New vs old Mercedes-Benz E-Class: what are top 5 differences?

By Farzana Chaumoo

The new E-Class has expressive coupé-esque proportions, a clear and sensual design and provides long-distance comfort for four people. In addition, the new E-Class Coupé combines the beauty and classic virtues of a grand tourer with state-of-the-art technology.

 

1. Tail lamp Welcome Feature 

Equally typical of a Mercedes coupé are the two-part, extremely flat LED tail lamps, which, in combination with LED MULTIBEAM headlamps, celebrate the world premiere of a welcome feature. When the vehicle is opened, the taillight LEDs illuminate successively from the centre of the vehicle outwards. On locking the vehicle, the light sequence runs in the opposite direction. Both are additionally combined with an up and down dimming feature. This taillight show welcomes and says goodbye to the driver similarly to the familiar welcome feature of the blue optical-fibre show in the front headlamp.

Thanks to innovative crystal optics, the tail lamps also have a brilliant appearance reminiscent of the glow of a jet engine.

 

2. New four-cylinder diesel engine

Designed to meet the future RDE limits, the four-cylinder diesel engine from the new family of Mercedes-Benz engines opens up a new dimension in efficiency. With a displacement of around two litres, the new diesel engine delivers 143 kW, while the E 220 d impresses with a combined NEDC average consumption of 4.0 litres per 100 kilometres. This is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 106 grams per kilometre. In addition, the four-cylinder with single-stage turbocharger and variable turbine geometry is distinguished by a high level of refinement. Both the cylinder head and the crankcase are made of aluminium. The Mercedes-Benz-developed NANOSLIDE® surface coating efficiently reduces the friction between cylinder liner and steel piston.

 

3. Suspension

The suspension on the new E-Class Coupé offers agile driving pleasure on winding roads together with exceptional ride comfort. The Coupé comes as standard with DIRECT CONTROL suspension. In the interests of a sporty look, the suspension is 15 millimetres lower than on the Saloon and is tuned for comfort with an amplitude-dependent damping system.

The DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL suspension with adjustable damping is optionally available. It, too, is set lower. Using a switch in the centre console for the as-standard DYNAMIC SELECT system, the driver can vary the damping characteristics of this suspension. Three modes are available, offering a wide range of adjustment options: "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport+".

 

4. Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension

Alternatively, the  Coupé can be equipped with multi-chamber air suspension, including all-round roll/pitch/heave stabilisation. Advantages of this system: three chambers of different size in the spring struts of the rear axle and two in the spring struts of the front axle make it possible to control the hardness of the suspension in three stages. In this way, the occupants enjoy soft basic suspension, along with the secure feeling of good handling stability at higher speeds.

The multi-chamber air suspension is augmented by a continuous, electronically controlled adaptive damping system. The damping at each individual wheel is adjusted fully automatically to suit the current driving situation and condition of the road – such as in the case of evasive manoeuvres or on rough tracks. Thereby the system delivers good ride comfort along with excellent driving dynamics.

Using the DYNAMIC SELECT switch, the driver can also select different suspension characteristics in combination with the AIR BODY CONTROL system: "Comfort", ECO, "Sport", "Sport +" and Individual.

 

5. Larger and more luxurious

With a length of 4826 mm, a width of 1860 mm and a height of 1430 mm, the new E-Class Coupé clearly outstrips its predecessor in terms of length, width and height. The principal beneficiary of the wider track, with 1605 mm at the front (+67 mm) and 1609 mm at the rear (+68 mm), is the driving dynamics.

The significantly larger footprint compared with the previous model is to the benefit of passengers with extra spaciousness and comfort. They profit especially in terms of rear legroom, front and rear shoulder room as well as rear headroom. In each of the four fully-fledged seats with coupé-specific individual seat character, the driver and passengers enjoy genuine comfort on long journeys as well as the classic virtues of a grand tourer.

 

 

Read more Mercedes-Benz E-Class Car News & Advice