All You Need to Know about the New 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

After much anticipation, Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the latest version of its best-selling model in history – the E-Class, featuring a redesigned front end, new lights, the addition of integrated starter-generator with petrol and diesel engines, the latest infotainment system, and more.

As much as the exterior is concerned, the entry-level model now already comes with the sporty Avantgarde Line exterior with central star. Plus, the fresh appearance is further enhanced by the new front end with increased chrome content. The front sections of the Coupé and Cabriolet have also been enhanced.

The AMG Line models on the other hand, now get a new bumper in the style of the AMG Performance models which look even sportier. In addition, Avantgarde, AMG Line and All-Terrain trim models also feature a bonnet with powerdomes.

The designers have also updated the Saloon's rear end with a new bumper, two-section tail lights with a new internal design and a new boot lid.

Compared to the outgoing model, the new E-Class’ front fascia sports a more dynamic impression thanks to flatter headlamps which, even in the entry-level models, feature all-LED technology.

The "A-shape" design of the new diamond radiator grille, which is likewise standard on all versions, adds a particularly dynamic touch.

The grille also features chrome-plated dots, a single louvre and the Mercedes star in the centre. A new highlight of the muscular rear section is the completely redesigned inner workings of the two-section tail lights, featuring LED technology.

Inside, the E-Class now gets new colours and materials. There are new colour combinations as well, such as magma grey with neva grey (Avantgarde), black or nut brown (Exclusive) with magma grey or macchiato beige (Exclusive), and trim in silver open-pore ash wood, fondant burr walnut wood, brushed aluminium and aluminium with a carbon grain.

There are also new trim options for the Coupé and Cabriolet – grey open-pore ash wood and light aluminium with carbon-fibre grain.

The new E-Class is also fitted with an entirely new steering wheel as part of the facelift. This is available as a leather steering wheel and in a Supersport variant. The control surfaces sport a high-gloss black finish, while the trim elements and surrounds have a silver shadow finish. The functions of the instrument cluster and media display are operated using touch controls, the physical principle of which has been changed from optical to capacitive.

Cosmetic upgrades aside, the driver assistance features have also been updated, featuring:

• New steering wheel generation with capacitive hands-off detection
• Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adjustment
• Active Stop-and-Go Assist
• Active Steering Assist
• Active Brake Assist; in the Driving Assistance Package now also with turning manoeuvre function
• Active Blind Spot Assist – now also with exit warning

And then we have the Parking Package that has a newly expanded side view for the first time.

Displaying all the necessary information and details in the E-Class models are two large 10.25-inch screens, which are arranged side by side to give a widescreen effect.

While the information in the instrument cluster and on the media display is easily legible on the large, high-resolution screens, an emotive presentation with brilliant graphics underlines the comprehensibility of the intuitive control structure.

For the first time, the four-cylinder diesel (OM 654 M) and petrol (M 254) engines feature a second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) producing up to 15 kW of additional output and 200 Nm more torque.

Both engines are highly efficient thanks to energy recovery and the ability to "glide". This technology is also standard equipment for the six-cylinder petrol engines available for the first time in the E-Class.

There are also seven plug-in hybrid variants of the Saloon and Estate. This EQ Power is available in combination with diesel and petrol engines.

The line-up of high-efficiency, low-emission and powerful petrol engines will cover an output range from 115 to 270 kW, while the diesel spectrum spans from 118 to 243 kW.

So there you have it – a quick glimpse at all the new features in the upgraded Mercedes-Benz E-Class that is here to take on the recently launched 2020 BMW 5-Series.

There has not been any indication on when the model will be arriving here in Malaysia, but our guess is that it is going to be 2021. So, watch this space for more updates on the new E-Class.