German manufacturer has started work on the fifth-generation of its executive car in preparation for an anticipated launch in mid-2016
The next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon has been spotted testing ahead of a planned debut at the Detroit motor show in January next year.
The new-generation model, codenamed W213, adopts Mercedes’ modular MRA platform, as used by the latest C-Class and S-Class models.
Insiders confirm the new E-Class will once again grow in size, to about 4950mm long and 1940mm wide. An estate, offering a similar 695-litre luggage capacity to its predecessor, is due to go on sale towards the end of 2016. The increased use of high-strength steel and aluminium is claimed to make both versions up to 100kg lighter than today’s.
Stylistically, the new E-Class follows the latest C-Class, the GLA, and the S-Class coupé. As on other recent models, Mercedes plans two distinct front-end treatments: a traditional chrome grille and a more sporting blade grille. Sources suggest the aerodynamics have been refined so that the drag coefficient has improved from 0.25 to a class-leading 0.23.
The interior gets a 150mm-tall, 700mm-wide monitor boasting HD graphics and, via a stereo camera mounted within the windscreen, support for augmented reality functions. Mercedes also plans an improved head-up display and new multi-function steering wheel controls.
The new E-Class will be launched in the UK during the second quarter of next year. It will have a new generation of four-cylinder diesel engines, codenamed OM654, alongside existing four-cylinder petrol engines. The new 2.0-litre diesel is expected to be offered in two states of tune.
Mercedes will extend the line-up during 2016 with a new generation of 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesels. New six-pot petrol engines are also planned.
The new in-line six-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine (codenamed M256) and common-rail diesel engine (codenamed OM656) are undergoing pilot production at the company’s factory in Unterturkheim, near Stuttgart in Germany.
They share elements of their architecture with Mercedes-Benz’s existing in-line four-cylinder petrol engine, the M274, including their 90mm bore centre spacing and 500cc individual cylinder volume.
All three units form part of a new modular engine family that, sources say, also includes an in-line three-cylinder petrol engine and a new-generation in-line four-cylinder diesel (codenamed OM654).
The three-cylinder petrol engine is scheduled to be offered in future generations of the A-Class, B-Class, CLA, GLA and possibly other front-wheel-drive models in combination with an electric motor.
The new four-cylinder diesel, which replaces the OM651 unit in use today, gains the latest in piezo-guided direct injection. It is planned to be used across the Mercedes line-up in models ranging from the A-Class to the S-Class. Both engines are considered crucial to the German car maker’s efforts to meet the 95g/km fleet average CO2 emissions regulation due to come into force in 2020.
An E350e plug-in hybrid, with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and an electric motor, will join the range within a year of launch. It’s said to have an electric-only range of 20 miles.
Later next year, a new E63 will crown the line-up. It is set to get a reworked version of AMG’s twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 in two states of tune. All engines, save for the AMG V8, will come with Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard. Alongside standard rear-wheel drive, selected engines will be offered with optional four-wheel drive.
The E-Class rides on newly developed suspension that features variable-rate damping. Revised AirMatic air suspension will be standard on higher-level models.The new E-Class is due to receive the latest in autonomous driving technology. Nothing is confirmed, but officials hint that it will offer a function that will allow it to autonomously accelerate, brake, change lanes and overtake up to a pre-determined speed. High-end options will include a full range of self-parking functions.
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