Mercedes-Benz has make a few subtle changes to its E-Class range, “narrowing the gap to the S-Class” with new driving assistance systems, and expanding the sedan and estate line-ups with Mercedes-AMG E53 derivatives.
The updates to the range include the addition of a new steering wheel, fresh packages as well as minor interior and exterior design revisions.
The Stuttgart-based brand says that with the driving assistance package fitted, features such as route-based driver support will now be included. The adaptive cruise control and active steering have also been revised to be more “comfortable” to use, while the speed now adjusts automatically ahead of corners, intersections and traffic circles.
The cabin adopts an updated steering wheel from the S-Class, which means that the cruise control system no longer employs its own stork on the column but is instead managed by a selection of buttons on the wheel itself.
The infotainment system is now able to handle two phones being paired at once, even allowing an incoming call from each device at the same time (outgoing calls, though, must be performed one at a time). A third device, such as a tablet, can also be connected.
New options for the E-Class range include the “Sports Style Package”, which adds a chrome louvre below the front bumper, a badge on the front wing, a chrome trim element in the rear bumper finished in high-gloss black and tailpipe embellishers. The cabin, meanwhile, gains a set of special floor mats. A selection of new interior materials, exterior body colours and wheels has also been added to the catalogue.
Furthermore, the E53 4Matic+ has been added to the sedan and estate ranges (it was initially available only in coupé and cabriolet body styles), replacing the E43 models and featuring a new twin-turbocharged 3,0-litre straight-six with an auxiliary compressor.
This powertrain produces 320 kW and 520 N.m of torque, but with the EQ Boost generator, this figure temporarily increases by 16 kW and 250 N.m of torque. The E400d 4Matic also gains a bump in power from 245 kW to 250 kW.
These updates for the E-Class have not yet been confirmed for South Africa.
