Mercedes-Benz Singapore has taken the covers off the latest E-Class Saloon, which promises to offer even better refinement, and more advanced technology and safety than its predecessor.
Helping reinforce the first point is the E-Class’ design, which is visually similar to the S-Class flagship limousine. There’s a new illuminated front grille, plus either LED or Digital Light headlamps with a new light signature as well.
For improved aerodynamics, the door handles are now retractable. At the rear, the two-piece tail-lights are now “connected” to help emphasise the sedan’s width, and the brake lights are shaped like the Mercedes tristar motif.
The new E-Class retains the classic form of a three-box sedan, with a short front overhang, “cab-backward” design and well-proportioned rear overhang. It is longer, wider and taller than the previous model, and offers even more passenger space than before.
The highlight of the interior is the third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system. Standard across all E-Class variants is the MBUX Superscreen, which extends from the passenger side A-pillar to the centre console.
The front passenger can use his display to either browse, watch videos or listen to his own music, while the centre screen can be utilised for say, navigation. The instrument panel, which offers several layout options, remains separate. Menu loading times and screen responsiveness have both been improved as well.
Designed to be more user-friendly, MBUX can learn users’ routines. For instance, the climate control can be set to warmer temperatures in the morning and at night, but use cooler settings during the day. It also has colour-coded icons, much like what the driver would see on his or her smartphone, for easier navigation.
The MBUX Superscreen is also equipped with an inward-facing selfie and video camera. Though useful, saving the media isn’t seamless, as you’ll need to use a USB drive to save the files, which cannot be wirelessly sent to your smartphone.
With regard to climate control, the new E-Class has two-zone Thermatic as standard, with the four-zone Thermotronic available as an option. Buyers who opt for this can also enjoy Digital Vent Control, which allows users to electronically adjust airflow in the infotainment.
There are pre-set modes such as “Head”, “Upper Body”, “Even”, and “Averted”. If you’re feeling cold, selecting the latter pushes the airflow away from you. However, one can still instantly adjust the airflow by manually moving the vents.
The E-Class is currently available as the E200, in either Avantgarde, Exclusive or AMG Line. The E200 powertrain consists of a turbocharged 2-litre 4-cylinder with a 48-volt mild hybrid system capable of 201hp and 320Nm of torque.
Paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission, the E200 does the century sprint in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 240km/h. The claimed average fuel consumption is 14.3km/L.
Prices for the E200 currently start from $398,888 with COE. According to Mercedes-Benz Singapore, their initial allocation of “between 50 and 100 cars” have already been sold.
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