Story & photos by Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes
A QUICK look at the car, one—truly—can’t help but be instantly mesmerized. Hence, none other than Auto Nation Group Inc. President Felix Ang had the fitting role to introduce this sensationally stunning Mercedes Benz E-Class to friends, the media and customers at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
“Tonight, you will know why the E-Class is called a masterpiece of intelligence,” he said.
“First, introduced at the Detroit Auto Show early this year, this vehicle, now on its 10th generation, is full of technological innovations,” Ang added.
With the arrival of the new E-Class, we take a gander of the signature look of this generation of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Compared to its stiffer predecessors, this new car dons a more aggressive front fascia, cab-rearward profile, fluted body sides and, yet, a gently sloping tail. Eloquently making its marks are its grille, headlamps and tail lamps. Size-wise, today’s medium-sized Mercedes is larger than before, with about 2.6 inches added between the axles, and 1.7 inches of length added overall. While it is a tad smaller both vertically and horizontally, it caps its distinguished panache with wheel sizes of 16 to 20 inches. Inside, it’s fitted with intricately designed upholstery patterns, metallic accents and LED ambient lighting in 64 available colors.
All E-Class models get at least one 12.3-inch high-resolution screen for use by the command infotainment system; while higher-spec models utilize a second large screen for the instruments. These form a splendid focal point for a fully digital cockpit. Not to mention, there is a pair of touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel manageable by both thumbs and a touch pad by the center console, providing ease of access without the strain of an extra movement or the risk of one’s safety.
And, as an added pleasure, a choice of five driving modes are available—“Comfort,” “Eco,” “Sport,” “Sport+” and “Individual” (personalized). While striking, full-width wood disguise span the dashboard and continue spreading onto the door panels.
Passengers, regardless of their seat in the executive class, are concurrently gifted with space both above and below as a panoramic roof and head-out display lord the cabin and give them an almost seamless look up into the sky.
The driving dynamics of the new E-Class, on the other hand, brings to the fray its stellar specs. Powered by a 2.0 L inline four-cylinder petrol engine and geared with the new 9G-tronic nine-speed automatic transmission, this creature is able to swiftly change gears with low engine revs, promoting fuel efficiency and manageably low noise levels. Equipped with standard steel suspension, the new E-Class is sure to bring an agile and secured driving experience.
As they say, its engine guarantees the smoothest and most luxurious drive. It marries both the intricate mastery of an exquisite interior design and sophisticated technology that is easy to use, amplifying the senses to pure nirvana of driving and riding.
Furthermore, other optional driver-assist features guarantee the most ideal of driving conditions: the Steering Pilot maintains the car on its lane and prevents it from unintentional swerving, while the Active Change Lane Assist allows the car to move on its own once it detects a clear lane. Indeed, these characteristics are only a few among the many that prove how it is possible for a car to be continuously aware of its surroundings at all times, thus, making accident-free and near-autonomous driving no longer a distant dream, but a reality—hence, a peek on what the future beholds.