Mercedes has just announced the opening of orders for the new E300de-Class, the plug-in hybrid diesel variant, in Limousine and Station versions, with the first deliveries scheduled for early 2024.
The two variants combine a 197 hp turbodiesel engine with a 129 hp electric motor powered by a 25.4 kWh battery, which promises a 100% electric range of 107 km for the Limousine version and 102 km for the Station.
The Limousine version has an exterior length of 4.95 meters, a width of 1.88 meters and a height of 1.69 meters. Its aerodynamic shapes have a drag coefficient of 0.23, identical to that of its predecessor, plus a trunk with a useful volume capacity of up to 540 liters.
In terms of design, the front features a black panel that connects the three-dimensional radiator grille to the standard LED headlights, with an optional light signature using Digital Light technology, with or without a projection function.
In profile, the integrated door handles, familiar from high-end Mercedes-Benz models, give a distinctive look. At the rear, the split LED optical units feature a new contour with the star in both headlights providing a special design.
The interior of the two new versions of the E-Class is marked by digitalization and comfort, with the instrument panel and dashboard contributing to the digital experience in the cabin. If the E-Class is equipped with the optional front passenger display, a large glass surface of the MBUX Superscreen extends into the central display.
A special filter prevents the driver from diverting attention to the passenger’s screen when they are watching videos during journeys. The instrument panel, also digital, is separate and in an elevated position.
Mercedes revealed that one of the biggest evolutionary steps of the new electronic architecture is that the computing functions of previously separate domains now take place in a single computing unit.
As a result, the screens and the MBUX infotainment system now share a new, powerful central vehicle computer, which increases performance, as well as the volumes of data that can be transmitted more quickly.
To this end, the MBUX Entertainment Plus pack will be available for the new E-Class, and includes Mercedes me connect services and a mobile operator’s data pack. Depending on the market, a communications module with 5G is used as the transmission technology.
The new electronic architecture of the E-Class also makes it possible to accommodate new applications developed by other companies, with the “TikTok” entertainment platform, the “Angry Birds” game, the “Webex” collaboration application, the “Zoom” videoconferencing application and the “Vivaldi” browser being available on the central display since the launch date.
In addition, the ZYNC entertainment platform (optional) offers streaming video, on-demand content, interactive experiences, local video programs, sports, news, games and much more on the central display and passenger display via a user interface.
Another new feature is a selfie and video camera (part of the optional MBUX Superscreen) on top of the dashboard. When the car is stationary, the driver can participate in online videoconferences via, for example, Webex, and take photos and videos. As for prices, Mercedes-Benz has revealed that the E-Class Limousine starts at €75,950.
The Station variant, on the other hand, stands out for its more dynamic look, which is guaranteed above all by the steeper roofline than the previous model, ending in a rear window that is also steeper, next to the new headlights. The front is marked by a black-paneled surface that connects the grille to the headlights, reminiscent of the EQ models, and the daytime running lights are now “eyebrow” shaped, like the latest creations from the star brand.
Compared to its predecessor, the new E-Class Estate has grown by 4 mm in length (4.94 m), 28 mm in width (1.88 m) and 22 mm between axles (2.96 m), which has had a positive impact on habitability, particularly in the rear, and especially on legroom. As for the trunk, in addition to benefiting from the electrically operated rear gate and the 40:20:40 folding rear seat (included as standard in all versions), it offers a capacity of between 615-1830 liters (460-1675 liters with plug-in hybrid motoring, as a high-voltage battery has been installed under the rear seat).
With rear air suspension as standard on all versions (Airmatic air suspension on both axles as an option), and the same engine as the Limousine variant, the E-Class 300de Station is priced from €78,550.
