2017 Mercedes E-Class - Official Review
- il y a 7 ans
Review: 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class serves as new benchmark in executive sedan segment
Mercedes-Benz is launching a brand-new 2017 E-Class, preceding redesigns of the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series by about one year, in the process setting the stage for next classic battle in the executive sedan segment. I’ve spent extensive time behind the wheel of the new E-Class, sampling three different versions of the car, and have come to the conclusion that it represents the new benchmark not only among this trio, but also every other luxury sedan selling for about 60 grand.
Beautifully sculpted, the interior displays its own retro elements, including a column-mounted gear selector and an analog clock positioned on the center console on all but the most basic versions of the new E-Class. The standard ornamented instrument cluster reminds me of a pince-nez.
These traditional cues fade from view when optioning the car with the large TFT instrumentation. Owners can configure the system to different display modes, including an ultra-futuristic “Progressive” setting. Combined with the oversized central infotainment display and touch-sensitive switches on the steering wheel, the E-Class supplies one of the most contemporary and forward-looking human-machine interfaces currently available.
A range of updated engines powers the 2017 Mercedes E-Class. First to market, and installed in the E300, a 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder makes 241 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. A 9-speed automatic sends the power to the rear wheels. In the future, Mercedes plans all-wheel-drive versions, as well as plug-in hybrid and diesel variants. Performance models will include the 396-horsepower, V6-powered Mercedes-AMG E43 and a Mercedes-AMG E63 making over 500 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8.
Entirely satisfactory, the E300’s turbocharged four is so well isolated as to almost completely drown out noise and vibrations, and the engine’s modest horsepower and torque nevertheless moves the E-Class with considerable urge. The car feels agile and alive, demonstrating virtually no turbo lag and pleasantly linear throttle response.
Relatively light compared to larger engines, the powertrain works in perfect unison with the chassis, which is tuned for comfort. Compared to its predecessor, though, the new E-Class takes a huge leap forward in terms of steering precision and high-speed cornering ability. Body roll is reduced to a minimum.
People with a short commute and the ability to recharge the car at no cost might find the prospect of the E-Class plug-in hybrid model an exciting development. In such situations, it is possible to do without the gasoline engine entirely. Over long distances, however, the fuel savings are negligible to nonexistent. Moreover, the complex powertrain's responses to driver input are somewhat unpredictable, and watching the hybrid-exclusive graphic displays soon loses its novelty factor and appeal.
Never losing its appeal, the turbocharged, 3.0-liter diesel V6 in the E350d is a true powerhouse, and could eventually be offered in the U.S. market. This engine propels the E-Class to triple-digit velocities with merciless force, and does so with minimal fuss. The even more powerful AMG models will focus on ostentatious sportiness and undoubtedly lack the elegant power delivery of the E350d’s large diesel.
Safety is always a priority at Mercedes-Benz, and that’s reflected in the new E-Class. The car’s crash avoidance systems, some of which are standard, work beautifully. In particular, the automatic emergency braking system can apply the brakes with such force that they will certainly prevent a considerable number of accidents.
Mercedes-Benz is launching a brand-new 2017 E-Class, preceding redesigns of the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series by about one year, in the process setting the stage for next classic battle in the executive sedan segment. I’ve spent extensive time behind the wheel of the new E-Class, sampling three different versions of the car, and have come to the conclusion that it represents the new benchmark not only among this trio, but also every other luxury sedan selling for about 60 grand.
Beautifully sculpted, the interior displays its own retro elements, including a column-mounted gear selector and an analog clock positioned on the center console on all but the most basic versions of the new E-Class. The standard ornamented instrument cluster reminds me of a pince-nez.
These traditional cues fade from view when optioning the car with the large TFT instrumentation. Owners can configure the system to different display modes, including an ultra-futuristic “Progressive” setting. Combined with the oversized central infotainment display and touch-sensitive switches on the steering wheel, the E-Class supplies one of the most contemporary and forward-looking human-machine interfaces currently available.
A range of updated engines powers the 2017 Mercedes E-Class. First to market, and installed in the E300, a 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder makes 241 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. A 9-speed automatic sends the power to the rear wheels. In the future, Mercedes plans all-wheel-drive versions, as well as plug-in hybrid and diesel variants. Performance models will include the 396-horsepower, V6-powered Mercedes-AMG E43 and a Mercedes-AMG E63 making over 500 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8.
Entirely satisfactory, the E300’s turbocharged four is so well isolated as to almost completely drown out noise and vibrations, and the engine’s modest horsepower and torque nevertheless moves the E-Class with considerable urge. The car feels agile and alive, demonstrating virtually no turbo lag and pleasantly linear throttle response.
Relatively light compared to larger engines, the powertrain works in perfect unison with the chassis, which is tuned for comfort. Compared to its predecessor, though, the new E-Class takes a huge leap forward in terms of steering precision and high-speed cornering ability. Body roll is reduced to a minimum.
People with a short commute and the ability to recharge the car at no cost might find the prospect of the E-Class plug-in hybrid model an exciting development. In such situations, it is possible to do without the gasoline engine entirely. Over long distances, however, the fuel savings are negligible to nonexistent. Moreover, the complex powertrain's responses to driver input are somewhat unpredictable, and watching the hybrid-exclusive graphic displays soon loses its novelty factor and appeal.
Never losing its appeal, the turbocharged, 3.0-liter diesel V6 in the E350d is a true powerhouse, and could eventually be offered in the U.S. market. This engine propels the E-Class to triple-digit velocities with merciless force, and does so with minimal fuss. The even more powerful AMG models will focus on ostentatious sportiness and undoubtedly lack the elegant power delivery of the E350d’s large diesel.
Safety is always a priority at Mercedes-Benz, and that’s reflected in the new E-Class. The car’s crash avoidance systems, some of which are standard, work beautifully. In particular, the automatic emergency braking system can apply the brakes with such force that they will certainly prevent a considerable number of accidents.