Your mind is made up, you're buying a Mercedes-AMG E-Class. Now all that's left to decide is whether you're going for the civil E53 4MATIC+ or the hair-raising E63 4MATIC+ and naturally, what colour you're going to take.
Of course, you need to go for a test drive to figure out which one is the one for you. In order to make the most of your test drive, be sure to take a look at the features we've listed below. They may help you when it comes time to ordering your Mercedes-AMG E-Class.
Related: Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupé review - Do you really need that V8?
1. Active Multicontour Seats
While the badge on the rear means that the E53 and E63 go like stink, the E-Class is a sophisticated machine for those that appreciate class and quality. Comfort is high on the ratings when looking at a luxury vehicle and in the E53 and E63 it's no different. Spend some time before your drive playing with the Active Multicontour Seats so that you get the best seating position.
These clever seats not only offer you an unlimited range of motion and positions but, when paired with the Active Warmth Package, also provide a range of seat heating and cooling options.
Check out the massage function as well. These seats have no fewer than 18 air chambers that can inflate and deflate to provide you with one of the various massages on offer. If the car is fitted with the Dynamic Side Bolsters, you will feel these chambers inflate and deflate as you turn a corner, helping you remain firm in your seat through the twisties.
2. Remote Parking
Some may call it a gimmick, while others call it a God-send. Remote parking allows you to squeeze your E-Class into parking spaces that would ordinarily be too tight, spaces where the car fits, but the doors are unable to swing open. With the remote parking feature, you can climb out of the car and then control it remotely, using the parking sensors and steering control to slide into a tight spot.
Ask the dealership for a demonstration of this feature if it's not fitted to the car you will be test driving.
3. Widescreen Cockpit
It's rather hard to ignore, the massive dual 12.3-inch displays presented to you as you climb on board. These two screens carry out a variety of functions with the central screen catering for vehicle settings, infotainment, climate control and other convenience functions. The one in front of the driver replaces the traditional instrument binnacle.
Play around with the gesture control of the centre screen or test out the MBUX voice assistant with a simple "Hey Mercedes" command. Then speak to it and see what it can do for you. You can even ask it to adjust the lighting or let it decide what colour it should be by telling it how you're feeling.
The driver display is also customisable and will allow you to select one of four different displays ranging from Classic, Sport, Progressive, or Understated. Find the one that best suits you before driving off.
4. Active Distance Distronic
When you head out on the open road, be sure to check out the Active Distance Distronic cruise control system that will allow you to 'latch' onto the car in front and maintain a set distance. If the car ahead speeds up, so will you and if it slows down or comes to a stop, your Mercedes-AMG will as well.
With the system activated, you will notice how it will semi-autonomously follow the lanes you are in, helping prevent unsafe lane crossings and potential head-on collisions. You don't want to be testing the Pre-Safe System while on your test drive, now do you?
5. E-Active Body Control
The E-Class is not a small vehicle and it carries a substantial amount of weight with it. To help the luxury sedan corner like the sports car that it is, it employs E-Active Body Control. This system supplements the AIRMATIC suspension system to provide the best handling and control possible.
By using a hydropneumatic system and a 48-volt electrical circuit, the shock and spring rates can be adjusted in mere milliseconds on each wheel individually. This helps not only iron out undulations but helps prevent pitching and rolling through corners by stiffening up the outer suspension.
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