2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
New for 2017
The E-Class gets a complete redesign for 2017.
Exquisite Class
The previous-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class was already an impressive luxury sedan—an exquisite example of form and function, luxury and refinement—but with the redesigned 2017 model, Mercedes-Benz is reaching new heights. The 2017 E-Class incorporates styling and technology from the flagship S-Class, and even some features the larger car doesn’t have. Advanced driver-assistance systems bring the new E-Class closer to autonomous driving than just about any production car.
Performance
The E-Class lineup will grow to include many different variants with many different powertrain options, but for 2017 Mercedes-Benz is laying a strong foundation, starting out with a single model that will likely become the most popular E-Class iteration in the years to come.
The E300 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with a nine-speed automatic transmission. That may seem like a small engine for a midsize luxury sedan, but it produces an impressive 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes-Benz offers the E300 with rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC® all-wheel drive.
With rear-wheel drive, the E300 will do 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, while all-wheel drive models take 6.3 seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz. Top speed for both models is an electronically limited 130 mph. EPA-rated fuel economy is 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive, and 24 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.* Those fuel-economy ratings show the benefit of the E-Class’ downsized four-cylinder engine.
In early 2017, Mercedes-Benz will also introduce a sportier AMG® E43 model. It features a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, nine-speed automatic, and sport-tuned 4MATIC® all-wheel drive and suspension. The engine produces 396 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, rocketing the E43 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. EPA fuel-economy ratings for the E43 are not available at this time.
While the E-Class will certainly reward an eager driver, its defining feature may be its level of automation. The E-Class features a suite of driver-assistance systems that bring it a step closer to autonomous driving. The Drive Pilot system can follow a car at speeds up to 130 mph, controlling acceleration and braking, and even providing some steering assist. Remote Parking Pilot (available in the U.S. in a later model year) allows the car to be moved in and out of parking spaces using a smartphone app.
Those are just a couple of the many systems Mercedes-Benz deployed to take some of the workload off the driver. In addition to assistance systems, the E-Class also offers Car-to-X communication, which allows cars to “talk” to each other and infrastructure. This conveys warnings of obstacles and adverse conditions to drivers.
Features
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a four-door, five-seat midsize luxury sedan (a wagon version will be available at a later date). Pricing starts at $52,150.**
Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, power front seats with memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, 64-color LED ambient lighting system, COMAND® infotainment system with touchpad controller and 12.3-inch central display, three-spoke Touch Control steering wheel, navigation, voice control, dual USB ports, and more.
Optional features include wood trim, 19-inch wheels, active multi-contour front seats with massage, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, Air Balance cabin-air purification system, leather upholstery, electronic trunk closer, 12.3-inch widescreen instrument cluster, Burmester® premium audio systems, head-up display, wireless phone charging, and in-car 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.
Mercedes-Benz also offers its mbrace® Connect telematics system on the E-Class. The basic version includes remote-access features, allowing the driver to remotely start the engine, lock and unlock the doors, call for roadside assistance, and perform other functions using a smartphone app. Concierge, entertainment, and other services can be added as well.
Design
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cloaks its advanced technology in restrained styling that gives the car a sophisticated look. Compared to the previous E-Class, the new model is 1.7 inches longer, with a 2.6-inch wheelbase stretch. It retains classic cab-rearward proportions, with a long hood and short rear deck. The roofline is sleeker and more coupe-like than before, while the front end features the same rounded headlights and grille as other recent Mercedes-Benz models.
On the inside, the E-Class borrows much of its design from the flagship S-Class. Like that larger car, the E-Class is available with a large display screen that combines both the instrument cluster and center-stack display into one unit. A touchpad controller handles infotainment functions, and there are touchpad controls on the steering wheel as well. The interior has all of the traditional luxury trimmings as well, including plenty of wood leather, and available heated massaging seats.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, Active Brake Assist automatic braking, Attention Assist, Crosswind Assist, Pre-Safe pre-collision system, Car-to-X communication, and nine airbags. Optional features include Distance Pilot Distronic and Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, lane change assist, Congestion Emergency Braking, rearview camera, surround view system, rear cross traffic alert, and more.
Verdict
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class raises the bar for luxury and technology.
For more information, or to inquire about a test drive, contact us online or visit Mercedes-Benz of Owings Mills at 9727 Reisterstown Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117.
*Excludes all options, taxes, title registration, $925 transportation charge and dealer preparation fees.
**EPA estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated mpg to the estimated mpg of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.
Image Credit: Mercedes-Benz