The current E-Class has been in production since 2016 and has become familiar, but it hasn't become outdated yet. At the same time, the update turned out to be not at all formal — besides the technology, the exterior has changed significantly, and this made it possible to visually distance the E-Class from the flagship S-Class. Both the sedan and the wagon will hit European markets in summer 2020. A long-wheelbase version for China is also promised, as well as a coupe and convertible, which will debut later.
The radiator grille has become wider and has acquired a trapezoidal shape, the headlights now have an almond shape and single LED daytime running light strips. Matrix LED headlights are available as an option. The taillights have stretched in width and are now divided into two parts, one of which is on the trunk lid. And the All-Terrain version with increased off-road capability received an even more developed protective body kit and a bumper with an unpainted lower part, which made it more like a crossover.
The most important interior change is the appearance of the MBUX multimedia system, as on all other models of the brand. These are two large screens for the instruments and multimedia system with a size of 10.25 inches or 12.3 inches, visually combined into one panel. The standard equipment includes an intelligent voice control system and an augmented reality function that overlays navigation hints on the image from the front camera.
In addition, the ENERGIZING function has appeared, which helps change the settings of lighting, music, and seat settings depending on the mood, as well as the ability to change power supply schemes for cars with hybrid installations.
The console has gotten rid of physical buttons, and the area for the hand rest at the touchpad has become larger. Finally, the steering wheel has changed — the truncated "steering wheel" of irregular shape is formally three-spoke, but the side spokes are now divided in two, and each part has its own set of control buttons.
The updated engine lineup in Europe includes a set of gasoline engines with power from 156 to 376 hp, as well as diesels from 160 to 330 hp. All — with mild hybrid technology and an integrated starter-generator with a power of 15 kW, which is powered by a 48-volt electrical system and can assist the engine during acceleration.
The newest are the two-liter 272-horsepower "turbo-four" and a six-cylinder gasoline engine with 376 hp, also operating on the mild hybrid scheme. The gearbox is the 9G-TRONIC automatic.
The updated set of driver assistance systems includes cruise control with speed adjustment based on navigation system data or road signs. In addition, cruise control has learned to stop and start the car in traffic jams, and the steering wheel can now actively intervene in control, keeping the car in the lane. The automatic braking system is supplemented with a maneuver function to avoid a collision, and the blind spot monitoring electronics will now warn passengers if they start to open doors when traffic is passing by.
For an additional charge, a parking package is offered with a set of panoramic cameras and a set of parking algorithms that can park the car not only parallel and perpendicular, but also in a driver-selected area.
Simultaneously with the standard versions, the fast sedan and wagon E 53 4Matic saw the light. Externally, the cars have become more aggressive, and the updated AMG grille has visually made them more squat. The rear has become more muscular, and to a greater extent this affected the sedan. Wheels are 19 and 20 inches. Also, an additional AMG Night Package styling package has appeared with a front splitter, darkened radiator trim, and a set of external elements in black gloss. In the interior, a new steering wheel has appeared, and the MBUX multimedia system menu has been supplemented with a set of specific "racing" functions.
The 3-liter engine with twin turbocharging and an additional electric turbine produces 435 hp and 520 Nm, but that's not all. The starter-generator, operating from a 48-volt electrical system, can add another 16 kW and 250 Nm of torque during acceleration. The power unit works with the 9-speed AMG Speedshift 9G automatic and all-wheel drive. As a result, the E 53 reaches the first "hundred" in 4.5 seconds, and the top speed reaches 250 or 270 km/h depending on the installed restriction package.
