Preview: Sleek, New 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Goes High-Tech

Many E-Class sedans have been among the most satisfying vehicles in the history of our testing. Mercedes often has an uncanny ability to produce cars that combine agile handling, a plush ride, a quiet cabin, comfortable seats, and meticulous fit and finish. The last E300 we tested, which was redesigned in 2017, had the athletic chops but was a bit of a letdown in terms of ride comfort, rear seat room, and distracting controls. This new version also faces internal competition from Mercedes’ own similarly sized electric EQE.

This new model is a touch larger and allows owners to fully personalize many details of the driving experience, as well as stay more connected to the outside world. Whether or not this new, high-tech approach brings calmness or calamity remains to be seen. But our experience with the company’s current infotainment system shows that the controls have a steep learning curve, with an overwhelming amount of options.

The company’s styling department has kept the look of the new E-Class consistent with Mercedes’ core sedan models, the C-Class and S-Class, including the large radiator grille and prominent tri-star Mercedes logo. Other exterior details include flush door handles that reach out to greet you when you approach, similar to those on several EV models we’ve recently tested. Some clever exterior details include LED taillights that are reminiscent of the company’s logo. The overall look is clean, uncluttered, and very businesslike.

As with previous E-Class models, the luxurious interior is available in rich-looking leather, classy aluminum trim, and plush carpeting. Most Mercedes models CR has tested have had superb fit and finish.

But the company’s press information makes it clear that this new model’s interior is more focused on software than hardware. Mercedes’ latest MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system is front and center. But as we’ve experienced in our recently tested C-Class and EQS sedan and SUV, this system borders on tech overload.

As with many high-end models, the new E-Class dashboard is dominated by a large infotainment screen. Like the Hypersecreen we experienced in our EQS, E-Class buyers can add a Superscreen, which includes an additional screen for front passengers. A major difference with the Hyperscreen is the independent gauge display that’s placed at a better viewing angle for the driver. These screens will come in handy because the company is partnering with third-party apps for owners to download TikTok and the Angry Birds game. Plus, the optional selfie and video camera allows Webex and Zoom videoconferencing.

The company claims that front passengers can watch videos but the driver will be “protected from distraction” because the in-car camera that focuses on the driver uses an “advanced filtering concept to ensure the content on the screen is not visible ... while [the car is] in motion.” Mercedes also says that when joining meetings, video images will be deactivated while driving. Suffice to say, we’ll believe it when we see it.

The car’s internal cameras allow for the use of facial recognition, which users can customize to their preferences, such as programming the seats to, say, turn on the (optional) massage feature.

Mercedes-Benz says the new model’s customization allows drivers to create their own “routines.” For example, they can program the heated seats to turn on automatically if the outside temperature falls below a certain degree, and activate more mellow mood lighting during evening drives.

An optional driver monitoring camera in the gauge display is used to detect distraction or inattention and provide audio and visual warnings to the driver. If they fail to respond, the system can bring the vehicle to a stop.

The standard sound equipment is impressive and includes a 730-watt Burmester 4D surround sound system with 17 speakers. The company says the system’s Dolby Atmos technology creates a 360-degree listening experience. Getting the optional Active Ambient Lighting with Sound Visualization feature, the company says, allows occupants to “see” the music as the interior lighting reacts to changing beats and tempo of your favorite tracks with rapid visual changes. Similarly, chill tunes or soundscapes can create equally calming lighting moods. We’ve been quite impressed with the Burmester sound system in our recently tested Mercedes models.

The new E-Class will be offered with turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines that use a mild hybrid setup. Horsepower output is rated at 255 and 375, respectively.

The recently redesigned C-Class we tested was equipped with the same four-cylinder engine, which we found to be smooth, powerful, fuel-efficient, and quite enjoyable. 

The company says the mild hybrid’s electric motor adds a temporary 22-hp boost in addition to an extra shot of 148 lb.-ft. of torque.

Both engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard.

The Environmental Protection Agency hasn’t yet released fuel-economy estimates. Our previously tested four-cylinder E-Class returned a competitive 24 mpg and our C-Class achieved 29 mpg overall.

Although plug-in hybrid models will be available in other markets, the company hasn’t included them for U.S. consumers. There was also no announcement of high-performance AMG models or other body styles, either.

The E-Class will be offered with an optional air suspension system that adjusts the height of the car, as well as a rear-axle steering system, which reportedly tightens the car’s turning circle and aids handling. In our EQS, we found this system felt strange at first, but it made the large sedan more maneuverable.

The E-Class comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning. 

The available Driving Assistance Package Plus offers active steering and braking functions. The E-Class comes with a face recognition system using cameras in the driver display. The system can, for example, detect when the driver appears to be drowsy and send an audible and visual warning to pay attention.