Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 2024 E-Class sedan, the sixth incarnation of the luxury sedan that features a contemporary take on the traditional luxury sedan. The sedan is set to be offered in Europe with a range of four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance for added performance and fuel efficiency. The new E-Class will also offer three new petrol-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrains, one of which can provide up to 118km of electric driving range on Europe’s WLTP test cycle. The design of the 2024 E-Class is similar to the C-Class and S-Class, giving the three sedans a cohesive and similar appearance.
The new E-Class features Level 4 autonomous driving technology which is optional in markets where government regulations permit. The sedan has a larger grille with an optional illuminated surround, new headlamps with optional Digital Light technology, and a longer bonnet with improved pedestrian protection measures. The sedan has a more heavily raked windscreen and roof, and a larger interior with more digital functions, improved comfort and higher-quality materials. It has a new head-up display with augmented-reality functions, and an optional Burmester 4D surround-sound system with up to 17 speakers and four bass units fitted within the front seats.
The E-Class is underpinned by the Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) platform used in the C-Class and S-Class, updated with a new electrical architecture based around one single, high-speed processor for improved computing power. The platform has been updated with structural changes providing added rigidity compared to the outgoing, fifth-generation E-Class. The new E-Class range is set to add a wagon body style in Europe in December 2023, and an off-road-themed E-Class All-Terrain wagon in early 2024, neither of which are expected to come to Australia.
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed three petrol-electric plug-in hybrid models for the launch line-up in Europe: the rear-wheel-drive E300e and all-wheel-drive E300e 4Matic and E400e 4Matic. All three plug-in hybrid models receive a 24.1kWh battery, giving the new models between 111km and 118km of electric driving range on Europe’s WLTP test cycle. Further developments brought to the E300e and E400e include higher charging rates. An on-board charger now enables fast-charging at up to 55kW.
In conclusion, the new 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan features a sleek design with improved engines, digital functionality, and advanced driver assistance systems. It also includes level 4 autonomous driving technology, the latest MBUX infotainment system, and a choice of four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, including three petrol-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrains. While the E-Class wagon and all-terrain are not expected to reach Australia, the sedan will be seen in showrooms in the first quarter of 2024.
