The W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the fifth generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, sold from 2016 as a 2017 model. It succeeded the W212/S212 E-Class models. The coupe/convertible models share the same platform as the sedan/wagon, in contrast to the previous generation. The high-performance Mercedes-AMG E 63 and E 63 S versions of the W213 have been available as well from 2016 (as a 2017 model), and these are the only versions with V8 engines.
Since the mid-1990s, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been equipped with quad headlights and a differentiated design compared to the C-Class and S-Class. With the 2017 model, Mercedes decided to take a more streamlined direction, first seen with the 2014 E-Class mid-generational refresh and then going in an entirely new direction with the all-new 2017 model.[5]
Launched in spring 2016 following a world debut at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in January, the 2017 E-Class was the most technologically advanced car Mercedes had ever produced at the time. This generation of the Mercedes E-Class has won many plaudits from automotive publications, including the 2021 Motor Trend Car of the Year, the first time Mercedes-Benz has ever won this award.[6]
Development and launch
The whole development process stretched over 48 months. In that time, Mercedes-Benz produced 1,200 prototypes and drove a combined 12 million kilometres in some of the world's toughest conditions, from sub-zero temperatures in the snow through to the world's hottest deserts.[7] In testing the car, Mercedes-Benz also had its prototypes conduct over 10,000 autonomous braking procedures and 5,000 automated lane changes as part of the Distronic suite of semi-autonomous driving features.[8] Moreover, it took 1,200 engineers to make the fifth-generation E-Class.[9]
The W213 E-Class was unveiled at the 2016 North American International Auto Show.[10] The 2017 E-Class has a design similar to that of the larger W222 S-Class and the smaller W205 C-Class.[11]
Design
Stylistically, the 2017 E-Class followed the latest C-Class, the GLA, and the S-Class coupé. Its front end features Mercedes’ familiar bullet-shaped headlights and an upright grille, while its rear end gets a pair of LED taillights, with similarities to the 2014 E-Class models,[17] that extend into the quarter panels.[18] As on other recent models, the 2017 E-Class features two distinct front-end treatments: a traditional chrome grille and a more sporting blade grille. The aerodynamic efficiency have been refined as the drag coefficient improved from 0.25 in the previous model to a class-leading 0.23.
W212 facelift comparison
The W213 adopts Mercedes’ modular MRA platform, as used by the contemporary C-Class and S-Class models. The W213 E-Class grew 43 mm in length to 4923 mm. Wheelbase was also extended 65 mm to 2939 mm, resulting in shorter overhangs. It is 2 mm narrower and 6 mm lower than its predecessor.
Equipment
Autonomous driving
A number of sensors, cameras and radars has allowed semi-automated driving. There may be fewer sensors than before (12 and four respectively over the W212 model), but they all feature increased functionality which reduces cost and complexity.[28]
The next level of Drive Pilot (code-named Intelligent Drive) featured on the 2017 E-Class enables the car to negotiate bends on the motorway, while maintaining a safe distance from slower moving vehicles in front at up to speeds of 130 mph.[29] The system is not a hands-free operation and an audible alert will prompt the driver into regaining control if the car detects their attention has wandered.[28]
The Steering Pilot function uses visible road markings to navigate bends at speeds of up to 81 mph. The car is able to scan the surrounding area, as well as the car in front, if road markings are unclear to maintain lane discipline.[28]
Variants
Coupé and Cabriolet
The Coupé (C238) was first unveiled by Mercedes at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, while the Cabriolet (A238) was unveiled at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show, both to be released for the 2018 model year.[33][34][35] Both models replaced the previous C207/A207 E-Class models. Like the E-Class coupé it replaced, the C238 coupé features a pillarless design with no B pillar between the front and rear side windows, though there is a small pillar between the main rear windows and the fixed quarter glass windows behind them.
The Coupé and Cabriolet were both initially offered in 2018 only as an E 400 model with the M276 3.0L Biturbo V6 engine producing 333 PS and 480 Nm of torque.[33]
Drivetrain (2016–2020)
Engine options for the 2017 E-Class saw a major update, thanks to the switch to inline-6 engines from the previous V6 engines,[46] along with a new generation of four-cylinder diesel engines (OM654) and existing four-cylinder petrol engines (M274).[20] All engines, save for the AMG V8, come standard with Mercedes’ 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic gearbox; the AMG V8 uses a nine-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT gearbox.
Until April 2018, the E 200 was available with a six-speed manual transmission in Europe, but it was discontinued and 9G-Tronic became standard. Alongside standard rear-wheel drive, select engines are offered with optional four-wheel drive.[20] In 2017, Mercedes-Benz launched the E 180 model utilizing the M274 DE16 LA engine in select markets, such as Egypt, Tunisia, Turkey, the Philippines and Singapore.[47]
Engines (2016–2020)
Mercedes-AMG models
AMG E 43 (2016–2018)
The all-wheel-drive only Mercedes-AMG E 43 joined the range in September 2016, powered by a 401 PS 3.0-litre Biturbo V6, producing 521 Nm of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.[48] The AMG E 43 was the first of the new AMG 43 series with a higher output of 401 PS vs 367 PS of the existing AMG 43 series. The E 43 was dropped for the 2018 model year, replaced by the E 53. Since the discontinuation of the E 43 in 2018, an E 400 (later renamed to E 450) was launched to fill the gap between the 4-cylinder E300 and the 6 cylinder, high-performance AMG E 53.
AMG E 53 4MATIC+ (2018–2023)
A mid-level AMG version, E 53 4MATIC+, is fitted with a 3-litre 6-cylinder inline M256 E30 DEH LA G engine, producing 320 kW and 520 Nm. Due to the higher volume of mid-level AMG version, this type of engine is tuned by AMG and built on the assembly lines by people and robots at the manufacturing plants rather than "one man, one engine" approach.
The Mercedes-AMG Coupé and Cabriolet versions were introduced once again in 2019 after skipping C207/A207 (2010–2017)
W213 facelift
For the 2021 model year, the E-Class has received updated front and rear fascias along with a new mild-hybrid six-cylinder inline engine for the E450 model; the All-Terrain model will now be available in the United States, replacing the standard estate version. It was supposed to be released at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, which was cancelled due to COVID-19. Inside, COMAND is replaced by MBUX with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a new steering wheel is used. Driver-assistance technology has also been updated featuring an advanced capacitive hands-off detection system.[53]
Mercedes-AMG announced on 27 May 2020 that the updated Mercedes-AMG versions of coupé and cabriolet are now available.[54] The E 53 4MATIC+ version remains the sole choice for both coupé and cabriolet.
In mid-2022, Mercedes-AMG revealed the Final Edition[55] version of the E 63 S 4Matic+. Signifying the V8’s swansong in production, a total of 999 units were to be built.
Engines (2020–2023)
Safety
External links
References
- First new E-Class rolls off the production line in Sindelfingen Daimler AG, 26 February 2016, retrieved 2 March 2016^
- Mercedes-Benz Autos aus dem Werk Bremen^
- В России открылся завод Mercedes-Benz. И тут уже делают Е-класс. Drive2.ru, 3 April 2019, retrieved 30 July 2020