The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a model synonymous with automotive excellence for decades, has been thoroughly updated for the 2020 model year. As the best-selling model series in Mercedes-Benz history, with over 14 million sedans and wagons delivered since 1946, the E-Class holds a special place as the “heart of the brand”. Building on the success of the tenth generation launched in 2016, the refreshed 2020 Mercedes-benz E-class Sedan and Wagon (including the new All-Terrain variant) are set to redefine the standards of the executive car segment once again when they go on sale in the U.S. by late 2020.
This comprehensive update injects even more dynamism and intelligence into the E-Class, reinforcing its position as a leader in innovation and luxury. With enhanced design elements, next-generation driving assistance systems, and further refined interior comfort, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is poised to captivate drivers seeking a sophisticated and technologically advanced driving experience. Let’s delve into the key improvements that make this refreshed model so compelling.
Dynamic Design Evolution
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasts a more dynamic and visually striking design, both inside and out. The exterior refresh centers around a redesigned front end, where a new radiator grille takes center stage. Featuring a single louvre and chrome pins, the grille exudes modern elegance. Chrome and high-gloss black trim elements on the redesigned front bumper further emphasize the car’s sporty yet refined character.
The E-Class Sedan now comes standard with AMG body cladding, enhancing its athletic stance. Power domes on the hood, a feature shared with the All-Terrain variant, further underscore the sporty design language. Crucially, both the Sedan and All-Terrain models now feature all-LED headlamps as standard, with optionally available MULTIBEAM LED headlamps for optimized illumination.
The rear of the Sedan has also been meticulously redesigned, featuring a new bumper, split taillamps, and a reshaped trunk lid. The taillamps themselves showcase a new, geometric design, contributing to a more contemporary rear aesthetic.
The All-Terrain variant further distinguishes itself by adopting visual cues from Mercedes-Benz’s SUV lineup. Signature All-Terrain components, such as the radiator grille and stylized skid plate, now sport a mirror chrome finish, adding a touch of rugged sophistication.
Expanding the color palette, three new metallic paint options are available for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Cirrus Silver, Graphite Grey, and Mojave Silver. The wheel lineup has also been broadened to include aerodynamically optimized wheels, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and overall sustainability.
Inside the cabin, new colors and materials elevate the ambiance of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. New color combinations such as Magma Grey/Neva Grey and Magma Grey/Macchiato Beige, alongside trim options in Natural Grain Grey Ash Wood and an updated Burl Walnut Wood, provide a refreshed and luxurious feel.
The seats of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class continue Mercedes-Benz’s tradition of long-distance comfort while embracing a modern design. 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, requiring only fine-tuning by the driver. The front seat design emphasizes sporty elegance, offering robust lateral support without compromising on comfort.
Next-Generation Driving Assistance Systems: Enhanced Safety and Convenience
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class takes a significant leap forward in driving assistance technology, incorporating the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz systems. These advancements provide cooperative support to the driver, resulting in an even higher level of active safety and driving ease. A key innovation is the hands-off recognition system, now operating on a capacitive basis for enhanced user-friendliness in semi-automated driving modes.
The new steering wheel features a sensor pad in the rim that registers whether the driver is holding the wheel. Previously, slight steering movement was needed to confirm driver control, but now simply holding the wheel is sufficient. If the system detects no hands on the wheel for a certain period, a warning cascade is initiated, culminating in Emergency Brake Assist activation if the driver remains inactive.
Standard features include Active Brake Assist, a system capable of autonomous braking in numerous situations to prevent collisions or mitigate their severity. At city speeds, it can brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians, and even prevent collisions depending on the scenario. As part of the Driving Assistance Package, this functionality now extends to turning across oncoming lanes.
The updated Driver Assistance package also includes Active Speed Limit Assist, utilizing map data and Traffic Sign Assist information to respond to speed limit changes. Route-based speed adjustment ahead of bends, roundabouts, toll stations, and junctions is also incorporated. When Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adjustment is engaged, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class can now react to LiveTraffic Information with End-of-Traffic-Jam Assist. This proactive system can reduce speed to approximately 60 mph upon traffic jam detection, even before radar or camera sensors detect the obstruction.
In highway traffic jams, Active Stop-and-Go Assist can largely manage lane keeping and safe distance maintenance at speeds up to around 35 mph. With an extended restart function, the vehicle can automatically restart up to one minute after coming to a stop.
Active Blind Spot Assist with exit warning provides enhanced protection when exiting the vehicle. It can respond to vehicles in the blind spot or critical area with active brake intervention. When stationary, the system visually warns passengers in the exterior mirror of approaching vehicles or bicycles. An audible warning and flashing ambient door lighting activate if a door handle is used while a vehicle is approaching. This function operates even when stationary and up to three minutes after ignition switch-off.
Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and a 360° camera simplifies parking maneuvers. The system aids in parking space search and selection, as well as automatic entry and exit from parallel, end-on, and garage parking spaces. The 360° camera provides a more realistic media display image, including an expanded side view. When leaving a parking space, the system warns of crossing traffic and can apply brakes if necessary.
Enhanced Interior Comfort and MBUX Integration
The interior of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class focuses on enhanced comfort and seamless technology integration. A completely new steering wheel design is introduced, available in all-leather or wood-leather combinations. The control surfaces feature a high-gloss black finish with silver shadow trim elements and surrounds. The instrument cluster and media display are controlled via swiping motions on Touch Control Buttons, now operating on capacitive technology, making them less susceptible to fingerprints.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is equipped with the latest generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system. Standard features include two large 12.3-inch screens arranged side-by-side for a widescreen cockpit effect. The high-resolution screens present information in a clear and easily legible manner, with emotive graphics enhancing the intuitive control structure.
Users can personalize the display style with four distinct options:
- Modern Classic: An evolution of the classic display style with elegant and light material aesthetics.
- Sport: A high-tech turbine look with sporty black/yellow contrasts.
- Progressive: A reduced and minimalist digital realm presentation.
- Discreet: All displays are minimized to essential information.
Standard touchscreen control of the media display and optional augmented reality technology for navigation further enhance the user experience. Augmented reality overlays helpful navigation information, such as arrows and house numbers, directly onto a video image of the surroundings on the media display. The system also assists at traffic lights (where infrastructure is available) by superimposing the current traffic light situation when the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is first in line, particularly helpful in situations with poor visibility.
The optional MBUX Interior Assistant enables intuitive, natural operation of various comfort and MBUX functions through movement recognition. For example, approaching a hand to the touchscreen or center console touchpad triggers changes on the media display, highlighting individual elements.
Electrification of the Powertrain: Efficiency and Performance
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class advances powertrain electrification significantly. E 450 models now feature the M 256 3.0L inline 6-cylinder turbo engine with EQ Boost technology, incorporating a 48-volt on-board electrical system. Energy recuperation and engine-off “gliding” capabilities contribute to the gasoline engine’s high efficiency.
The Enduring Legacy of the E-Class
The E-Class lineage dates back to the early 20th century, with Mercedes-Benz models occupying the upper mid-range segment. Since 1946, the E-Class has solidified its position as the best-selling model series in Mercedes-Benz history, embodying the “heart of the brand”. E-Class customers demonstrate remarkable loyalty, with eight out of ten sedan customers remaining with Mercedes-Benz for their next vehicle purchase.
From the post-WWII 170 V to the groundbreaking “Ponton” 180 model (W 120) in 1953, the “Fintail” (W 110), the “Stroke Eight” (W 115/114), and the successful 123 series, the E-Class has consistently set benchmarks. The 124 series (1984-1995) officially adopted the E-Class name in 1993 and introduced the four-seater cabriolet variant. The “four headlamps” face of the 210 model series in 1995 and subsequent generations (211, 212, 213) further cemented the E-Class’s innovative spirit.
Modern Digital Production
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan and Wagon are produced at the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant, sharing a flexible production line with the CLS and Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe. Modern digital technologies, including smartphones for vehicle tracking, additive manufacturing for equipment production, and digital shop floor management, are integral to the production process. The Ubisense system optimizes assembly by locating required tools and providing vehicle-specific information to employees, enhancing efficiency and support.
The Sindelfingen plant, a center of competence for upper and luxury segment vehicles and lead plant for the S- and E-Class, employs over 35,000 people. It also produces the S-Class Sedan, Coupe and Cabriolet, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, and Mercedes-AMG GT family. Future plans include electric vehicle production under the EQ brand, with the plant aiming for full CO2-neutrality by 2022. “Factory 56,” a state-of-the-art automobile production facility, is currently under construction at the location.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 15 model lines ranging from the sporty A-Class Sedan to the flagship S-Class and the Mercedes-AMG GTR. MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.
Accredited journalists can visit our media site at www.media.mbusa.com.
