The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class marked a significant leap forward in the luxury sedan segment, establishing itself as a benchmark against competitors like the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS, Jaguar XF, and Cadillac CTS. In a landscape increasingly focused on innovation, the E-Class directly challenged the Tesla Model S for the title of the most technologically advanced car on the market, and understanding its specifications reveals why it garnered such acclaim.
Design and Styling Specifications
The exterior of the 2017 E-Class embodies a harmonious blend of classic elegance and modern design cues, drawing inspiration from the S-Class and C-Class. Its long hood and short trunk lid create a balanced profile, enhanced by an extended wheelbase that exudes a sense of relaxed sophistication, setting it apart from the more compact C-Class.
Image alt text: Side profile view of a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan showcasing its elegant long hood and short trunk design.
For those seeking to make a statement, the E-Class offered distinct grille designs. The Luxury trim featured the traditional hood-mounted star, while the Sport models integrated the iconic three-pointed star within the grille itself. A pronounced shoulder line gracefully tapers towards the rear, culminating in LED taillights that frame the subtly sculpted trunk lid. The performance-oriented E43 AMG variant further distinguished itself with AMG badging and a diamond-block grille, adding a touch of aggression to its sophisticated silhouette.
Stepping inside, the cabin of the 2017 E-Class embraced a luxurious and technologically advanced atmosphere, mirroring the opulent design language of the S-Class. A defining feature was the expansive metallic trim that flowed seamlessly across the dashboard and doors, punctuated by stylish circular air vents. The dashboard was meticulously crafted with stitched leather and offered ambient lighting options on select models, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The focal point of the interior was the dual-screen display, replacing traditional gauges and serving as the command center for the vehicle’s systems.
Image alt text: Interior view of a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showcasing the dual 12.3-inch screens, metallic trim, and leather-stitched dashboard.
The infotainment system was anchored by a high-resolution 12.3-inch screen, seamlessly integrated into the center stack. Below the screen, a streamlined array of climate control switches and a touch-sensitive COMAND interface puck replaced the traditional gearshift lever, contributing to the clean and modern aesthetic.
Performance and Powertrain Specifications
At launch, the 2017 E-Class sedan featured a refined and efficient powertrain. The core engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, delivering 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission, and offered a choice between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
This turbo-4 engine provided brisk acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in a respectable 6.2 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. While offering performance comparable to a 6-cylinder engine, it exhibited a somewhat gruff engine note under hard acceleration, a characteristic slightly more pronounced than previous Mercedes-Benz V-6 engines.
For drivers seeking enhanced performance, the E43 AMG boasted a potent 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, generating an impressive 396 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. All E43 models came standard with all-wheel drive and featured an AMG-tuned air suspension system, further enhancing its dynamic capabilities.
The 2017 E-Class also offered a choice of suspension systems to tailor the driving experience. Standard models featured a multi-link steel suspension with adaptive dampers, available in either a comfort-oriented or sport-tuned configuration. For superior ride quality and adaptability, an air suspension system with adaptive dampers was also available. Wheel sizes ranged from 17 to 20 inches, influencing both aesthetics and handling characteristics.
Image alt text: Close-up view of the drive mode selector in a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, highlighting options like Comfort, Sport, and Sport+.
The E-Class offered selectable drive modes – Comfort, Economy, Sport, and Sport+ – which adjusted parameters such as suspension damping, steering feel, transmission shift points, and throttle response. This allowed drivers to customize the car’s dynamics to suit various driving conditions and preferences, ranging from relaxed cruising to more engaging, sporty handling. The standard E-Class, depending on configuration, could deliver both traditional Mercedes-Benz comfort and surprisingly agile handling for winding roads. The air suspension system in particular provided exceptional versatility, transitioning seamlessly from plush comfort in Comfort mode to a firmer, more controlled feel approaching AMG levels in Sport+ mode.
Comfort, Utility, and Dimension Specifications
The 2017 E-Class employed advanced construction techniques, utilizing increased amounts of high-strength steel in the body structure along with lightweight aluminum panels. This resulted in a vehicle that maintained a relatively light weight of around 4,000 pounds, contributing to both efficiency and handling agility.
The redesigned body shell translated directly to enhanced cabin space. Compared to its predecessor, the 2017 E-Class grew by 1.7 inches in overall length, reaching 193.8 inches, and featured a 2.6-inch longer wheelbase at 115.7 inches.
These dimensional increases resulted in more generous front and rear passenger space. Front occupants benefited from enhanced legroom and multi-adjustable seats with lumbar support and optional massage functions. While the previous E-Class already offered ample rear-seat space, the 2017 model further improved rear passenger room, even with a roofline designed for sleek aesthetics, achieved through a cleverly repackaged rear seat design.
Image alt text: Rear passenger seating area in a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showcasing the legroom and comfortable bench.
Further enhancing occupant comfort, the 2017 E-Class offered a new optional warmth package, providing heated armrests, center console, and steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed a center armrest with integrated cupholders and the option for tablet holders, adding to the vehicle’s practicality and luxury.
Safety and Autonomous Driving Specifications
Safety and semi-autonomous driving technology were key highlights of the 2017 E-Class. It was marketed as the most advanced sedan in its class, incorporating numerous innovative features.
Standard safety equipment included Attention Assist (drowsiness detection), Pre-Safe Sound (emits a specific frequency before an impact to protect hearing), forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera.
The Driver Assistance suite represented a significant step towards autonomous driving. Adaptive cruise control could maintain a set speed and distance to the vehicle ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic, at speeds up to 130 mph. Drive Pilot, an enhanced steering assist system, was designed to better follow road markings, even when lane lines were unclear, at speeds up to 81 mph. The E-Class could also automatically change lanes after the turn signal was activated for two seconds.
The automatic emergency braking and steering assist systems were enhanced to operate at higher speeds and could even apply brakes to mitigate potential cross-traffic collisions. Additionally, the steering system could provide corrective torque to aid drivers in evasive maneuvers.
While these systems represented advanced technology, they were designed to assist, not replace, the driver. The system required drivers to actively hold the steering wheel every 20-30 seconds. Although generally effective, the systems were not infallible and could experience limitations in certain conditions, such as faded lane markings.
Further technological advancements included smartphone-based remote parking and parking retrieval, car-to-x communication for sharing data with nearby vehicles and infrastructure, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side, which inflated front seat bolsters to move occupants further away from the door in a side impact.
Other Notable Specifications
The 2017 E-Class introduced a redesigned infotainment system with high-resolution graphics and animations. Ambient cabin lighting offered a spectrum of 64 colors, with customizable zones.
For audiophiles, the E-Class offered a choice of premium Burmester sound systems. Both systems utilized structural elements of the car’s body as resonance chambers for enhanced sound reproduction. The higher-end Burmester system featured 23 speakers and 3D surround sound.
In conclusion, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class specifications showcase a vehicle at the forefront of automotive technology and luxury. From its elegant design and powerful engine options to its advanced safety features and spacious, comfortable interior, the E-Class solidified Mercedes-Benz’s position as a leader in the premium sedan market, proving its claim to technological superiority was indeed well-founded.
