New vs used Mercedes E-Class: what are the top 5 differences?

The year 2016, when the current generation of the Mercedes E-Class arrived here, feels like a lifetime ago, and a different universe. Yet the time for model W213’s facelift had arrived and the updated 2020 range will come ashore in South Africa in October this year (2020). This means you would get a pre-facelift car if you take delivery of an E-Class before springtime – whether from your local Benz dealer’s new-car showroom or its used-car department.

Here are the five top differences between a 2016-2020 E-Class and the updated car.

 

1. Of course it went for Botox, Darling

 

For the 2020 product update, Daimler focused on technology, but made subtle tweaks to the  appearance of the E-Class. “The styling has been sportily honed with the front sections, in particular, being given a fresh look. The full-LED headlamps, fitted as standard, are accommodated in flatter housings, while the LED tail lamps have been further refined,” the company says. On photographs these updates do not appear obvious at all, so we will have to peruse the newcomer when it arrives. The tech upgrades to the E-Class are even less visible, but they are more significant.

 

Related: We compared Mercedes-AMG E-Class engines and the efficiency crown goes to…

 

2. The steering wheel overcame its separation anxiety

Mercedes updated the driving assistance systems to provide what the company calls “cooperative support” for the driver. This results in a high level of active safety: the car can react to hazards, even if the driver is unable to do so. The hands-off detection feature of the E-Class steering wheel has been simplified, which makes driving in semi-automated mode more user friendly. To signal to the assistance systems that the driver still has control of the vehicle, the driver only has to hold the steering wheel. Previously, the driver had to turn the steering wheel by a few degrees to let the system know that he (the driver) is awake and alert.

 

3. Active Brake Assist is smarter than before

The E-Class comes as standard with Active Brake Assist, which uses autonomous braking to prevent a collision or reduce its severity. The system can also brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians at typical city speeds. As part of the Driving Assistance Package, this is now also possible when turning across the oncoming lane, something Volvo has been offering for a number of years.

When ordering an E-Class, the customer can specify additional Intelligent Drive functions adding these to the Driving Assistance package. They include Active Speed Limit Assist, which uses map data and information from Traffic Sign Assist to respond to changes in the speed limit. So, if the driver has the cruise control set to 120 km/h, and enters a stretch of road limited to 100 km/h, the cruise control will adapt automatically. Route-based speed adaptation ahead of bends, traffic circles, toll booths and T-junctions, as well prior to exiting motorways, is also included.

 

When the driver switches on Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adaptation, the updated E-Class can respond to data from Live Traffic Information (to be confirmed for South Africa).

When driving in a tailback on the motorway, Active Stop-and-Go Assist will keep the car in lane and maintain a safe distance at speeds up to around 60 km/h. In those dreaded stop-go, rush-hour conditions, the car can restart automatically up to one minute after coming to a stop, and resume driving.

 

Related: Which Mercedes E-Class is better: petrol or diesel?

 

4. It brings the latest MBUX multimedia system

As standard, E-Class includes two large 10.25-inch (26 cm) screens, arranged side by side to give a widescreen effect. “Superb graphics provide appealing displays that help to reinforce the intuitive nature of the control structure, which is now also accessible via the touch-sensitive surface of the media display,” Mercedes says.

 

An interesting feature of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is what it can learn thanks to AI (artificial intelligence). With its predictive functions, MBUX anticipates what the user would like to do next, for example. For instance, a driver who often makes a phone call to a specific person on Fridays on the journey home will see that contact as a suggestion in the display on this day of the week.

Other highlights include the use of augmented reality technology for the navigation display. When the navigation function is active, a video image of the surroundings is enhanced with helpful navigation information where possible. For example, arrows or house numbers will be superimposed directly onto the image in the media display.

The system also assists the driver at traffic lights: if the E-Class is the first car at the lights, the  traffic light status (red, yellow or green) is shown on the media display. This is helpful when the traffic light is outside of the driver’s field of view.

 

5. It’s always on guard

The electric-car company Tesla pioneered Sentry Mode, a function that keeps watch and will record vandals who damage or attempt to damage a Tesla when parked, on video. With the E-Class update, Mercedes introduces a similar (optional) system which provides “all-round surveillance of the parked vehicle,” the company says.

According to a statement, URBAN GUARD comprises an anti-theft alarm system, tow-away protection with visual and audible warning in case of a detected change in position, an alarm siren, interior monitoring and preinstallation for theft and parking collision detection. In addition, URBAN GUARD Vehicle Protection Plus can pinpoint the location of a stolen vehicle. We will have to see if this is more useful than a satellite tracking system, but any anti-crime technology is welcome.

Another new security feature is the owner’s ability to deactivate the vehicle key by smartphone if the key is lost or stolen. Mischievous children are bound to enjoy this feature.

 

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