2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: A Very Big Family!

E-Class cars are the top sellers at Mercedes-Benz. While other automobile manufacturers dedicate their resources to luxury compacts, the Stuttgart-based giant relies on its popular mid-size models. Thus, it’s not surprising that several trims have been updated now that the E-Class has been revamped This line-up includes sedans and wagons, in addition to a coupe and a convertible. And as of this year, you can order one of the new diesel versions or opt for the returning hybrid sedan.

Note that this is just an intermediate revision pending a total redesign of the E in three or four years. And yet, the improvements to the body and passenger compartment are fairly significant. The dashboard, for example, looks more youthful with new gauges housed in three pods and a seven-inch screen with a more modern display. The stick on the console is gone; it has been replaced by a Direct Select shifter anchored to the steering column and is paired with steering wheel-mounted paddles. Unfortunately, the cruise control lever is still located on the left side of the steering column under the turn signal lever, which almost always creates confusion – at least at first.

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Smart safety

At the development stage, all Mercedes include increasingly advanced safety systems, and the E-Class is no exception. In fact, as the E even surpasses the S-Class in this regard. This time, all the safety systems are integrated under the heading “Intelligent Drive,” which now includes several updated elements. Among the most important, there’s the Distronic Plus system that automatically brings the car back to the middle when you straddle a lane line. This mechanism also detects when there is a car or pedestrian ahead of you and slows the car down accordingly. It can even stop the car if necessary. There’s also the BAS PLUS mechanism, which reacts when a vehicle coming from the side is detected. All these systems work in silky-smooth harmony.

More than complete
The number of E-Class versions offered is impressive. Note that the sedans and wagons come factory-standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive, with the exception of the E400 Hybrid sedan, which is a rear-wheel drive. By the same token, only one coupe is available with all-wheel drive, while all of the convertible trims are rear-wheel drives. Here is a complete list of all E-Classes available in Canada:

Sedans

E 250 Bluetec 4MATIC        $57,800
E 300 4MATIC                    $58,800
E 350 4MATIC                    $66,800
E 550 4MATIC                    $75,600
E 63 AMG 4MATIC              $103,000
E 63 AMG S 4MATIC           $110,000

Wagons

E 350 4MATIC                    $71,300
E 63 AMG 4MATIC              $105,900
E 63 AMG S 4MATIC           $112,900

Coupes

E 350                               $62,000
E 350 4MATIC                    $63,000
E 550                               $73,800

Convertibles

E 350                               $69,800
E 550                               $80,800

As you can see, there’s no shortage of choice. However, out of all these versions, the two eco-friendly versions (which are more in keeping with new market trends) stand out: the E250 Bluetec with diesel engine and the E400 Hybrid.

The E250 Bluetec

One of the most interesting versions to join the E-Class family this year is the E250 Bluetec sedan powered by a brand spanking new diesel engine: a 2.1-litre four-cylinder biturbo that produces 195 horsepower and 379 lbs.-ft. of torque. According to the manufacturer’s numbers, this helps it go from 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. If you drive normally and stick to the posted speed limits, you’ll get fuel consumption to the tune of 6.1 L/100 km. According to Mercedes-Benz, that means it has the best fuel economy in the all-wheel drive sedan market.

I was very impressed by E250 Bluetec’s ultra-slick ride and noteworthy performance. It offers effortless accelerations and pick-up, which makes passing easy and safe. What is more, the soundproofing in the passenger compartment is excellent. Granted, you can still hear some clinking under the hood when you’re standing outside the car, but the passenger compartment is downright serene, even in flat-out accelerations. All this is even more attractive when you consider that this is the most economical version in the E-Class line-up. The fact that it’s offered with 4Matic all-wheel drive is another feature that tips the scales in its favour.

The 400 Hybrid

The other, even greener sedan is the E400 Hybrid. Data about this is rather sparse, and even the company representatives that attended the launch weren’t able to answer our questions about it. One important thing we do know about it, however, is that you can only get this car on special order. That being said, basically, it has all the usual characteristics of the other cars in the family, plus numerous options packages.

The 400 Hybrid comes equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 that produces 302 horsepower and is paired with a 27-horsepower electric motor. You can drive it exclusively in electric mode, but the operating range is really quite limited. In fact, the Stop-Start system probably has a greater impact on fuel economy than driving in electric mode does. The lack of information notwithstanding, we had the chance to drive the Hybrid for at least 150 km during a presentation in Oregon and thus we can testify that its handling is every bit as satisfactory as that of the other versions and its accelerations are competitive. Fuel consumption for my test drive was 8.2 L/100 km.

Considering that these two models are sold for about the same price, the diesel earns a nod for its performance, fuel consumption and ease of purchase. However, if you’re a diehard hybrid fan, Mercedes-Benz does indeed have a vehicle for you.

All in all, the E-Class line-up is more complete (so much so that sometimes it’s overwhelming) and more sophisticated than ever.