#40 2014 Mercedes E-Class – Midsize exclusivity

A long favourite in the midsize luxury segment, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has continued to provide an appealing mix of comfort, performance and safety for decades. The trademark qualities of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, such as vault like solidity and leading-edge technology, have also contributed to the E-Class' great popularity among luxury buyers. No matter what model year, the Mercedes E-Class remains a top notch choice. Recently, Mercedes updated the E-Class, which premiered in 2010, to feature a considerably sharpened design with a cultivated, elegantly sporty look, as well as enhanced driving pleasure, comfort and efficiency.

2014 Mercedes E-Class 

Striking design

Mercedes-Benz has sharpened the overall appearance of the E-Class. Intelligent modifications to the design have given the E-Class a new front end and created new, exciting proportions. The headlamps have been redesigned and comprise all functional elements with a single headlamp lens. Flowing light elements within the headlamps help to ensure that the “four-eyed” look (which is typical of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class) has been graphically retained and afford the saloon an unmistakable night design. The low-beam headlamps and the daytime running lamps feature LED technology as standard. The swept-back bonnet and front bumper have also been redesigned. With its flowing lines, the bonnet follows the new design idiom in a sleek and very straightforward manner. Its contours merge elegantly and smoothly into the frame surrounding the radiator trim and the headlamps. The newly shaped bumper is now free of all light functions.

Four Eyed look defined my LED strips 

For the first time, the E-Class is available with two different front ends: the basic variant and ELEGANCE equipment line come with the classic, three-dimensional grille and Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet. The AVANTGARDE equipment line, on the other hand, incorporates the sporty front end with central star, softly shaped around grille, which gives the E-Class an independent, front-end look with a sporty emphasis. At the rear, the lights and bumper have been revised. The new horizontally structured LED tail lights, with new two-tone look, emphasise the width and create a characteristic night design which is typical of any Mercedes. Depending on the engine, the tailpipes are concealed out of sight or are highlighted to the onlooker. The eight-cylinder models as well as the AVANTGARDE line feature rectangular tailpipes integrated into the bumper.

E-Class AVANTGRADE 

Thrilling performance

The 2014 E 200 CGI and E 250 CGI are equipped with the newly developed four-cylinder direct-injection petrol power unit with a displacement of 2.0-litres. The 2014 E 200 CGI (135 kW/184 hp) is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission (optional 7G-TRONIC PLUS) and consumes only 6.8-litres/100km. The 2014 E 250 CGI (155 kW/211 hp), which has the 7G-TRONIC PLUS as standard, now has a maximum torque of 350Nm. The power unit’s list for Kenya ends with the 2014 E300 CGI. This impressive luxury saloon comes with a 3.5-litre V6 power plant with an output of 185 kW/252 hp and 340 Nm of torque. Mated to the engine is the 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission.

Refined power units 

Smooth ride

The 2014 Mercedes E-Class is available with two suspension set ups. First there is DIRECT CONTROL suspension, which is configured for supple ride and comfort. The suspension is fitted with the standard E-Class and the ELEGANCE trim. A sportily configured DIRECT CONTROL suspension, with a selective damping system, is also on offer. The AVANTGARDE line 2014 Mercedes E-Class rides on this suspension, which also lowers the luxury saloon by 15mm. 

E-Class ELEGANCE 

Safety features

The 2014 Mercedes E-Class now features a combined safety system, which incorporates PRE-SAFE technology and DISTRONIC PLUS, called “Intelligent Drive.” The new safety system incorporates a host of new features that improve the overall safety of the Mercedes E-Class. Also incorporated with the safety systems is a Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera. The camera is positioned behind the windscreen in the vicinity of the rear-view mirror. Information from the camera is processed by “Intelligent Drive.” Hence, the 2014 Mercedes E-Class can detect vehicles, which are driving ahead, as well as pedestrians. The standard COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST helps reduce the risk of a rear-end collision while ATTENTION ASSIST (fitted as standard) warns an inattentive and drowsy driver. ATTENTION ASSIST also informs the driver on the level of fatigue and the amount of driving time which has elapsed since the last break.

Profile unchanged 

Auto-parking

The 2014 Mercedes E-Class features the Active Parking Assist which enables automated parking in both parallel and end-on spaces. The Active Parking Assist steers and brakes the vehicle automatically as well as indicating the required driver actions in the display such as the transmission position to be selected. The driver moves the vehicle by lightly pressing the accelerator or releasing the brake.

Speakers by Bang & Olufsen 

Intelligent airbags

The 2014 Mercedes E-Class’ driver and front passenger airbags features a two-stage gas generator. The two stages can be activated, depending on the detected rate of vehicle deceleration. It then decides whether to make the airbag harder or softer depending on the sitting position of the front occupants. Other airbags fitted include pelvisbags for driver and front passenger, which are able to protect the pelvic area in the event of a side impact. Windowbags between the A, B and C-pillars, to protect the head area of the driver, front passenger and passengers seated on the outer rear seats. Kneebags, which in specific types of impact can protect the driver in the area of the dashboard which comes into contact with the knees, and also stabilise the entire upper body by positively influencing occupant movement in the event of an impact.

Swivel wheel for the infotainment system 

Luxurious interior

Mercedes-Benz has carefully revised the interior of the 2014 E-Class in such a way that, together with the expressive, modern exterior, it forms a harmonious unit. The new, two-part trim on the dashboard is what first catches the eye: it stretches across the entire width of the interior. It is bordered by a high-quality silver chrome frame and, in conjunction with all the high-quality materials available for the trim, creates a consistent overall look. Other eye-catching elements include the instrument cluster and high-gloss framed central display. A new design for the air vents, an analogue clock between the two central air vents as well as redesigned controls, located beneath the head unit, all serve to highlight the overall high-quality feel of the interior of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Cockpit 

An enhanced sense of perceived quality also comes courtesy of the surfaces in the interior of the 2014 Mercedes E-Class. In all equipment variants they feature a fine grain which boasts a high-quality look and feel which is not only elegant to look at but also easy to clean. Contributing to the harmonious and at the same time functional appeal of the interior is the redesigned centre console. The controller for the infotainment system is retained while the gear selector is now located behind the steering wheel. In the horizontal part of the centre console there is therefore plenty of space for stowage facilities. The controls are clearly arranged and generously designed in silver chrome.

Seating arrangment 

Comfortable seats

The driver's seat and front passenger seat can be electrically adjusted for height, backrest angle and seat cushion angle. Additional comfort functions are also offered by the Memory package for driver and front passenger, which individually stores the settings for the fully power-adjustable front seats, front headrests, steering column and exterior mirrors for each user and enables them to be automatically called up again. The spacious rear seats provide room for three occupants as standard in the form of a bench seat with three rear headrests, an armrest with stowage compartment and twin cup holder as well as ISOFIX child seat anchor points on the outer seats, with additional anchor points above on the rear seat backrest.

Classy and luxurious 

Optional extras

The 2014 Mercedes E-Class is fitted with a comprehensive series of high-quality appointments as standard. The new optional highlights, meanwhile, include HANDS-FREE ACCESS in conjunction with KEYLESS-GO. This enables the boot lid to be opened and closed without actual physical contact by simply holding one’s foot beneath the bumper, and is therefore extremely convenient when loading and unloading the luxury saloon.

Comfortable front seats 

Infotainment systems

A modern range of infotainment systems helps to keep the driver up to date while on the road in terms of what is happening around the world or in the office. The systems also enable music to be enjoyed or also optionally offer internet connection. As standard, the 2014 Mercedes E-Class saloon comes with the Audio 20 CD Radio with a six-disc CD changer. It features a twin tuner and MP3-capable CD player as well as a USB connection in the centre armrest. The standard TFT‑colour display measures 5.3-inches diagonally and displays connected devices, via Bluetooth^®, together with SMS text messages. Alternatively, Mercedes-Benz offers the COMAND Online multimedia system for the 2014 E-Class with 7-inch high-resolution colour display which is also combined with a six-disc DVD changer.

Tweaked rear design 

Verdict

Although the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has received only a midcycle refresh, the list of updates is dizzying. Compared to outgoing model, the 2014 Mercedes E-Class is a lot sleeker and a safer, The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class epitomizes the modern midsize luxury car with its elegant furnishings, exacting workmanship, huge selection of engines and features. If you're shopping in this class, the 2014 Mercedes E-Class is not to be missed.