Ridealong In A 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Prototype Sets Our Expectations

Ridealong In A 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Prototype Sets Our Expectations
Although the automotive landscape has definitely changed, with sport-utility vehicles being in demand, the current-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class has held strong. It remains one of the three-pointed stars' top-selling vehicles based on volume.

But, as autos tend to do, it's getting a bit stale.

For 2021, Mercedes will be giving the E a refresh. From what we can tell so far it seems as though it will be relatively light on the interior and exterior.

Expect the usual: An updated "face," taillights, new colors, new wheels and a light update on the interior that integrates Mercedes' latest tech. The BIG changes are likely to occur when it comes to powertrains and how the E is packaged. Expect mild hybrid technology to find itself home in all U.S.-based E-Class variants.

So, a nip/tuck here and there. More power. Better fuel economy. A more well-crafted cabin.

Check, check, check, check!

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...However, initial impressions are good – the updated E-Class seems to share the same comfortable ride as the outgoing car, while the shift to Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system adds a host of welcome connectivity features. There’s also a suite of new safety equipment, which should help lower the current car’s lofty insurance premiums...

...In summary, our brief encounter with the new Mercedes E-Class left us impressed – most of the old car’s foibles appear to have been rectified and the new mild-hybrid engines should bring competitive levels of fuel economy. However, we’ll have to wait until we’ve driven it on UK roads before we make our final judgement. It’s due to go on sale in the summer of this year.

 


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MDarringerMDarringer - 1/27/2020 8:05:31 AM
-1 Boost
The E isn't bad but it's a German Buick/Oldsmobile. It will again be well-thought out and well engineered, but boring as heck. It needed more than a minor nip/tuck.

Sedans--going forward--will need full reskinnings instead of nip/tuck during their mid-cycle refresh because they now must be perceived as the latest thing to claw at market share. They will also need to present a value. The E should be priced well below a GLE to create attraction to it.


xjug1987axjug1987a - 1/27/2020 10:53:16 AM
0 Boost
Needs to lose the rough 4 Cylinder. An E-Class, for the money IMO ought to have a 6. The previous model 2014-2016 had the silky, normally aspirated 3.5ltr 6 w/302bhp... wonderful mill... put it in the SL as well... SL350...


Agent00RAgent00R - 1/27/2020 3:10:29 PM
+2 Boost
IDK, Matt.

I happen to think the E-Class is a brilliant machine. And, I think the buyers are aware they're getting something more sedate, which is why they go for it.

Have you driven the E53? Definitely has punch and a bit of personality with the pops and bangs when you dial up the sport settings.

You do make an interesting point about full reskins...


MDarringerMDarringer - 1/27/2020 7:53:54 PM
-1 Boost
The E is a great car but it bores me. For similar money I'd rather have a Charger 392 which was far far better than I thought it would be. I miss it.


Agent00RAgent00R - 1/27/2020 8:37:01 PM
+2 Boost
Yeah, I hear you.

But I’d wager the typical E-Class buyer isn’t seeking a muscle car experience or cross-shopping an E w/the Charger 392.


MDarringerMDarringer - 1/27/2020 8:48:48 PM
0 Boost
Most decidedly not, but the Dodge is a car you'll never forget (for all the right reasons) and the E is what you'll lease and dump in 2 years.

I wasn't prepared for how much I'd enjoy the Charger. Build quality and reliability were far better than that Giulia shit pile I had.

I nearly had an Aviator, but it got yanked back. LOL


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