Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2013. Major changes for a great car

After the first images of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2013 leaked, the brand itself has just officially confirmed the facelift its mid-size saloon will receive next year, a vehicle that combines luxury with modernity while offering, depending on the trim, a blend of comfort and German sportiness.

The restyling will bring the E-Class significant changes in styling, improved engines, more standard equipment and other unique extras in its segment with high technology up its sleeve. It will reach Spanish dealerships within a few months with two body styles, a four-door saloon and an estate.

EXTERIOR AND EQUIPMENT

The most important changes to the exterior lines can be seen at the front of the vehicle, where the original E-Class’s four headlights give way to a one-piece unit on each side with LED lights. The front grille is available with the traditional design or with a sportier look very similar to the C-Class Avantgarde. In addition, the bonnet and the front bumper have also been modified.

The rear lights have a shape very similar to the previous ones, but now they have received a new LED light design. The rear bumper has also undergone some changes as part of this thorough facelift.

The biggest news in equipment focuses on safety and driving, an area in which Mercedes-Benz has always concentrated. The E-Class mounts two cameras at the front of the vehicle capable of generating a three-dimensional field thanks to a 45º viewing angle. They are able to detect any type of pedestrian, traffic sign or car located around us.

Mercedes-Benz also offers an active cruise control system called Distronic Plus, capable of maintaining a safe distance from vehicles travelling ahead. This system is combined with an emergency brake known as Pre-Safe Plus, which allows the E-Class to stop when an accident or a collision with a pedestrian may occur.

As a major innovation in driving, we have a road lighting system that permanently activates high beam without dazzling vehicles travelling in another lane or in front of our vehicle. This is achieved through partial masking of the light beam.

MECHANICS

Under the bonnet, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has also undergone important changes that will allow the German luxury saloon to be more efficient and environmentally friendly without losing performance. The petrol variants now feature the BlueDIRECT system, consisting of variable exhaust timing, multiple injection with piezo-electric injectors, a regulated oil pump and rapid ignition.

It will only be available for four-cylinder engines, namely the E200 with 184 CV and the E250 with 211 CV of power. These engines meet Euro VI emission standards thanks to a consumption of 5.8 litres/100 km. Among the petrol engines we also find the E350 with 306 CV, the E400 which incorporates a V6 with two turbochargers, and finally the E500 with a V8 generating 408 CV.

The diesel engines also meet the Euro VI anti-pollution standard thanks to the Start&Stop automatic engine stop-start system and selective catalytic reduction SCR. Power ranges from the 136 CV of the E200 CDI to the 252 CV of the E350 CDI, passing through the E250 CDI with 204 CV of power.

This Mercedes-Benz features a hybrid powertrain made up of a four-cylinder diesel engine and an electric motor which together deliver 231 CV, with an approved average consumption of 4.8 litres/100 km. Two gearboxes are also available, a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Some models offer the option of fitting a four-wheel drive system 4MATIC.

Source | Mercedes-Benz