Global Premiere: 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz says its E-Class, the long-standing vehicle of choice for the working professional, is about to enter a new chapter as the E 350 4MATIC and E 450 4MATIC begins the transition towards full electrification. As such, designers have taken a holistic approach to showcase a “connection between tradition and modernity.”

On the exterior, the model is clearly channelling some of its EQ siblings with the high-gloss black panel connecting the inner parts of the headlamp housings to a larger illuminated grille. LED lighting is standard and Digital Light — an ultra-bright, high-definition and minimal-dazzle beam comprised of one million micro-reflectors per side — is optional.

The sedan still boasts a long wheelbase, power domes on the hood, short front overhang and a “cab-backward” profile where the windshield and greenhouse are moved towards the rear, altogether giving the illusion that the E-Class is moving even at rest. The LED taillights feature a star pattern underneath the lenses and are joined together by a thin bar accentuating the car’s wide stance.

Also like the EQ lineup, the Mercedes-Benz User eXperience (MBUX) infotainment system has a massive Superscreen with an available passenger side display creating a panel of glass stretching across most of the dash. The electronic instrument panel is separated and appears to be floating above. An interesting addition is an integrated selfie camera allowing occupants to take a Zoom call without leaving their seats.

A strip of customizable Active Ambient Lighting runs behind and along the bottom of the windshield and into the door panels, and around the Superscreen, which the brand says helps create a colourful and generous feeling of space. A 17-speaker Burmester surround sound stereo is offered.

If the onboard wellness program Energizing Comfort is equipped, as already seen in the EQE for example, drivers can pull over and recharge via a massage and immersion of soothing sounds, pleasant scents and more. Have a smart watch? Pair the device to give the computer access to heart rate data so it can recommend breathing exercises.

Speaking of space, the aforementioned long wheel base affords a leg room increase of 17 millimetres for people at the back. Head, knee and elbow room are all expanded as well, and the trunk can now accommodate up to 540 litres of gear. The one-piece centre console runs right up the middle of the interior packing a covered stowage compartment and cup holders up front and a soft padded armrest at the rear.

Powering the vehicles are two turbocharged mild hybrid engines — in the E 350 4MATIC a 2.0-litre four cylinder producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-litre inline six making 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the integrated starter-generator system and an improved battery, a temporary boost mode can bump the performance up significantly for a short period of time.

Cars sold with the Technology package bundle 4MATIC air suspension and rear-axle steering that keeps the ground clearance constant regardless of vehicle load. The ADS+ adaptive damping constantly reads road conditions and adjusts stiffness accordingly to provide optimal comfort and handling.

More news to come closer to the release date later this year.