10 things to know about the 10th-generation E-Class

THE NEW E-Class also prides itself for introducing a number of technical innovations.

THE ALL-NEW Mercedes-Benz E-Class was unveiled at the Shangri-La Fort BGC on Monday, and it is one of the most anticipated launches in the luxury car market for 2016.

Mercedes-Benz took a huge leap for this generation of its midsize saloon, and made a big bet by heavily investing in the future of its brand with the all-new E-Class.

The 10th-generation executive saloon features a set of distinct and stylish highlights, which is just a visual introduction of what is in store in its interior and exterior. Its emotive design blended well with its luxurious interior.

The new E-Class also prides itself for introducing a number of technical innovations.

This was not the first time for this writer to see and drive around the all-new E-Class.

Last March, Mercedes-Benz had a regional launch and test-drive event for members of the media from various countries in Lisbon, Portugal.

The capital city of Lisbon enjoys a Mediterranean climate, so driving around town and its outskirts was very comfortable and relaxing.

Among all metro cities in Europe, Lisbon has the warmest winters. When this writer test drove the all-new E-Class for its test-drive event last March, the cool weather allowed opportunities for participants to open the sunroof and enjoy the cool Mediterranean weather.

Aside from driving around the outskirts, the event also had a track day to test the car’s safety features and performance at Lisbon’s famed Estoril race circuit.

Just like any other Mercedes-Benz saloon, they are built and designed to be comfortable, safe and perform beyond expectations.

The brand’s safe driving philosophy takes on a new level and dimension in driver assistance.

It also comes complete with a new infotainment and control system, offering an all-new experience.

The new E-Class has grown bigger as well. Compared with its predecessor, its wheelbase length has grown by 65 mm and overall length by 43 mm.

Its handling was also benefited by a wider track width (20 mm in front and 7 mm in the rear).

Visually, the design of the new E-Class is characterized by its traditionally elongated bonnet coupled with a coupé-esque roof flowing into a sensual, broad-shouldered tail end, creating a very exciting silhouette.

The new saloon also looks very agile with its short overhangs and well-defined flanks, which Mercedes-Benz calls as a design philosophy of “sensual purity.”

Like its the previous models, the new E-Class has a different look for each level design and trim. The basic and exclusive version has the classic Mercedes radiator grille with the tri-star on the hood, while the AMG and Avantgarde line features a sports radiator grille with a large Mercedes tri-star as its centerpiece.

At the rear, its muscular and broad shoulders above the wheel arches lend the E-Class its unmistakably powerful character.

AUTO Nation Group officials led by Felix Ang and Greg Yu, and VIP guests German Ambassador Thomas Ossowski and Wolfgang Huppenbauer of Daimler Southeast Asia gracing the launch

Here are 10 things you’ll want to check out with the 10th-generation E-Class:

1. It has an awesome wide-screen cockpit with high-resolution double display that comes with individually configurable touch controls for controlling the entire infotainment system.

2. Check out its comprehensive smartphone integration that features a digital vehicle key, wireless charging, capacitive aerial coupling to enhance cell phone signals, and smartphone-based infotainment systems with Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto.

3. It has an improved Pre-Safe protection concept with new Pre-Safe triggering scenarios.

4. Its new design can cut through the wind with a class-leading drag coefficient (Cd) of as low as 0.23.

5. Thanks to its improved sound dampening and double-glazed glass, it is also the quietest vehicle in its segment.

6. It has one of the best entry/exit openings in its class.

7. Check out its ambience lighting with 64 changing mood colors.

8. Despite its increased size, it managed to stay agile thanks partly to an increased track width of 20 mm in front and 7 mm in the rear.

9. Its optional taillights with stardust effect are not only for cosmetic purposes but offers higher visibility especially in low-light conditions without distracting other drivers at night.

10. Its optional Burmester speaker system is tuned to the car’s body structure for maximum performance.