2017 Mercedes-Benz E 300: the future is now

OTTAWA, Ontario – Mercedes-Benz is calling its latest 2017 E-Class sedan a “masterpiece of intelligence,” and there's not much I can say that goes against it.

Its tenth-generation E-Class is indeed a marvel of technology and the closest thing on the road today to autonomous driving, which is both an impressive feat, as well as a scary proposition.

• Also: 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: A Technological Leg Up On The S-Class
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For the past few years, all we hear about are autonomous cars being the future. Most automakers boast about what it's been working on and constantly throw out the year 2020 or 2021 as some year of reckoning where our streets are taken over by technology. Before this apocalypse takes place, Mercedes-Benz has provided us with a glimpse of “semi-autonomous” aids that should trickle through to other vehicles in its roster, in what they're calling the next road to autonomous driving.

For 2017, Mercedes-Benz E 300 has been made longer, wider and lighter, while retaining its coupe-like styling. As a bonus, all E-Class vehicles now come standard with AMG design language and an interior that knocks it out of the park. There's no time to go over the insides, but all you need to know is that it's been appointed with a stunning wood decor and soft leather, along with a next-generation infotainment system that uses two 12.3-inch 3D colour screens that turns one of its biggest weaknesses into a major positive.

Tech, tech and more tech

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is so technologically advanced that we had to take an entire morning to go through a briefing session, watch a few demonstrations and then test the systems out for ourselves.

There are some safety features that come standard: Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, Crosswind Assist, PRE-SAFE and PRE-SAFE SOUND, but the main feature of note is part of an optional Intelligent Drive Package ($3,000) called DRIVE PILOT. However in order to get this, you need to purchase the Premium package as well, which is another $5,100.

It's in DRIVE PILOT where the futuristic action begins with help from its subsystem called Steering Pilot that both use cameras, sensors and radar to drive on the highway and within the city. With a flick of a switch, located on the bottom left of the fully leather-wrapped steering wheel, you're able to engage the system and drive the E 300 without the use of the accelerator or steering wheel up to speeds of 210 km/h (something we don't advise). On top of all that, you can hold down the indicator for two seconds, and it will autonomously change lanes for you in the desired direction when the coast is clear.

The list of extra features goes on, including Evasive Steering Assist that adds more steering torque in order to enhance your reflexes and avoid a collision with another car, cyclist or pedestrian; Cross Traffic Alert that can detect cars coming from various angles and will use an autonomous brake feature to bring the E-Class to a complete stop if you don't engage the brakes; and lastly, there's Park Pilot that will detect a parallel or perpendicular parking spot for you and you can choose whether to go forward or reverse into it.

All of this technology is mind blowing; however, Mercedes applies a word of caution to the driving features that they should only be used when needed. Safety is the number one priority, but the worry would automatically be people taking advantage of these features and using them too often.

Luckily, every 10 to 15 seconds, the car will ask you to place your hands back on the wheel to show that you're still focused on the task at hand. If you don't react from the visual or audio cues in 30 seconds, the car will slow down with its hazard lights on to an eventual complete stop for the safety of all.

We have to understand that technology mistakes can occur due to general failures or the weather at any time, and in the end, the driver is still responsible for his or her actions. These are neat things to have if you find yourself in stop-and-go traffic or in need of stretching your legs or arms during a long road trip; but common sense needs to win out when piloting the E 300.

Oh, it also drives phenomenally well

Technology plays a major role in the “wow” factor of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E 300, but that shouldn't take away from its exceptional driving characteristics.

The E 300 has one engine choice—the new 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder that produces 241 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. The more power-oriented, 329-hp E 400 and the 396-hp AMG E 43 will be coming to Canada at the end of the year, but I can tell you first hand, that the 2.0-litre unit can hold its own.

Throughout the two days, it was just a pleasure to drive. Acceleration comes in a gradual manner, but more importantly, it's all done smoothly thanks to its nine-speed automatic transmission. This latter goes through all of those gears seamlessly, leading to a relaxing drive with hardly a peep from the outside. What baffles me is that a small four-cylinder is under the hood, because the drive makes you feel like you're in a V6.

If you're more of a cruiser, then Comfort and Eco modes will serve you well; and if you need a little more excitement in your ride, Sport and Sport Plus ups the ante with a little more spirit, but still in a silky smooth progression up that rev band.

The drive provided plenty of twists and turns along the way, and the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E 300 once again performed admirably. The steering was both responsive and direct, as well as having a well-balanced steering feel that needed very little input from the driver.

For a car that's being billed for its autonomous driving features, it really has both ends of the spectrum covered. It's no doubt a “masterpiece of intelligence,” but its bread-and-butter is still being a luxury driver's car and it can hold its own against the segment, even if you take away those technological features. It's that good for a starting price of $61,200.