This 10th generation E-Class comes packed with new technology, which the luxury German brand claims reflects a further step towards autonomous driving.

One of the very novel features of the new E-Class is the ability to allow the car to be manoeuvred remotely via a mobile phone without the driver being inside. If you’ve ever found yourself hemmed into a narrow parking space and have been unable to gain entry into the car, this is the feature for you.

This movement towards autonomous motoring is reflected in the new drive pilot system in which key functions such as remote parking, guidance, speed control, braking, acceleration and gear changing can be carried out automatically, depending on the model and options choice. The system also gives the car the ability to anticipate hazards ahead and take corrective action.

Bigger feel

The new E-Class feels bigger, with a more rounded styling look. Mercedes-Benz claims that the car is 43mm longer and has a 65mm longer wheelbase. The car is available in three styles and equipment lines: Avantgarde, Exclusive and AMG. Mercedes-Benz continues to offer buyers models with a bonnet-mounted star and louvered grille, favoured by regular E-Class owners, or one with a grille-inset star, which is likely to appeal to more sporty buyers.

Mercedes-Benz claims to have spent some €2.6bn in developing a new aluminium engine that uses steel pistons to give lower fuel consumption (3.9 litres/100Km combined), lower C02 (102g/km), increased horsepower to 194bhp, along with 400Nm of torque and a lower annual road tax rate of just €190.

At €52,850, the list price for the entry-level E220d Avantgarde Automatic represents a price decrease of €850 compared to the previous model, according to Irish importers Motor Distributors. The new model is more aerodynamic, which, along with a new engine design, claims to deliver a 17% reduction in the weight of the car compared with the previous model.

Features

Mercedes-Benz claims that the entry-level Avantgarde model is equipped with over €7,000 worth of standard features compared to the outgoing version. Included are parking pilot parking assist, heated front seats, full leather upholstery, reversing camera, LED static lights, satnav, mirror pack, ambient lighting, stowage pack, “through loading” feature, seat comfort pack, alarm pack and a “connect me” function. Standard on all models is the 9G Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission.

The standard E-Class features include active brake assist, providing support during emergency braking, attention assist, with adjustable sensitivity to alert the driver to inattentiveness or drowsiness, and crosswind assist, which mitigates the effects of strong crosswinds. An optional driver assistance package offers a further suite of safety features that Mercedes-Benz claims makes the E-Class the most intelligent saloon in its class, one being a system that moves the driver or front passenger away from the danger zones when an imminent lateral collision is detected. Another safety innovation is a sound warning that triggers reflexes and prepares occupants if the risk of a collision is detected.