The 6th gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class will be the last dedicated ICE model before the brand goes electric only.
26 Apr 2023 | 13593 Views | By Autocar India News Desk
Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the sixth-generation E-Class sedan that will go on sale internationally in the coming months. The new E-Class is one of Mercedes' last dedicated internal combustion engine models before it goes electric only. The new sedan also grows in size over the previous model ...
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Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the sixth-generation E-Class sedan that will go on sale internationally in the coming months. The new E-Class is one of Mercedes' last dedicated internal combustion engine models before it goes electric only. The new sedan also grows in size over the previous model offering a larger interior.
2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class powertrain options, suspension
Also on offer is a revised range of drivetrains, including overhauled petrol-electric plug-in hybrid systems in some markets with a greater electric range of up to 115km (WLTP) thanks to a larger battery. The new E-Class will initially be sold with a choice of four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all mated to a 9-speed automatic as standard, with power output ranging between 196hp-375hp.
All petrol and diesel engines feature 48-volt mild-hybrid properties, with a gearbox-mounted integrated starter motor providing added power and torque, and coasting properties for improved fuel savings.
The majority of new E-Class models receive a standard steel spring suspension, with higher-end models set to receive a reworked version of Mercedes-Benz's AirMatic air suspension.
2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class styling
Design-wise, the new E-Class adopts a lineage similar to the other two mainstream sedans in Mercedes' global line-up – the larger S-Class and the smaller C-Class. All three models now have common styling cues yet have unique looks in their own way. The new E-Class still retains traditional looks and gets a larger grille (with optional illuminated surround), more shapely headlamps, and a longer bonnet than the outgoing car. There will be multiple styling packages and AMG-line trims to complement the standard E-Class' looks.
2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior and tech
Inside, the new E-Class receives a comprehensive rework, with a new look for the cabin featuring more contemporary digital functionality, improved comfort and higher quality materials – all part of a concerted push by Mercedes-Benz to see the traditional sedan reflect a more luxury-led image and a higher positioning. As revealed back in February, the standard dashboard receives a free-standing 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.4-inch portrait-style infotainment display. Buyers will also be able to option the new model with Mercedes-Benz’s new Superscreen.
The new Mercedes E-Class (W214) gets Level 4 autonomous tech as part of a driverless valet parking function – previously only available on the S-Class – as an option in markets where laws allow, such as its home country of Germany.
2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class platform and body styles
Sitting on an updated version of Mercedes-Benz’s Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) platform, structural changes claim to provide the lightweight steel and aluminium platform with added rigidity compared to that used by the outgoing fifth-generation E-Class (W213).
Apart from the sedan that has been revealed, there will also be an E-Class wagon, a model very popular in some European markets. There will be an E-Class All Terrain too, which will be unveiled next year. However, there won't be an E-Class coupe or a convertible for the new-gen car as Mercedes-Benz will be combining the C and E-Class coupe and cabriolets into an all-new model called the CLE. There will be a long wheelbase sedan as well, similar to the outgoing E-Class, which will be revealed in the coming months.
New Mercedes-Benz E-Class India launch timeline
Like the current E-Class (V213) that is on sale in our market, the next-gen E-Class for India (W214) will be a long-wheelbase iteration that has been seen on test in China, althought the production version is yet to see light of day.
Mercedes-Benz sells the LWB E-Class in only a handful of markets like China and India, with India being the only right-hand-drive market. The brand has officially confirmed this saying, “India will have the LWB version of the new E-Class that will be introduced at a later stage, after the debut of the standard wheelbase. India is the only RHD market for the LWB E-Class, and the market debut is expected only around the second half of 2024.”