Mercedes-Benz recently launched its new E-Class on the Irish market, which for over 75 years has been the mainstay of the German marque’s model range.
Transformed in a host of different ways, those most evident are the subtle shifts taken to move E-Class even further up the luxury ladder in terms of its visual appeal, passenger comforts and interior appointments.
Retained in its latest interpretation is the classic, three-box proportions, albeit in a visually more dynamic form. Stand-out features are its sporty appearance, elegant character lines, elongated bonnet, and well-proportioned rear, all fronted by a new generation facia and grille. Standard are high-performance LED headlamps, all with a distinctive day and night design.
Improvements of note – made possible by its slightly longer wheelbase – are its increased interior headroom, greater rear leg and knee space, and a 25mm increase in elbow width. Luggage capacity has also increased up to 540 litres.
New E-Class owners can access an enhanced menu of driver assistance features, better communications, a superior music and entertainment package, and a more extensive use of third-party apps. An available feature is one that allows the driver to participate in online video conferencing.
An imposing element is its latest MBUX Superscreen through which information, communications, entertainment and guidance systems are managed.
Using its ‘Just Talk’ function and ‘intelligent voice control’ drivers can call-up assistance without using the ‘Hey Mercedes’ keyword. A red microphone symbol on the display indicates that the vehicle is ready and waiting for commands. Additional enhancements available as options are AIRMATIC air suspension and rear-axle steering.
The E-Class is available in three petrol versions (E200, E300 e, E450 4MATIC ) and three diesel versions (E220 d, E300 de and E450 d 4MATIC ) – two equipped with fourth-generation plug-in mild hybrid electric power. A new battery increases electric motor poawer from 15 to 17 kW and boosts torque to 205 Nm.
The E220 d Saloon and E 200 Saloon are priced from €80,525 and €82,130 respectively, while petrol and diesel plug-in hybrid models cost from €79,785 and €81,705 respectively.
CLE Coupé
Joining the E-Class on the newcomers podium from Mercedes-Benz is the new two-door CLE Coupé – a model making its first appearance on the Irish market.
Conceived to take the place of two models now discontinued, the C-Class and E-Class coupés, it has a sleek, athletic appearance with strong sporty overtones that will likely appeal to an even broader base of coupé owners, not least those of a younger generation.
Features of note are its dynamic character line, steeply sloping windscreen and long roof that tapers back towards the rear. Its sporty characteristics are most evident in its 15mm lower posture (1,428mm ), long wheelbase (2,865mm ), and short overhangs (888mm front/1,090mm rear ).
New wrap-around, high-performance LED headlights enhance its visual appeal, as do its new three-dimensional radiator grille with centre star and single chrome louvre strip set against a background of tiny ‘star’ motifs familiar on other Mercedes-Benz models.
A total of 10 exterior colours are available, plus 18-inch to 20-inch alloy wheels depending on model choice.
Inside, a fully digital 312mm instrument cluster and a 302mm central touchscreen display, angled towards the driver, house a multiplicity of controls and information. New electronic architecture delivers fast 5G data transmission.
Seats designed for the CLE are covered with sustainably-processed, vegetable-tanned leather, are heated with four-way lumbar support as standard. Its flat-bottomed steering wheel is wrapped in leather.
Its many occupant and driver comfort features include the latest third-generation MBUX infotainment system. Delivering a new level of personalisation, its automated convenience functions include a third-party apps download facility and voice assistance accessed via its ‘Hey Mercedes’ command function.
Other features include a 17-speaker surround-sound system, remote start, proximity lock/unlock, hands-free boot access, numerous driver-assistance systems, and mood-soothing interior ambient lighting in a 64-colour choice.
The CLE Coupé range is made up of three models: CLE 220, CLE 300 and CLE 450. Within the mix, choice will include 4-and 6- cylinder versions, mild hybrid petrol and diesel units, 9-speed automatic transmission, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and AMG variants.
As it expands, Mercedes-Benz says that plug-in hybrid and open-top cabriolet versions will be added.
For now, mild hybrid models are: a 255hp four-cylinder CLE 300 and a 375hp three-litre, six-cylinder CLE 450 4Matic. Both are equipped with integrated starter-generator running on a 48-volt electrical system that provides an extra 23hp boost that reduces turbo lag and smooths-out the start/stop function when the engine is running at low speed.
In both models, 9-speed automatic transmission and four wheel drive are available with multilink front and rear suspension. A stiffer sport-tuned suspension, standard on the CLE450, is offered on the CLE 300 with AMG package high performance.
Prices range from €73,215 for the CLE 220 d.
