In addition to the over-saturation of the “L” word itself, our expectation of what we consider to be “luxury” has evolved. Because of this, consumers now have a more discerning sense of what the word means, or rather, what we expect from a “luxury” claim. Of course, a by-product of this new consumer connoisseurship has meant that the pinnacle brands that set the tone for the space need to work harder or get left behind.
As we found out recently driving the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, for one of the world’s most recognisable brands, this push to innovate and shape what luxury means in its cars has always come naturally to the three-pointed star.
The E-Class itself dates back to the very early days of the marque in the early 1900s. This medium-size range has always sat in the upper-middle of Mercedes-Benz’ most opulent models. Today, it slides in below the executive-like S-Class and above the more compact sedan and coupes of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It is a category that marries the two in comfort, technology innovation, and due to its size and liveability, arguably supersedes them in versatility. Think of the E-class is like the goldilocks of passenger cars. This medium-size class of Merc has set a luxury benchmark for more than 110 years, believe it or not.
We’ve been test-driving the sleek, two-door E 300 Coupe, which features a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and can generate 190kW/370 Nm of power. The E 300 (the middle range variant of the E-Class) is also available in Australia in a sedan and cabriolet. There are a total of ten variants in the entire E-Class range, including a hybrid E 300 sedan for those with sustainability and fuel consumption in-mind.
Shaped for aerodynamics to help reduce fuel consumption (which, while driving around Sydney and the NSW South Coast we tested to average around 5L/100km) the E 300 coupe has an elegant lightness to its design and an air of fluidity – it is incredibly stylish.
All models in the range have sports-themed AMG-inspired body styling, including 19-inch AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels as standard. The new models have undergone a style update and now have contoured headlights, a new radiator grille and front bumper. The E 300 presents like jewellery and moves through the air like a beautiful private jet. It’s as comfortable and lovely to drive as well – Mercedes-Benz’ agility control suspension and passive selective dampening system give the car plush stability, even over some of Sydney’s most pothole-heavy roads.
The heart of the E-Class presents alongside fashion and culture’s current obsession with “intelligent-luxe”. Our car was equipped with the Innovation Package, which brought a new range of gesture-based and intuitive functions. From a little light that sits above the passenger seat and detects when the driver reaches across (say when you’re getting something out of the glove box or your handbag) to the Siri/ Alexa-like MBUX AI voice assistant that is highly advanced when it comes to controls, the E-Class has so many pleasant technologies (and a few party tricks to impress passengers) that make life on the road more comfortable and safer.
Even with the 12.3-inch digital touchscreen, a swipe-and-tap controller and, for the first time in a Mercedes-Benz, “hands-on detection” embedded in the steering wheel means you can control so much more in the car from the cockpit, without the danger of distraction. Our car’s Vision Package also brought added safety of an Augmented Reality head-up display. This new advancement overlays navigational data directly at eye level, making inner-city navigating a dream.
The cherry on top of the tech is that all E-Class models have Active Parking Assist, a 360° camera, wireless phone charging and ambient interior lighting with 64 colours. Our E 300 had privacy glass, keyless entry, hands-free access to the boot and LED high-performance headlights with Adaptive High-Beam Assist.
In terms of safety, it’s hard to go past Mercedes-Benz’ unbeatable Driving Assistance Package Plus, which is standard in the E-Class. It includes the semi-autonomous Active Distance Assist and Active Stop-and-Go Assist. Plus, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic detection, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Evasive Steering Assist and Route-Based Speed Adaptation. Like its toasty seat warmers, once you experience this level of comfort, it’s hard to go back. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pricing (MRLP) ranges from $96,900 to $250,400, at Mercedes-Benz.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
