Here’s the sleek new Mercedes-Benz E-Class - a car that borrows design elements from the firm’s electric vehicles to make it more competent than ever.
The E-Class is, of course, an executive saloon and long-running rival to the BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6.
Mercedes-Benz has handed its E-Class a major refresh for 2023, leaning heavily on its ‘EQ’ cars, particularly the EQE and EQS saloons.
What that means is that the E-Class now gets an EQ-styled front end, complete with a glossy black panel that connects the radiator grille with the headlights.
You can also select an illuminated radiator grille on certain trim levels, which is another nod to the E-Class’ battery-powered stablemates.
The updated E-Class is both wider and longer than before, and now boasts a stretched-out ‘powerdome’ bonnet to give it a more imposing look.
Each and every powertrain is now a hybrid - half are plug-in hybrids, the rest are mild-hybrids that rely on an integrated starter generator (ISG).
Meanwhile the already-plush cabin has been uprated, with the infotainment system now easier to operate and faster to respond.
Also new is the option of Active Ambient Lighting with Sound Visualisation, which lets passengers ‘see’ the noise that’s coming through the speakers thanks to some rapid light change tech.
You can download a multitude of apps to the infotainment system - including TikTok and Angry Birds - and take selfies via the video camera, so you need never get bored waiting for your takeout.
Meanwhile two other new software additions - ‘Energising Comfort’ and ‘Energising Coach’ - should make the E-Class truly next-gen.
The ‘Energising Comfort’ package adjusts the interior environment - moving the seat back, injecting more fresh air into the climate control, etc - to combat motion sickness.
The ‘Energising Coach’ is a ‘bio-feedback function’ which can reduce the feeling of stress by prompting you to perform some breathing exercises while synching with your fitness device.
The entry-level mild-hybrid petrol powertrain is the E 200, which offers power of 207 PS and offers fuel economy of around 37 miles to the gallon.
The most powerful plug-in hybrid is the all-wheel drive E 400 e 4MATIC, which boasts power of 255 PS, a 0-62 mph acceleration time of just 5.3 seconds, and fuel economy of up to 390 mpg. What’s more, the plug-in hybrid E-Class has a range of up to 68 miles using electricity alone.
Don’t forget there are also plug-in hybrid variants of both the BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6.
The Audi A6 TFSI e and the5 Series ‘e’ models are more powerful than the equivalent E-Class, but offer less electric range than their Mercedes-Benz rival.
And you can lease the Audi A6 TFSI e plug-in hybrid (below) with Select from around £629 per month*.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 27/04/23.
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