Future Benz E-Class looks decidedly upscale
Ahead of its debut at the Detroit auto show, we got a chance to peek inside the brand-new Mercedes E-Class luxury sedan. Immediately apparent is the influence the current generation of S-Class has had on the styling. However, there are cues that distinguish E from S, adding a sense of individuality among the Mercedes lineup.
The dashboard gets a double-S design from the current S-Class and features many of the same styling elements: four air-conditioning vents in the center, the availability of a long iPad-ish gauge cluster and a technically savvy infotainment system. With the optional gauge cluster, Mercedes has included three different skins: classic, sporty and progressive. The classic-style skin looks like a traditional analog gauge cluster but is customizable by the driver. The sporty style has a big tachometer and speedometer that are lined with yellow rings, evoking an experience closer to the Lexus RC 350 than the Italian supercars they were after. The progressive style is the skin that best suits the style of the interior -- futuristic. However, the E-Class can be optioned with actual instruments if the owner opts for standard equipment -- this also affects the infotainment screen, reverting it back to the familiar Mercedes seven-inch unit. Apple CarPlay will be built into either infotainment system at launch, but the optional Internet browser will be the topic of more conversations.
The seats are entirely E-Class. Taking nearly five years to develop, they aren’t traditional bucket seats; rather, they’re heavily inspired by traditional dress forms. The elegant shape of the seat is complemented by the stitchwork, which looks like someone is draping a cardigan sweater from the headrest. The stock thrones won’t have the bolstering you’d want from a performance vehicle, but expect the AMG seats to deliver plenty of support.
The trim levels are essentially broken down into two options, not counting the AMG interior. The standard interior is dubbed avant-garde and should do the job for most folks that want the substance of the S-Class with slightly different style. The materials aren’t as upscale as those on the exclusive line, but it will be easier on the wallet. The headliner will be the normal canvas-like material you’ll find in all Mercedes products, but a microfiber option is available for those who want something with a little more flash.
The standard audio package in the Mercedes will be sufficient for most, but for those that want a supreme example of audiophile car tech ... Burmester delivers. Boasting 1,450 watts over 23 speakers, one of which is a subwoofer in the trunk with its own 400-watt amp, the audio system is crisp, clear and customizable. Distortion wasn’t obvious at the highest audio settings we dared to play.
The interior here is a comfortable bridge between the most luxurious interior you’d find in the S-Class and the standard C-Class trappings. Wondering what the rest of the car looks and feels like? Check back after it’s unveiled at the Detroit auto show, and we’ll be able to give you full coverage of the newest Mercedes sedan.