing lines, the bonnet follows the new design idiom in a sleek and very straightforward manner. Its contours merge elegantly and smoothly into the frame surrounding the radiator trim and the headlamps. The newly shaped bumper, which is now free of all light functions, presents an exciting shift between differently curved areas with precisely executed contour lines and soft shapes. It has a modern appearance and with the wing design of its curved spoiler lip subtly underscores the sporty aspirations of the E-Class.

The faces of the new E-Class

A new line visually stretches the E-Class

From the side, the new E-Class appears visibly stretched. This comes courtesy of a redesigned line which starts on the rear door and runs dynamically beneath the structure line through to the tail light. In this way it visually underscores the structure line with its typical "undercut". The redesigned side view visually benefits the vehicle in terms of length, and also makes it look broader when viewed from the rear. The new line is a stylistic feature of the new design idiom, which is based on beautifully stretched, voluminous shapes with convex/concave areas, accentuated by sharp lines.

The three-dimensional side trim has been repositioned and moved downwards. As a result, the greenhouse appears flatter, despite the window areas remaining unchanged. This has given rise to visually new, more dynamic proportions.

The same intelligent design modifications have also given the Estate a more superior and more dynamic appearance. Here, elegant, chrome-plated roof rails provide an exciting line. The roof rails are chrome-plated in all design and equipment lines, while the mounting hardware is finished in black. Concealed B and C-pillars featuring "frame under glass" and a steep D-pillar tapering downwards characterise the closed look of the Estate model's greenhouse.

Broad, distinctive rear end

At the rear, the lights and bumper have been revised. The new horizontally structured LED tail lights with new two-tone look (divided into ¾ red and ¼ white) emphasise the width, and with fibre optics create a characteristic night design which is typical of Mercedes. A third brake light – integrated into the tailgate spoiler above the rear window in the case of the Estate – as well as the number plate illumination, also make use of LED technology.

In the Estate, thanks to the steeply angled, narrow D-pillar, a large, broad tailgate provides for a large loading aperture and therefore ease of loading and good usability of the luggage compartment.

The new rear bumper captures the new design idiom and brings it to a consistent conclusion with a wing attachment which appears to float. Depending on the engine, the tailpipes are concealed out of sight or are highlighted to the onlooker. The eight-cylinder models as well as the AVANTGARDE line feature rectangular tailpipe trim integrated into the bumper. This is also the case for the optional Exterior Sports package as well as the AMG Sports package.

E-Class owners can also apply some individual visual highlights with an attractive range of new wheels. The base variant comes with wheels measuring 40.6 cm (16 inches), while the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines are fitted with 43.2 cm (17-inch) wheels. In conjunction with the Exterior Sports package, wheels measuring 45.7 cm (18 inches) are fitted, and the variant with the AMG Sports package comes with AMG light-alloy wheels measuring 45.7 cm (18 inches). As an option, wheels with a 48.3 cm (19-inch) diameter are also available.

The elegantly dynamic style is also highlighted with some new colours: covelline blue, dolomite brown and hyacinth red are new additions to the range of paint finishes.

IV. Interior: Exclusive style, high-quality materials

Mercedes-Benz has carefully revised the interior of the E-Class in such a way that, together with the expressive, modern exterior, it forms a harmonious unit.

The new, two-part trim on the dashboard is what first catches the eye: it stretches across the entire width of the interior and as such visually underscores the generous sense of space. It is bordered by a high-quality silver chrome frame and, in conjunction with all of the high-quality materials available for the trim, creates a consistent overall look. Choices available include fine woods (high-gloss light brown burr walnut, open-pore brown ash) or a new aluminium variant with textured grain. All of the materials can be freely selected, irrespective of the equipment line.

Other eye-catching elements include the instrument cluster and high-gloss framed central display. In the standard and ELEGANCE line models, the instrument cluster features black backplates, while the AVANTGARDE line models have silver backplates. A new design for the air vents, an analogue clock between the two central air vents as well as redesigned controls beneath the head unit all serve to highlight the overall high-quality feel of the interior of the new E-Class. Precise joints and carefully defined curves also make a contribution in this respect too.

An enhanced sense of perceived quality also comes courtesy of the surfaces in the interior of the new E-Class. In all equipment variants they feature a fine grain which boasts a high-quality look and feel and is not only elegant to look at but also easy to clean. As an option, the dashboard and beltline can also be finished in ARTICO man-made leather.

Contributing to the harmonious and at the same time functional appeal of the interior is the redesigned centre console. In conjunction with the automatic transmission, besides the controller for the infotainment system there is also no longer a selector lever positioned here. Instead, the automatic transmission is operated via the DIRECT SELECT lever and shift paddles on the new multifunction steering wheel. In the horizontal part of the centre console there is therefore plenty of space for stowage facilities. The controls are clearly arranged and generously designed in silver chrome.

- Depending on the line and equipment, drivers have a choice of four variants of the multifunction steering wheel: the standard and ELEGANCE line models feature a 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel, finished in nappa leather with two silver-chrome inserts

- The AVANTGARDE line provides a sporty three-spoke multifunction steering wheel as standard, finished in nappa leather with perforated inserts and thumbrests, twelve trapezoid buttons and two silver-chrome inserts on the lower spoke

- The AMG Sports package includes a 3-spoke AMG sports steering wheel finished in nappa leather with perforated inserts and thumb-rests, flattened bottom section and twelve trapezoid buttons as well as two silver-chrome inserts on the lower spoke

- In conjunction with the Exclusive package, the new E-Class is fitted with a wood/leather multifunction steering wheel, which can also be ordered as an optional extra for other model variants

The steering column benefits from an extended, generous adjustment range. It can be individually positioned by plus/minus 25 mm in terms of height, as well as 15 mm forwards and 35 mm backwards in terms of length.

Colourful highlights

The new interior colours "silk beige", "espresso brown", "crystal grey" and "porcelain" provide a whole host of individual, modern design options for the interior in the colour combinations crystal grey/black, reef grey/crystal grey, silk beige/espresso brown, silk beige/black or porcelain/black. An additional strikingly colourful highlight is also offered by the ambient lighting for the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines. Its colour tone can be set individually based on three variants - neutral, solar and polar. The standard version comes with single-tone ambient lighting.

The colour of the door linings is matched to the interior, and two different materials are available for the linings:

- ARTICO man-made leather is used in the case of the appointment variants fabric, fabric in combination with ARTICO man-made-leather, and also in conjunction with leather appointments with vertical topstitching
- nappa leather with vertical topstitching is combined with appointments in nappa leather

Additional design features of the door linings include:

- generously sized trim element beneath the beltline, which is finished at the top with trim in silver chrome
- door opener in silver chrome, as well as silver-chrome surround for the controls for electric seat adjustment, in conjunction with the Memory package
- armrest with silver-chrome trim, the shape of which underscores the sweeping lines of the armrest
- door pocket with large stowage space

Attractive, ergonomic seats

The seats of the new E-Cass each feature a different look, depending on the material used:

- seats in fabric and ARTICO man-made leather have transverse piping
- seats in leather and nappa leather have longitudinal piping

In both cases, the padded piping not only fulfils a number of ergonomic requirements but at the same time its contouring helps to enhance the high-class appeal. The taut bolsters on the armrests and seat cushions help to ensure secure lateral support.

The driver's seat and front passenger seat can be electrically adjusted for height, backrest angle and seat cushion angle.

As an alternative to the ergonomically conceived and stylishly designed standard appointments, the following seat variants are also available as an option and offer additional functions as well as even higher levels of comfort:

- the Multicontour Seat package for driver and front passenger provides even more individual adjustment options and is recommended by the AGR, or "Aktion Gesunder Rücken" (healthy back campaign)
- the Active Multicontour Seat package for driver and front passenger promotes a dynamic style of seating thanks to a massage function. These seats can be individually adjusted and controlled via the head unit, and are also recommended by the AGR

Additional comfort functions are also offered by the Memory package for driver and front passenger, which individually stores the settings for the fully power-adjustable front seats, front headrests, steering column and exterior mirrors for each user and enables them to be automatically called up again. Also available are heated seats with three-stage adjustment via the controller and head unit display, as well as climatised seats for driver and front passenger offering active seat ventilation.

Generous rear seats

The spacious rear seats provide room for three occupants as standard in the form of a bench seat with three rear headrests, an armrest with stowage compartment and twin cup holder as well as ISOFIX child seat anchor points on the outer seats, with additional anchor points above on the rear seat backrest.

The following optional extras for the rear seats are also available for both the new E-Class Saloon and Estate:

- the Rear Seat Comfort package with two luxury individual seats in leather, NECK-PRO luxury head restraints, seat heating and Sun Protection package for exclusive, comfortable travel in the rear (not for Estate)
- the EASY-PACK Quickfold system, with rear seat backrests which fold in the ratio 1/3 to 2/3, and through-loading feature and also six load-securing points in the luggage compartment
- heated seats in the rear (in conjunction with leather appointments)
- rear seats with integrated child seats, including side headrest
- ski bag

V. Individualisation: Unique freedom of choice

Individualisation with a capital "I" – this is one of the mottoes of the new E-Class. This is because the options for individual configuration have been significantly enhanced and are unique in this class. As previously there are three lines to choose from, but in practice all of the equipment options remain available – irrespective of the chosen line (colours, fabrics, leathers, trim…). As such each vehicle becomes totally individual: no one vehicle is like any other. For example one can opt for a classic look on the outside, but retain a totally modern look on the inside.

As ever, there are two attractive design packages to visually enhance both the interior and exterior of the E-Class. In addition to the basic appointments, there is also a choice of ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE equipment lines – with the latter highlighting the sporty character of the Saloon and Estate models in particular.

Both lines differ from the standard version in respect of the following additional appointments:

- storage boxes underneath the front seats
- ambient lighting beneath the dashboard trim and the four door trim strips, individually adjustable in three colours (neutral, solar, polar)
- automatically dimming inside rear-view mirror
- illuminated stowage facilities in the centre console
- footwell lighting
- ambient lighting in the exterior mirrors
- the centre headrest in the rear can be lowered via a button in the centre console control panel

In addition, the AVANTGARDE line is is equipped with the DIRECT CONTROL suspension.

Furthermore, the equipment lines primarily differ from each other in terms of a number of design details in both the interior and the exterior. The following is a list of the most significant differences:

A. Standard equipment

Exterior

- radiator trim with three louvres in stone grey, front edge in chrome
- front bumper with sporty wing design, air intakes with black diamond grille, without chrome trim
- 16-inch 9-spoke light-alloy wheels
- No side chrome trim
- rear bumper which emphasizes the width, with insert in matt black plastic, without chrome trim
- concealed exhaust system

Interior

- multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather with four spokes and two inserts in silver chrome
- aluminium trim with light longitudinal grain, optional high-gloss brown eucalyptus wood trim
- air-conditioning control panel fascia in black plastic
- shift lever or DIRECT SELECT lever in nappa leather
- Strasbourg seat fabric with transverse stitching

B. ELEGANCE

Exterior

- radiator trim with three louvres in painted silver, front edge in chrome
- front bumper with sporty wing design, air intakes with black louvres, chrome trim on the outer air intakes and beneath the spoiler lip
- 17-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheels (E 500 18-inch)
- chrome trim above the side skirts
- rear bumper which emphasizes the width, with insert in matt black plastic and chrome trim
- concealed exhaust system

Interior

- multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather with four spokes and two inserts in silver chrome
- high-gloss dark brown burr walnut wood trim
- air-conditioning control panel fascia in high-gloss dark brown burr walnut
- shift lever or DIRECT SELECT lever in nappa leather with insert in high-gloss dark brown burr walnut
- Strasbourg seat fabric with transverse stitching

C. AVANTGARDE

Exterior

- soft nose clearly distinct from the bonnet, radiator trim with two louvres and central star
- front bumper with sporty wing design, air intakes with black diamond grille, chrome trim on the outer air intakes and beneath the spoiler lip
- 17-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish, or 18-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish
- chrome trim above the side skirts
- sporty rear bumper, with insert in matt black plastic and chrome trim
- twin-pipe exhaust system with diamond-shaped tailpipe trim integrated into the bumper

Interior

- sporty three-spoke multifunction steering wheel as standard, finished in nappa leather with perforated inserts and thumb-rests, two silver-chrome inserts on the lower spoke
- aluminium trim with dark textured grain
- air-conditioning control panel fascia in aluminium with dark textured grain
- shift lever or DIRECT SELECT lever in nappa leather with insert in aluminium with dark textured grain
- seats in ARTICO man-made leather/Grenoble with transverse stitching

Equipment packages make individual choice easier

Three optional equipment packages provide additional options for differentiation and individualisation:

1. Exclusive package – adds value with high-quality appointments. It comprises:

nappa leather upholstery for seats, centre armrest and door armrests and door centre panels
roof lining, pillars and sunblind in DINAMICA microfibre
dashboard and beltline in ARTICO man-made leather with topstitching
velour floor mats with nubuck strip in appointments colour

2. AMG Sports package – with AMG bodystyling and technology for a sporty appearance and enhanced driving dynamics. It comprises:

- AMG bodystyling consisting of a front and rear apron plus side sill panels
- 18-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with 245/40 R 18 on 8.5 J x 18 ET48 (front), and 265/35 R 18 on 9 J x 18 ET54 (rear)
- 18-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish and 245/40 R 18 on 8.5 J x 18 ET48 for 4MATIC models
- larger brake discs on the front, perforated
- front brake callipers with "Mercedes-Benz" lettering
- DIRECT CONTROL sports suspension (not for 4MATIC models)
- twin-pipe exhaust system with rectangular, integrated tailpipe trim in polished stainless steel
- front sports seats with deeply contoured lateral support on the seat backrest
- ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre upholstery in black with light-coloured contrasting stitching (black leather upholstery optionally available)
- centre armrest and armrests in the doors in black with light-coloured contrasting stitching
- AMG sports steering wheel in black nappa leather featuring 3-spoke design and with flattened bottom section
- shift lever in nappa leather with chrome trim
- DIRECT SELECT shift paddles and manual shift mode (M) in conjunction with automatic transmission
- sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
- floor mats with AMG lettering
- roof lining in black fabric

3. Exterior Sports package – enhances the exterior of the vehicle with an even sportier appearance and enables a more sporty and agile driving sensation. It comprises:

- 18-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with 245/40 R 18 on 8.5 J x 18 ET48 (front), and 265/35 R 18 on 9 J x 18 ET54 (rear)
- sports suspension (not for 4MATIC)
- larger, perforated front brake discs
- brake callipers with Mercedes lettering
- exhaust system with two rectangular, integrated tailpipes

Credits: Daimler AG

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