Mercedes, without false modesty, calls its new creation “the smartest in the business class.” The fresh Mercedes-Benz E-Class is built on the new MRA modular architecture, has become 43 mm longer, and thanks to a 65 mm increase in wheelbase, the interior has become noticeably more spacious.

In the exterior of the 2016 E-Class, the features of a reduced S-Class are easily recognizable. The list of equipment for the new model includes adaptive cruise control, which up to 210 km/h independently maintains the distance to the car ahead, adjusts speed taking into account road signs, and keeps the car in its lane. In essence, the electronics take over the driver's functions, although they still won't let him move to the back seat and admire the scenery: if the hands are not on the steering wheel and the driver himself is not in his place, the car will not “drive itself.”

But even if the driver is distracted and the “cruise” is not engaged, in the event of a collision threat, the car is capable of stopping on its own — this is the responsibility of the collision prevention system, active at speeds up to 100 km/h. In addition, the new “E” can park without driver involvement, exchange data with other cars and road infrastructure, and also monitor the condition of the person behind the wheel.

The E-Class will receive LED headlights, each assembled from 84 individual LED elements with individual control. For an additional cost, taillights with a “stardust” effect will be offered: a special coating makes the glow brighter, but at the same time soft on the eyes.

The interior of the new generation E-Class is completely new. In base versions of the “E,” an analog instrument panel and the Frontbass audio system of Mercedes-Benz's own design will be installed.

In expensive trim levels, instead of the usual “instrument panel,” a 12.3-inch display will appear, combined with the multimedia screen. The upper part of the center console is an exact copy of the one on the Mercedes S-Class: the same climate control vents and the Comand multimedia system. Top versions of the E-Class will also delight with a Burmester audio system with 23 speakers and surround 3D sound.

In the base, the new model is content with a conventional spring suspension. Adjustable shock absorbers are available for an additional cost, and at the top — a new adaptive Air Body Control air suspension with multi-chamber air springs.

The initial modification is equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque. The base also offers a 2.0-liter diesel with 195 hp and 400 Nm. More expensive versions can boast a 3.0-liter diesel with 258 hp and 620 Nm, as well as a six-cylinder gasoline unit with 333 hp and 480 Nm. Later, the manufacturer will start sales with a 150-horsepower diesel and a range of gasoline engines from 183 to 245 horsepower. There will also be a Plug-in Hybrid with 279 hp and 600 Nm — on a single charge, such an E-Class will travel about 30 kilometers. So far, only one transmission is announced — the new nine-speed automatic 9G-Tronic.