2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Road Test and Review

2017 Mercedes Benz E Class on street ・ Photo by Mercedes-Benz

Look out, S-Class — the all-new 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan has arrived, and it’s biting on the heels of your flagship model.

E-Class has gotten quite the makeover, but the 10th generation of this popular sedan will likely  best be known for its advanced safety and technology offerings. For a price, the car can be equipped with some of the most intelligent driver assistance programs we’ve seen in the market yet. And, the E-Class remains the actualization of both luxury and quality. From design, materials, engineering, and drive experience, the E300 sedan stays true to the brand’s global slogan, “The best, or nothing.”

Models and Pricing

Aside from the starting price of $52,150 for the E300 sedan and $54,650 for the E300 4MATIC, nothing else has been released regarding pricing. Some of the most exciting options, like the customizable dual widescreen displays, new AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension package, and a roster of autonomous safety features, will likely cause the final MSRP to stray far afield from the base price. Both the E300 and 4MATIC sedans will have an additional $925 destination charge.

Photo by Carrie Kim

New Exterior Design

The E-Class’ new major makeover falls right in line with the rest of Mercedes-Benz’ lineup and design language. Although the most impressive changes are found under the skin and inside the cabin, there’s no missing the long, stretched hood and shoulder line that runs along the profile from front to back, transforming this car into something much more menacing on the road. It’s not just an optical illusion; the E-Class did grow in length. The wheelbase expanded by 2.6 in. and the overall car length increased by 1.7 inches. Mercedes-Benz dubs the new E-Class as “coupe-like,” and it definitely isn’t your mom’s sedan — especially when it comes to the sport models like the one I tested.

Photo by Carrie Kim

Interior Luxury

Once settling into the driver's seat of the E-Class, you may be tempted to step back out again to check the badging on the rear. So much of the interior environment in the E-Class echoes what is found inside the bigger (and more expensive) S-Class. The stunning dash seems to envelop the driver, just like in the S-Class, and new modern finishes replace the old typical shiny wood trims. A choice of open pore wood or a striking piano black finish with hand-etched pinstriping can be found inside the cabin, paired with high-quality soft-touch surfaces and buttery leather in black or brown. Should you choose a model equipped with the 3D surround sound stereo system by Burmester, your ears will be equally as delighted as your sense of touch.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz Media

Creature Comforts

Mercedes-Benz claims that a relaxed, comfortable driver makes better decisions on the road, so customers have full permission to indulge in some of the more luxurious features offered in the E-Class - for a price.  The carefully crafted ergonomic seats are splendid on their own, but for added en route pampering, they can also come equipped with several massage functions. Additionally, dynamic seats come with mechanized seat bolsters designed to “hug” and keep you from sliding when your body is shifted during twists and turns. Heated seats and steering wheel are enhanced by the Warmth and Comfort package, which includes heated armrests on the doors and center console. However, the most buzz worthy new feature inside the E-Class are the new “Touch Control Buttons” found on the left and right side of the steering wheel. They look like small home buttons on your smartphone, and that likeness is intentional. By swiping left to right (or up and down), the driver can toggle between menus and select features without taking their hands off the wheel. Initially, I found the buttons to be over-sensitive; I was distracted by repeated efforts to make selections, and at times, frustrated in my quest to master the perfect “swipe rhythm.”

Photo by Mercedes-Benz Media

So. Much. Tech.

There are three words to describe the amount of technology available in the all-new E-Class; staggering, exciting and overwhelming. The learning curve can be quite steep; first comes understanding all of the features that are available, but beyond that, the way you access them must also be mastered. Case in point: there are several ways to perform the same task. To toggle between menus (radio, phone, navigation, etc.), you can either use the rotary control knob on the center console, the mousepad that hovers above it and recognizes your handwriting, the new touch control buttons on the steering wheel, or the traditional buttons below the 12.3 in. widescreen display. I usually pride myself on my technical prowess, but I was quickly humbled the first time I tried to change the radio station. After you clear the operational hurdles, there’s plenty to enjoy. Mercedes-Benz regulars will recognize the COMAND infotainment interface, which handles navigation, audio and phone controls. It will recognize your voice commands, provide a 7-day weather forecast and even locate the nearest gas station. But those more attached to their smartphone UI’s can opt for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto instead. Promised later in the year, Mercedes plans to launch “Car-to-X Communication,” which will enable cars to share safety hazards, road conditions and even accidents with other cars on the road. The E-Class will act as both a receiver and transmitter and use technology to further improve safety conditions. (Think of the WAZE app, as a car)

Photo by Mercedes-Benz Media

Make It Your Own

If luxury is characterized by personalization, the E-Class oozes opulence. There are countless ways to configure your instrument panel, gauges and main infotainment screen, not to mention 64 shades of ambient lighting colors to choose from. The optional dual 12.3 in. full color widescreen displays dazzle on higher trim levels; one is located in the center of the dash, and one resides behind the wheel displaying the instrument cluster and gauges. This screen has three visual themes (classic, sport or progressive) to choose from and can be arranged to display information, just the way you like it.  Users may also make tweaks to the drive mode (more later), massage type and strength, lumbar support and head-up display to suit their personal preferences.  

Photo by Carrie Kim

Cutting-Edge Safety Features

Rivaling the E-Class’ technological abundance are all the available driver assistance and safety features available. Standard highlights include Active Brake Assist, which adjusts the force of braking (or brakes automatically) if a collision is detected and PRE-SAFE Sound, which broadcasts “pink noise” (similar to static) through the sound system before the airbags are deployed in a collision to mitigate strain on the ears during a loud impact. I think the optional Driver Assistance Plus Package puts the E-Class in the spotlight, though. It’s certainly pushes the boundaries of advancements towards true autonomous driving. Now, using the new DRIVE PILOT suite of safety features, the Adaptive Cruise Control (Distronic) is enhanced by not only managing a safe distance behind the vehicle ahead in stop-and-go traffic on its own, but it can also follow traffic at speeds up to 130 mph. The Steering Pilot function will keep the car driving in its own lane at speeds up to 81 mph by monitoring nearby vehicles, even when lane markings are unclear or nonexistent. Lane Change Assist can perform safe lane changes in traffic automatically. By simply hitting the turn signal to indicate a lane change, the car uses both cameras and radar to steer the vehicle into the next lane when it detects enough room and is safe to do so.   

Driving Impressions

Despite all the automated functionality, of course you’ll want to actually drive the new E-Class yourself, too. With four driving modes to choose from, you’re bound to find something to match both the conditions and your mood. The Comfort mode suited me as I leisurely drove down the Northern California coast, but at times I was surprised by its uncharacteristic softness. I preferred the sticky feel of Sport mode, particularly when on the mountain roads; the responsiveness I felt through each curve was further enhanced by the way the dynamic seats supported me. Sport+ mode is also available for the most demanding enthusiasts and Eco mode is an option when cutting back on fuel consumption is needed after a few too many performance-driven adventures.  

Photo by Mercedes-Benz Media

Engine and Fuel Economy

Initially, the E-Class will only be available in the U.S. with a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine. It will suffice for most, as it makes 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The brand plans to roll out the Mercedes-AMG E43 by early 2017, and will come loaded with a 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine.

Currently, no estimated fuel economy information is available.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz Media

Final Thoughts

A study session to grasp all that’s available on the new E-Class may be in order before a trip to the dealer, and even more cramming may be required once you get home to get familiar with your vehicle. But after conquering the learning curve and hitting the road, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts. The new E-Class offers an exciting entry into the next road ahead in autonomous driving, while still granting its owner with all the quality, luxury and driving enjoyment the brand has always been known to provide.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz Media