Extra with an E
A Mercedes-Benz classic is still turning heads after years on the market. While its legacy has its own allure, the E-Class has also captured the attention of younger audiences who are drawn to its design, performance and comfort – making a drive to work or the cottage an enjoyable experience.
Decades have passed since the first forefather of the E-Class took to the road. At the time, it was a game changer. The 1936 Mercedes Benz 260D was the first diesel burning sedan of its kind – making it both efficient and economical, without sacrificing power.
But the 260D was only the beginning. Over the last 80-plus years, the E-Class has made a name for itself as an executive car that mixes comfort and efficiency with luxury and safety: perfect for the business professional who appreciates quality. But today the class that preceded so many is writing a new page in its story.
“It’s a vehicle with a legacy, and yet so much to offer to today’s driver,” says Paul Partridge, the general manager of Mercedes-Benz Barrie.
Performance
The E in in E-Class is said to originally have stood for Einspritzmotor – a fuel injection engine designed to optimize the power output, fuel efficiency, reliability, drivability and smooth operation of the vehicle.
“The fuel injection engine may be commonplace now, but the values that made it stand out are still going strong,” says Paul. “The current E-Class combines all the advantages of its predecessors with the latest advancements in comfort and safety.”
For starters, look at the E-Class’s engine. The 2019 E300 sedans have a 2.0L inline-4 Turbo engine that delivers 241 horsepower in as little as 6.4 seconds, thanks to its 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. It’s a responsive engine and a smooth transmission that are only bettered by Mercedes-Benz’s comfort suspension system.
“The suspension makes for effortless driving, whether you’re dodging city construction or taking on back roads on the way to the cottage.”
Design
And while there’s plenty to admire under the hood, the E-Class’s design turns heads, as well.
The E-Class is larger than its fellow sedan, the C-Class, but its spacious design doesn’t take away from its sporty, modern allure.
“Inside and out, the E-Class is a sensory experience,” says Paul. From its vivid panoramic 12.3-inch screen, which can be controlled simply through the steering wheel, to its finely tailored, ergonomically designed leather seats that hug your body as you drive, the tiniest details make a big impression.
And while the E-Class has traditionally been known as the Saloon Sedan, the 2019 lineup boasts a range of models – from wagon to convertible, for every style of driver.
The E300 sedan has everything you’d need in a sedan, from style and safety to the latest tech, but if you’re looking for bit more sport, the AMG E53 and E63 S sedans are the perfect marriage of luxury and power, offering 429- and 603-horses, with the ability to go from 0-100km/h in as little as 3.4 seconds.
If you love the styling and performance of AMG, the E450 coupe, cabriolet and wagon are all worth considering, as well.
“The two-door coupe is perfect for weekend driving through Muskoka’s backroads,” says Paul. “As is the cabriolet. Just put the top down and enjoy the summer breeze.”
Technology
No matter which E-Class you choose, you’ll find a range of technology, designed to make driving safer and more enjoyable. Take the groundbreaking “Car-to-X” technology: this program connects your car to a radio-based central information resource, allowing your car to update you on the driving conditions before you ever reach them. It also can share these conditions with other Mercedes-Benz drivers autonomously, to give them a heads-up on the roads ahead using audible and visible warnings. As this communication becomes standardized, Mercedes-Benz engineers hope to see it integrated across the automotive industry, making all drivers safer.
Pair that with the E-Class’s troupe of built-in safety assists, including Attention Assist, which combines radar-based Active Brake Assist to mitigate forward collisions and Blind Spot Assist to monitor all sides and behind you, all while reminding you to pay attention if it senses you’re getting drowsy.
If a crash does happen, Mercedes-Benz engineers have found a way to combine audio with safety, to guard the ears of you and your passengers, using what they call ‘pink-noise.’
“It’s called Pre-Safe Sound,” says Paul. “In an impending collision, it emits safe ‘pink noise’ through the audio system to naturally defend your ears from the loud noise of an accident.”
Along with protecting you, the 2019 E-Class has also been designed to communicate with you, both on and off the road, using its safety programs and the Mercedes Me app, which is available for all 2019 Mercedes-Benz models. This app gives you a greater connection with your Mercedes-Benz, and greater peace of mind when you two are apart.
Through the app, you can remotely start the engine, lock and unlock your door, retrieve your vehicle status, track its location, get live traffic information and much more.
“This isn’t the E-Class that was introduced to us decades ago,” says Paul. “This is a car with a legacy, but it’s moving forward to serve drivers in a whole new way.”