The E-Class is the core of Mercedes’ sedan range and for many years it has played a pivotal role as a premium luxury sedan. The W124 and W212 generation models especially, have collectively amassed huge sales numbers for Mercedes-Benz and following the latter is the all-new 2016 E-Class that you see here. Having made its public debut at the ongoing Detroit Motor Show, the 2016 E-Class is headed for the Indian market to rival the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and the latest-gen Jaguar XF which is also due for India.
Design wise, the E-Class has always had a distinct identity compared to its siblings but with this 2016 model, Mercedes has been rather bold and designed it in a way that it mimics the bigger S-Class.
The 2016 E-Class appears more angular and aerodynamic compared to the outgoing car. The front-end of the car is dominated by a large twin-slat grille along with the familiar sweptback headlight design.
Mercedes’ latest design language is quite apparent when you look at the E-Class in profile. Except for the difference in wheelbase, it’s seemingly difficult to differentiate it from the S-Class or the C-Class.
Expectedly, the rear-end is also a familiar affair complete with the sharply styled dual exhaust tips and the vertically stacked taillight assembly. Even the number plate section and the bumper look familiar.
While the interior of the existing E-Class is hardly class-leading, the 2016 model looks a whole lot better. Looking at the dashboard, it’s fairly easy to spot the S-Class influence in the overall design.
Among several new features inside the cabin are the high-resolution dual displays (12.3 inches per display) and in addition, touch-sensitive control buttons on the steering wheel.
The touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel allow the driver to control the entire infotainment system using finger swipes without having to take their hands off the steering wheel.
While we have already seen touch-sensitive controls between the front seats in many luxury cars, the new E-Class is the first vehicle to integrate touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel.
Under the hood, the 2016 E-Class will be offered with either a 2-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 184bhp/300Nm or a bigger 3-litre, V6 petrol engine with 333bhp and 480Nm of torque.
As for the diesel range, there will be a new 2-litre, 4-cylinder engine and a 3-litre V6 engine. Mercedes has announced that all models will be offered with a 9-speed ZF automatic gearbox as standard.
When launched here in India, the 2016 E-Class will go up against cars such as the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and the forthcoming generation of the Jaguar XF in the mid-size premium sedan segment.
