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New Mercedes E-Class 2016 ride review

We take a ride in the new 2016 Mercedes E-Class executive saloon as it prepares to take on the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6

The camouflage stickers aren’t fooling anyone; the disguised car is obviously a Mercedes-Benz. Proportionally it’s bigger than the C-Class, even though it shares a recognisable theme. Say hello to the new 2016 E-Class then, internally designated as W213, the code by which engineers and Mercedes enthusiasts will forever refer to it. 

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The new car looks softer and more elegant. Its designer, Gorden Wagener, said he wants all Mercedes-Benz saloons to have a common style: “They should all be recognisable as Mercedes-Benz limousines,” he said when speaking at last week’s LA Motor Show, and the similarities with the C-Class are obvious. 

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Visually, the E-Class is a diversion from the somewhat busily styled outgoing model. It isn't only its looks that are shared with the C-Class either, as the E-Class is based on the Mercedes-Benz MRA platform that features in its smaller relative as well as in the GLC SUV. In time, E-Class Coupe, Cabriolet and Estate versions with their inevitable AMG high performance spin-offs will join the family too. 

Driving out of LA – on the tortured combed concrete that makes up a sizeable portion of the USA’s highways – with Michael Kelz, Chief Engineer E-Class/CLS/GLC, at the wheel is very revealing. Kelz says of the new E: “For refinement our target was the S-Class.” And the E-Class rides with a serene quietness that’s arguably better than its luxurious S-Class relation. 

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Full details on the new Mercedes E-Class

There is optional dual chamber air suspension underneath and Kelz underlines the importance of the car’s luxury and suppleness. 

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“There are plenty of engineers who can do sporty in the company,” admits the E-Class chief, “but I am focused on comfort. It’s important”. That’s not to the detriment of engagement, says Kelz, adding: “The steering has to feel natural too, I don’t like synthetic steering.”

From the passenger seat we’ll have to take Kelz’s word on that for now, but the level of driver assistance means that, depending on the route, the E-Class could be steering itself. Technologically it’s entirely feasible that the E-Class could drive fully autonomously, although legislatively it’s not presently allowed. 

On the long, relatively straight roads we’re on, the E-Class is obviously an easy drive, Kelz having only to brush a button on the steering wheel when occasionally prompted, the car checking he’s still paying attention. And if he isn’t, it’ll give further warnings before slowing to a controlled stop.  

Allowing the E-Class its huge arsenal of safety and driver assistance is an all-new electronic architecture, a CAN bus system that makes the E-Class the most technologically advanced car in the Mercedes-Benz line-up. It's even ahead of the new S-Class, until that car is upgraded with a development of the E’s ‘Star 2.3’ electronics. 

The E-Class is set to be available with an extensive range of modular three-, four- and six-cylinder petrol engines, as well as a new four-cylinder turbodiesel, anticipated to be offered in several states of tune. All will drive via the nine-speed 9G-Tronic auto, while 4Matic four-wheel drive will be rolled out after the initial launch phase early next year. A hybrid and, at the other end of the spectrum, a bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8 E 63 AMG will also be offered. 

Both examples of the new E-Class we rode in demonstrated that it promises a sizeable step in luxury over its predecessor. The design of the interior we’ve been sworn to secrecy on, though what is evident is greater passenger space, as well as a more generous luggage compartment. 

The new Mercedes E-Class is set to be revealed at the Detroit Motor Show in January before sales start early next year.

Do you think the new Mercedes E-Class will out-class the BMW 5 Series? Let us know in the comments section below...  

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