- Mercedes-Benz’s facelifted E-class sedan will get new 48-volt hybrid engines.
- There will be several plug-in-hybrid variants.
- Biggest change is the switch to the new MBUX infotainment.
The finished car won’t be on display until the Geneva auto show in March, but Mercedes-Benz has released these pictures of disguised versions of the facelifted E-class, as well as giving details of new features and powertrains.
The W213-generation E-class was launched in 2016, so it is right on schedule for a mid-life update. In addition to the usual modest visual makeover—we’re denied much of an impression from the camo-clad prototype cars—we’re also told to expect a battery of new active-safety systems and a switch to Mercedes’s latest user interface system, MBUX.
So the Drive Pilot adaptive cruise control now includes route-based speed adjustment, which will slow the car automatically before tailbacks, even when they are out of sight; Mercedes says the car will reduce speed to around 62 mph to avoid harsh braking. It will also have smarter low-speed cruise ability in stop-start congestion at speeds of up to 40 mph. The official release also promises that the active-steering system can help “form a rescue lane on multi-lane roads”—which we take to mean it will get out of the way of anything with flashing red and blue lights or a siren.
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The facelifted E-class is also making a predictable switch to the new MBUX infotainment system, which includes the Siri-like ability to activate voice input by saying “Hey Mercedes.” We’ve already experienced it in other models, including the closely related GLE, and can report it generally works well, as long as you don’t confuse it by discussing the merits of different brands of German luxury cars.
Powerplant revisions include the arrival of a new M274 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a turbocharged unit that will feature an integrated 48-volt starter-generator. This will be able to produce 268 horsepower through internal combustion and add up to 20 horsepower of short-term electrical assistance. The engine is also expected to feature in a plug-in-hybrid version. Mercedes has announced that the E-class will also get the 48-volt hybrid version of the 3.0-liter six-cylinder M256. We’re already big fans of this engine, which will make 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque through combustion and be able to briefly add 20 hp and 132lb-ft through flowing ions.
Beyond that, Mercedes says there will eventually be seven plug-in hybrids, which will include both all-wheel-driven 4Matic variants and station wagons, but we don’t know which—if any—of those will reach the U.S. We’re looking forward to specs, pictures, and pricing soon.
Source: Motor - aranddriver.com
