They refer to it as a facelift, but sometimes these changes are outright revolutions, both in design and content – and so it’s been with the most classic of German luxury sedans.
With its adversaries breathing down its neck, and hampered by a slightly dated design, it was high time for the E Class to enjoy a bit of rejuvenation. However, in Stuttgart they did even better with a brand new front design, revised trim versions (now available in Executive, Sport and Premium), along with significant improvements – especially in regards to the electronics that control on-board safety. What is distinct about the new E is its incorporation of Intelligent drive – a series of devices ranging from a lane departure warning system to an anti-collision device for low-speed accidents, and, last but not least, brake assist plus, which intervenes to prevent pedestrian collisions. Also, in the case of wrong-way entry onto a street – in Europe at least – the system recognises the street signage and flashes a strong visual and acoustic alarm to alert the driver.
A Hybrid Touch
All of these safety functions depend on the adoption of radar technology and on a new frontal view HD stereoscopic camera. A 45-degree dual optical scanner keeps the front area under scan over a distance of 50 metres while identifying vehicles, pedestrians and street signs. With all these goodies on board, we decided to drive the most technologically innovative version – the 201bhp, 2.2 litre, turbo diesel E300 Bluetech Hybrid, which is assisted by way of a 27hp electrical motor that allows reduced consumption without compromising on acceleration. All together then, the power output is 228bhp, which corresponds to approximately what a regular 3 litre diesel would produce – hence the name E300. When the ignition is switched on, the car is completely silent because, at start-up, the car is powered by a single flow of electric power, which comes from the batteries mounted underneath the platform. The diesel engine starts later, whenever it’s needed. And the moment that happens, you hear it as the noise reverberates into the passenger compartment and destroys the perfect silence. More interestingly, the E300 boasts of a ‘Sail’ mode for fuel conservation purposes. When in this mode, the engine is turned off the moment it senses a slight descent on the road. Even on the highway, whenever possible, it uses only battery power to move along. The rev counter reverts to zero while the kinetic energy generated by braking or even decelerating is used to recharge the batteries.
This test was held on mountainous roads, and there was frequent acceleration and deceleration, but the worst fuel consumption recorded by the computer on board was 13km/l. This can probably be improved upon on the highway, or at a consistent speed, despite the fact that in those conditions the assistance received from the electric motor is minimal. But, whatever the course, the new E is a guarantee in comfort and enjoyment. Its fittings are luxurious, and there’s abundant space for passengers and luggage. One doubt remains however. In the midst of all this technological lavishness, it’s hard to understand why the handbrake is still foot operated – with the classic mechanical pedal on the left. A die-hard tradition perhaps?
The new AMG
A Discrete Go-Faster Machine
An E63 certainly doesn’t go unnoticed among those who know AMG, but in traffic this ultra powerful version would hardly stand out. And yet it distinguishes itself considerably from its diesel and petrol colleagues, starting with the fact that the engines (all 5.5 litre, twin-turbo V8’s) are assembled by hand at the AMG division in Affalterbach – they are even autographed by the artisan who makes them. At the wheel of the ‘calm’ 549bhp model with all-wheel drive (for those who want the best, the 577bhp S-model is also available) you can have an absolute blast, so long as there is ample space to do so.
Even with four-wheel drive, the sensation is that of rear-wheel drive – given that 67% of the torque is trasferred to the rear wheels. The steering is precise & direct, and the engine provides a power rush that never seems to end, with a redline of 7500rpm. The exhaust note, especially in Sport mode, is deep and rich – sounding exotic even on high revs. Speaking of the transmission, the 7G-Tronic AMG is fast on upshifts (in Manual mode), but a bit less so on downshifts and ought to be more refined given the extraordinary performance of the car.
VERSION TESTED
E300 Blutech Hybrid Executive
2143cc - In-Line 4 Cylinder
201+27bhp at 4,200 rpm
500+250Nm at 1,600 rpm
Rear-wheel drive
7-speed automatic transmission
Max speed - 232km/h
0-100 km/h - 7.5 secs
Claimed fuel consumption - 24.3 km/l
Weight - 1,845 kg
THE ESSENTIALS
Available
Second Half of 2013
Competitors
Audi A6, BMW 5 Series,
Jaguar XF
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