Mercedes-Benz has been on an all-out new model assault in 2024, with a new Merc launched every other week. Recently, the brand completed its saloon car line-up with the introduction of the new E-Class, which is packed with tech but, on the face of it, remains true to the E-Class recipe, with saloon car proportions, a diesel engine, and rear-wheel drive.
Related: Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 (2024) Review
Pros:
-Refined and comfortable
-Drivetrain combines frugality with solid performance
-The tech on offer is impressive
Cons:
-Steering controls remain annoying in operation
-Mid-size premium sedans no longer in demand
-Costly options
A Brief History of the E-Class*
The first generation E-Class, the W124, was introduced in 1993 after the facelift of the W124 model, marking the first official use of the "E-Class" nomenclature. It was available in sedan, coupé, convertible, and estate body styles with petrol and diesel engines. The second generation was introduced in 1995 and replaced in 2002. The W210 was popular in diesel guise; the model range offered more space, and the model debuted the signature rounded headlights that have appeared in other generations. The third generation was launched in 2002 and was in production until 2009, with this generation introducing some iconic AMG models in the form of the E55 and E63, while a coupe version of the model, badged the CLS, also emerged.
The fourth generation W212 arrived in 2009 and continued until 2013, with the first implementation of certain semi-autonomous driving aids. The fifth generation W213 arrived in 2016 and was in production until 2023, with inline six-cylinder engines and more advanced semi-autonomous driving aids being range highlights. That brings us to the sixth-generation model W214, which has the CLE coupe and cabriolet as siblings, but the sedan is now the only model badged E-Class within the Mercedes-Benz line-up.
*The models and drivetrains referenced are what was available globally, not specifically in South Africa
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Styling
The exterior styling of the E-Class, as was to be expected, is a healthy blend of S-Class and C-Class, with slim headlights, the brand's signature diamond mesh radiator grille, the front-end is certainly attractive. There's a smooth side profile thanks to the flush door handles, while a shoulder line that tapers down towards the car's rear gives it a slightly more coupe-esque look. The press car was fitted with an illimited front grille and had the Mercedes logo housed within the taillights, making the car look rather flamboyant at night.
Interior & Space
The interior of the E-Class, particularly the press unit provided, was like an automotive Weylandts, with super soft leather seats and soft-touch surfaces in most tangible areas. However, there are still some hard plastics knocking about. A lot of tech is going on, with a digitised instrument cluster, a large central infotainment system running the latest MBUX software, and a smaller screen for the front passenger to use. The MBUX system is among the best in business, managing to be intuitive, feature high resolution and fast to respond to inputs. I still find the touch pads on the steering wheel annoying, though, as they cannot execute your settings as precisely as a traditional button. The 4D sound systems deserve a mention here; with speakers in the seats, it becomes an immersive audio experience regardless of whether you're listening to music, an audiobook, or whatever they're trying to pass off as radio these days.
The press car featured what the brand calls the Energising Package, allowing users to choose between several settings to energise the drivers. There is a Refresh, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Well-being, Forest Glade, Sea sound, Summer rain, Motion sickness (for passengers) and Power Nap modes. Since I sit in hours of traffic each day, an escape to the forest with soothing sounds, soft ambient lighting and animation was great to unwind. This is a great gimmick to show your mates at braais, but I don't envision the long-term owner of one of these using this often.
Drivetrain
The E-Class's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine produces 162kW and 440Nm of torque with mild hybrid assistance. The brand's 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox sends power to the rear wheels.
The engine code is OM654 M, which Mercedes claimed was the first diesel engine with an integrated starter generator at its release. The engine receives a new crankshaft to implement the electrification, increasing the displacement by 43 cubic centimetres (cc) to 1 993 cc while increasing the injection pressure from 2.5 to 2.7 bar. The gearbox is a torque converter with a better hydraulic circuit than traditional gearboxes. The 'box has nine forward gears and a reverse but features four single planetary gear sets, six shift elements, three clutches, and three brakes.
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Driving impression
Having recently driven two softly sprung vehicles, the Omoda C9 and Volkswagen Touareg, I had high hopes for the sort of luxury experience in store in the E220d. The press car was fitted with 21-inch tyres with low-profile rubber, which made the ride firm over some of our less-than-perfect road surfaces in Johannesburg. This leads me to recommend smaller 18 or 19-inch wheel options to complement the supple suspension set-up of the latest E. The general refinement, ride quality, and NVH levels are still deeply impressive, with the E-Class assuming the role of an automotive isolation tank quite well.
The model's mild-hybrid-boosted diesel motor provides effortless and relatively quiet progress, with the gearbox being well-calibrated with the engine. Dynamics have never been a non-AMG E-Class strong suit, and the car very rarely goads you, as a driver, into driving dynamically, but is genuinely exceptional out on the open road, where I spent most of my time, driving to and from a racing circuit, where the E served as an ideal way to relax after multiple days of driving a race car in anger.
Option, options, options...
The press car was fitted with an insane number of options, including the beautiful Verde Silver Metallic paint, the Night Package (R26 500), the 3D driver's display (R22 600), the Engineering Package (R64 000), the MBUX Interior Assistant (R8 900), the MBUX Superscreen (R64 000), the Driving Assistance Package Plus (R55 500), the Premium Plus Package (R202 500), the AMG Line exterior (R105 000), 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels (R41 400), the Leather Package (R40 000) and MBUX augmented reality for navigation (R8 900).
Many of these systems are unnecessary and inflate the price; however, with its large central infotainment screen, a screen for the front passenger and the digitised instrument cluster, the Superscreen is one to tick. The Engineering Pack, which adds adaptive air suspension and rear-wheel steering, is another nicety.
You may be wondering what the Premium Plus Package offers for the price of a Toyota Vitz. Well, here's what the costly feature adds: digital lights with projection function, Adaptive Main Beam Assist Plus, an Illuminated radiator grille, a panoramic sliding sunroof, head-up display, 4-zone climate control, zones, Adaptive Main Beam Assist Plus. The Acoustic Comfort Package, Burmester 4D surround sound system, active ambient lighting, sound visualisation the keyless package, a 360° camera, door sill panels with illuminated "Mercedes-Benz" lettering, a 14.4-inch central display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Pre-installation for MBUX Entertainment Plus, wireless charging system for mobile devices in the front, the USB Package with 2x USB-C port, 15W, charging+data in the oddments tray, 1x USB-C port, 15W, charging+data in the centre console, 2x USB-C port, 15W, charging in the rear passenger compartment. Seat heating/ventilation for driver and front passenger, rear LED lamps with Mercedes-Benz light graphics, flush-fitting door handles, mirror package, electrically folding exterior mirrors, the stowage space package, attention assist, Agility Control suspension with selective damping system and lowering function and Active Parking Assist with Parktronic.
Related: Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class is better: diesel or petrol?
Fuel economy
Mercedes-Benz claims a fuel consumption figure of 5.0 L/100km, but our real-world figure was 6.3 L/100km, which is still fantastic for such a vehicle!
Safety
Euro NCAP crash-tested the new E-Class in 2024. Its 5-star rating included 92% for adult occupant safety, 90% for child occupant safety, 84% for pedestrian safety, and 87% for its safety assistance systems.
Pricing*
The Avantgarde model is not cheap at R1 436 260, but our press unit's eye-watering R639 300 worth of options makes it a R2 075 560 car! Its closest rival, the deeply impressive BMW 520d, has a list price of R1 248 731 before options, giving prospective buyers plenty of wiggle room for options.
*All models have a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan.
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Verdict
The E-Class remains the comfortable and refined option within its segment. The brand's emphasis on driver comfort, vitality and relaxation is clear to see, but all of this comes provided you pay the price of admission, which is a hefty dollop of options on top of what is already a high list price. Approach the configurator with caution, and make sure you drive the new 5 Series while you're at it, too!
