2017 Review Mercedes-Benz E-Class: First Drive

Twenty years ago, deep in the heart of Silicon Valley, Mercedes-Benz became the first automotive manufacturer that opened a facility Research & Development for the development of future innovations. Skip forward, would almost seem natural to debut what brand of car calling the most intelligent in the world, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

A Masterpiece of Intelligence

Mercedes-Benz Research & Development is based in Sunnyvale, California, North America (MBRDNA) office is the birthplace of many systems found in the current Mercedes-Benz cars, including 30 applications in 28 different languages, it is logical to showcase the latest innovations in the fleet , In the case of the 10th generation of new E-Class sedan, this tour de force is touted as the most advanced vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio.

If it gets into the usual Mercedes vehicles is an event in itself, then imagine how it feels when the show is on wheels is a step that is actually closer to the concept of autonomous cars. For that, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 includes features and safeties like suites drive Pilot, which includes distance Pilot DISTRONIC, which can follow a vehicle at a distance that is preselected at speeds up to 130 mph, Steering Pilot, guiding cars through the soft sweeping turns and actively intervene even if the lane is not clear, and active Lane-Change assist which is a camera-and-radar-based system that helps with steering into the adjacent lane if it is empty.

Other advances include Pre-Safe Sound that in addition to this already proven Mercedes Pre-Safe system, emits a short warning if a collision is imminent, triggering a protective reflex in the inner ear known as the "effect stapedius" to help reduce hearing loss from an accident. Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function of pre-charge the brakes to stop quickly. Steering Assist Dodge adds steering torque when the driver perform evasive maneuvers such as avoiding bicycles or pedestrians stepping off a curb. There is even a look at your sensors will cause the car to slow to a complete stop when not recording head or hand movements in the specified time period.

And that's just for head-on things. Pre-Safe Side Impulse is a new technology that is feeling the effects and causes lateral side airbags built into the seat bolsters for the front seat occupants move of 2.75 inches from the impact zone, effectively reducing the impact strength up to 33 percent. Later this year, Mercedes will introduce the car for communication X to create a vehicle also comes more aware of the danger that your car may have just encountered.

Small Is the New Big

Mercedes engineers gave, and take it back. Has a curb weight is 154 pounds lighter than the previous model means a smaller engine can accomplish the tasks previously performed by a larger one. In this case, E300 sports a turbocharged 4-cylinder 2.0-liter that makes 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, matched with the torque of a V6 engine found in the outgoing model.

Using the same engine as found in the GLC SUV, was mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission 9G-Tronic with paddle shift lever. While we do not know how to rank the Environmental Protection Agency will stand, we know that the 0-to-60 mph comes in at 6.2 seconds.

The price for the E300 starts at $ 52,150. Drivers are located in areas Snowbelt can take advantage of available and well-sorted 4Matic all-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz, which starts at $ 54,650. Selection and price of the package remains to be determined but the selling price does not include destination and delivery charges $ 925.

Honey, I've shrunk the S-Class

Here are the latest Mercedes "Sensual Purity" design cues, the E-Class appear as ¾-scale version of the S-Class flagship brand. 5-passenger sedan recently included a long nose, short rear deck, coupelike roofline and a "feature line" that all lend themselves to what the brand calls a new emotional design that is 1.7 inches longer and 2.6 inches freeing additional stretch in the wheelbase. The end result is a space for more rear seat leg and a greater presence overall.

Like the previous model, there are two different styles: a luxury version of the E300 features Mercedes-Benz star standing in front of the hood and the Sport version will feature a larger Mercedes star in the center of the trademark grille opening. Both versions get the effect of the new LED light system stardust tail varying intensity according to the ambient lighting conditions. Those who think not quite sporty Sport version will only have to wait for the E43 AMG sedan, powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine 396 hp.

2017 battle Mercedes-Benz E-Class in a segment that includes the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS and Lexus GS.

Interior design

E300 very quiet our sample included a dual-screen display system available, which features two 12.3-in screen on the dashboard. Center screen Mercedes-Benz COMAND system offers access to all operations of the car navigation, audio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and a climate control system. Secondary Display Package (and optional) This driver allows users to configure multiple gauge display and settings, to customize the dashboard according to the preferences of the driver or the car control. Drivers can choose from three different themes including classic, Sport and Progressive.

Inputs to the COMAND system operates via the controller which falls directly under the driver's right hand. From there, the driver controls all functions of the dashboard to the center of the screen, and can spell address or a radio channel with their fingers on the touchpad center.

A special steering wheel with touch control buttons ($ 800) are also available. Located on either side of the steering wheel, the left controls operate gauges driver, while the precise control operates COMAND screen.

We sampled two interior trim levels, which trended towards the sporting side of the equation, while others turn to the obvious luxury. Sports models including piano black wood veneers with silver lines inlay throughout, while luxed-out featured E300 natural grain ash wood veneers that looked as though they were just washed up on some sexy, exclusive Caribbean coast.

A Burmester audio system is now part of the mix and the use of M-B-based FrontBass hollow space floor boards to add bass response. This in turn has allowed Subwoofer previously installed in the door, to move further forward to provide more storage space in the side pocket of the car. CarPlay Apple and Android Auto included. NFC Wireless charging for Android is also part of a specific platform. E-Class sedan can also be equipped with 4G-LTE hotspot.

driving Impressions

Our E300 powered by a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that somehow thought it V6. Also visible in the GLC, it provides the power-dense 120.5 hp per liter. This helps turbocharging 4-banger punches above weight class and managed to do so with a minimal amount of turbo lag in the process. We were able to remap control drive by clicking the stage from ECO, Comfort, Sport, Sport + or Dynamic select which changes according to what it thinks is the optimal setting.

Highly responsive steering of the speed-sensitive electro-mechanically driven rack and pinion kit. Braking is well-modulated using M-B Distronic cruise control, while sailing on California 101 at steady state until the sensor feel the deceleration of the car in front of us. Sometimes bring us to the point, the system starts again with a gentle tap on the gas pedal. The E300 4Matic drivetrain steady grip through courses offered today in the streets ranging from the long straight into the tight twisties with almost everything in between.

Features Pre-Safe Mercedes-Benz obtained keep during a cruise up the Pacific Coast Highway lollygagger full during our test drive. Being able to feel the car stopped two vehicles in front of us, it is because our seats sat up straight, and the seat and shoulder belts cinched even before the car directly in front of us hit their brakes. Very nice to know this car is capable of. It was even more impressive to see in practice.

Usually buyers of luxury cars enjoy the thrill of big, powerful machine featuring the muscle and grunt of chrome tailpipes. Unfortunately, with the more stringent emission controls come into play in 2025, a large powerplants may be handed over to the driver's memory. In the case of 2.0-liter four-pot we, MB has been artificially enhanced engine roar with digital audio tracks that add low-pitched grunt to the car audio system. Just think of the possibilities: We thought it was just a matter of time before someone figures a way to add high-pitched scream of F / A-18 Fighter Jet, or Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 powerplant. It maintains the emotional, visceral feeling and at the same time, make buyers think they are getting their money's worth.

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