All that’s about to change, though. In 2016, Mercedes will introduce the seventh generation of its most successful model ever, as it looks to build on the 13 million sales the E-Class has already achieved globally.
At January’s Detroit Motor Show the wraps will come off the company’s all-new BMW 5 Series rival – the most technologically advanced model it’s ever produced. It’ll be a four-strong range, and first up will be the saloon – previewed by our exclusive images – which will go on sale in the summer, while an Estate will follow later in 2016. After that, a sleek two-door Coupe will arrive in 2017, before the Convertible completes the line-up towards the end of that year.
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E-Class chassis and design
First on Mercedes’ to-do list is to bring the E-Class in line with the smaller C-Class and larger S-Class, with a more homogeneous look. The boxy design and numerous joints, folds and creases as seen on the current car will be long gone, and in their place will be the flagship S-Class’s more fluid and softer panels. The new headlamps will also take on a familiar shape, and come fitted with 84 individual high-performance LEDs rather than the 24 used in the current E-Class.
There’s a fresh platform, too – the same MRA architecture as is used on the S-Class. That means the next E-Class will be longer and wider than it is today, but also around 100kg lighter. We can expect the car to retain its class-leading passenger and luggage space.
2016 Mercedes E-Class: interior design
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Our image based on detailed spy shots also shows the cabin will be dramatically overhauled. Its traditional instrument cluster and dash architecture will be replaced by two high-definition digital displays, which will give access to some of the most advanced tech and safety systems of any production car.
Mercedes E-Class 2016: engines
There’ll be significant changes under the bonnet as well. The new running gear will allow Mercedes to offer ultra-efficient plug-in hybrid versions of the E-Class for the first time if it chooses to, but an official announcement has yet to be made. It’s not all about economy, though, as the E63 AMG range-topper will still be offered, featuring the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.
Power could rise to as much as 600bhp – trumping the 552bhp BMW M5 – but we’ll probably have to wait until 2017 before Mercedes pulls the wraps off that model. The brand has also more closely aligned the E-Class and ML-Class, by renaming the SUV as the GLE when the facelifted version went on sale soon. And Mercedes’ rival to the BMW X6 is now badged GLE Coupe.
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Mercedes Intelligent Drive tech
The new E-Class will take the next step towards autonomous driving, with the saloon being able to guide itself around motorway bends, all while maintaining a safe distance from the car in front. An intricate web of cameras, sensors and radars allows it to do this, creating a digital image of the surroundings, surface markings and other road users. The only caveat is that the driver’s hands must remain on the steering wheel, with an audible prompt in the cabin if they fail to do so.
The system is also able to automatically increase or decrease the E-Class’s speed by reading speed limit signs if the driver fails to take any action.
Accident Prevention safety tech
Active Brake Assist and Evasive Steering Assist work in tandem to warn of and prevent potential collisions in the new E-Class. The first system now features increased functionality, able to provide visible warning of potential danger as well as being able to automatically apply the brakes in an emergency. The system is now also able to detect and analyze moving traffic at junctions ahead.
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Evasive Steering Assist can detect when a driver is making an evasive action and apply addition steering force to ensure the pedestrian or vehicle is avoided.
Car-to-X Communication is another safety system which enables vehicles on the same road to warn each other of upcoming potential hazards or accidents.
Mercedes E-Class: Remote Parking Pilot
Smartphones will play an increasingly important role with the new Mercedes E-Class. A brand new remote parking smartphone app will allow drivers to park their vehicle from outside of the car to allow for easier ingress and egress. The system only works at very low speeds of 2mph, with the vehicle also able to lock, unlock and start itself from the app.
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Another new smartphone feature is Digital Car Key, which allows the driver's smartphone to be used as a vehicle key - essentially replacing a conventional key fob. The system uses Near Field Communication which also allows the car to be locked and unlocked even if the phone is out of battery. The system is expected to be a boon for the rental car market.
Mercedes-Benz PRE-SAFE technology
If an unavoidable side collision is detected, PRE-SAFE Impulse Side rapidly inflates the side bolster to move the occupant away from the point of impact, while at the same time PRE-SAFE Sound pumps noise waves through the speakers to reduce hearing damage following a collision.
sumber : http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/e-class/89072/mercedes-e-class-2016-exclusive-pics-and-latest-details
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