The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a name synonymous with automotive excellence, has long been considered the very heart of the Mercedes-Benz brand. With a legacy spanning over 14 million sedans and wagons delivered since 1946, the E-Class continues to captivate drivers worldwide. In 2016, the tenth generation set new benchmarks with its emotionally resonant design and cutting-edge technology. Now, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class emerges with a comprehensive refresh, blending dynamic styling, next-generation driving assistance systems, and enhanced interior comfort to reaffirm its position at the pinnacle of the executive car segment.
This updated model aims to not only maintain but elevate the E-Class legacy, appealing to discerning drivers who demand both luxury and performance. Let’s delve into the key enhancements that make the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a compelling choice in the competitive automotive landscape.
Dynamic Design Evolution
The 2020 E-Class embraces a more dynamic design language, evident in both its exterior and interior refinements. The front fascia receives a significant makeover, headlined by a redesigned radiator grille. This new grille features a single louvre and chrome pins, projecting an aura of modern sophistication. Chrome and high-gloss black trim elements integrated into the front bumper further accentuate the vehicle’s sporty yet elegant demeanor.
For the sedan variant, standard AMG body cladding amplifies its athletic stance. Adding to the muscular aesthetic, both the Sedan and All-Terrain models now feature power domes on the hood, underscoring their performance capabilities. Standard all-LED headlamps illuminate the road ahead with clarity and style, while optional MULTIBEAM LED headlamps offer an even greater level of advanced lighting technology.
The rear of the Sedan has also been meticulously updated with a redesigned bumper, split taillamps, and a newly sculpted trunk lid. The taillamps themselves showcase a fresh, geometric design, contributing to a distinctive rear light signature.
The All-Terrain variant further distinguishes itself by drawing visual cues from Mercedes-Benz’s SUV family. Signature All-Terrain elements, including the radiator grille and stylized skid plate, now boast a mirror chrome finish, enhancing its rugged yet refined appeal.
Adding to the palette of personalization, three new metallic paint colors are introduced for the 2020 E-Class refresh: Cirrus Silver, Graphite Grey, and Mojave Silver. The wheel selection has also been expanded to include aerodynamically optimized wheels, which not only enhance the car’s aesthetics but also contribute to improved fuel efficiency and sustainability.
Inside the cabin, new colors and materials elevate the sense of luxury. New color combinations such as Magma Grey/Neva Grey and Magma Grey/Macchiato Beige create sophisticated and inviting atmospheres. Trim options in Natural Grain Grey Ash Wood and an updated version of Burl Walnut Wood further enhance the interior’s tactile richness.
The seats are designed to offer signature Mercedes-Benz long-distance comfort with a modern design aesthetic. A particularly convenient feature is the adaptive driver’s seat adjustment: by simply entering body height into the media display, the seat automatically adjusts to a suggested position, allowing for easy fine-tuning. The front seat design emphasizes the sporty character of the interior, providing robust lateral support without compromising on comfort.
Cutting-Edge Driving Assistance and Technology
The 2020 E-Class takes a significant leap forward in driving assistance technology, incorporating the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz systems. These systems provide cooperative support to the driver, enhancing active safety and driving ease. A key advancement is the hands-off recognition system, now operating on a capacitive basis. This system detects if the driver is holding the steering wheel, enhancing user-friendliness in semi-automated driving modes.
The redesigned steering wheel features a sensor pad in the rim that registers hand contact. If the system detects that the driver’s hands are off the wheel for a prolonged period, it initiates a warning cascade, culminating in Emergency Brake Assist activation if no action is taken.
Standard Active Brake Assist is a crucial safety feature, capable of autonomous braking in numerous situations to prevent collisions or mitigate their severity. In urban environments, the system can brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians. As part of the Driving Assistance Package, this functionality now extends to include turning maneuvers across oncoming lanes.
The updated Driving Assistance package also includes Active Speed Limit Assist, utilizing map data and Traffic Sign Assist to proactively adjust to speed limit changes. Route-based speed adjustment anticipates bends, roundabouts, and junctions. When Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC is engaged, the 2020 E-Class can now respond to LiveTraffic Information with End-of-Traffic-Jam Assist, preemptively reducing speed in congestion, even before the driver or sensors detect the obstruction.
In highway traffic jams, Active Stop-and-Go Assist largely automates lane keeping and safe distance maintenance at speeds up to 35 mph. An extended restart function allows for automatic restarting up to one minute after a stop.
Active Blind Spot Assist with exit warning provides enhanced safety when exiting the vehicle. It can detect vehicles in the blind spot and critical areas, intervening with active braking if necessary. When stationary, the system visually warns passengers in the exterior mirror of approaching vehicles or bicycles and provides audible warnings if a door handle is operated.
Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and a 360° camera system automates parking maneuvers. The system aids in locating and selecting parking spaces and can automatically enter and exit parallel and end-on parking spaces. The 360° camera provides a more realistic media display image with an expanded side view. When leaving a parking space, the system can warn of crossing traffic and apply brakes if needed.
Enhanced Interior Comfort and MBUX
The interior of the 2020 E-Class prioritizes comfort and intuitive technology. A completely new steering wheel design is introduced, available in all-leather or wood-leather combinations. High-gloss black control surfaces with silver shadow trim elements offer a premium feel. Instrument cluster and media display are controlled via capacitive Touch Control Buttons, which are less susceptible to fingerprints.
The 2020 E-Class is equipped with the latest generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system. Standard dual 12.3-inch screens create a widescreen cockpit. The system offers four display styles: Modern Classic, Sport, Progressive, and Discreet, allowing users to personalize the visual experience.
Standard touchscreen control for the media display and optional augmented reality for navigation enhance usability. Augmented reality overlays navigation information, such as arrows and house numbers, onto a live video image of the surroundings on the media display. A unique feature assists at traffic lights: when the E-Class is first in line, the current traffic light status is overlaid on the display, particularly helpful in low-visibility situations.
Optional MBUX Interior Assistant enables intuitive operation of various comfort and MBUX functions via movement recognition. Hand gestures near the touchscreen or touchpad trigger display changes and element highlighting.
Electrified Powertrains for Efficiency
Electrification is a key focus for the 2020 E-Class powertrain. E 450 models now feature the M 256 3.0L inline 6-cylinder turbo engine with EQ Boost technology and a 48-volt on-board electrical system. This combination enhances efficiency through energy recovery and engine-off “gliding” capability. The M256 engine boasts 362 horsepower and incorporates features like NANOSLIDE® cylinder coating and CAMTRONIC for intake valve control.
A Legacy of Automotive Excellence
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineage dates back to the early 20th century, representing a core segment for Mercedes-Benz. From the first Mercedes models of 1901 to the post-WWII 170 V and the groundbreaking “Ponton” 180 model (W 120) of 1953, the E-Class has consistently set standards. The “Fintail,” “Stroke Eight,” and subsequent 123 and 124 series models further solidified its position. The 124 series marked the official adoption of the E-Class name in 1993.
Generations like the “four headlamps” 210 series and the 211, 212, and 213 series have continued to innovate, culminating in the refreshed 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This latest iteration is produced in the Sindelfingen plant, utilizing advanced digital production technologies, sharing a line with models like the CLS and AMG GT 4-door Coupe. The Sindelfingen plant, a center of competence for upper and luxury segment vehicles, is pioneering digital shop floor management and aiming for CO2-neutral production by 2022.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands as a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation, luxury, and driving excellence, continuing its legacy as the “heart of the brand” for years to come.
