All-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Masterpiece of intelligence and elegance

 

Photos by Aida Sevilla-Mendoza

 

The moment you mention Mercedes-Benz, many people picture a big luxury car with a uniformed chauffeur at the wheel.

 

But the Stuttgart-based carmaker also produces vehicles that are so pleasing to drive that the people who buy them often prefer to take the wheel themselves.

 

One of these is the E-Class, a range of executive cars in various engine and body configurations that is Mercedes-Benz’s best-selling model with more than 13 million sold worldwide by 2015.

 

The 10th generation of the E-Class sedan, the midsize E200 made its global debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last January.

 

Mercedes-Benz described the new E200 as a “Masterpiece of Intelligence,” well on the road to autonomous, accident-free driving.

 

When fully loaded with all the innovative high-tech options, as well as the standard specs, the E200 is truly a semi-autonomous car.

 

The Drive Pilot option, for example, introduces autonomous driving features on highways. Drive Pilot can accelerate, brake and steer, keep in lane and maintain a safe distance from the car in front—all at speeds of up to 200 kph.

 

To change lanes, all you need to do is put the indicator on and Drive Pilot will work it out when it is safe to move.

 

Another ingenious (and costly) autonomous option is the Command Online multimedia system which is the world’s fully integrated Car-to-X solution, mobile phone-supported exchange of information with other vehicles.

 

Sensual purity

 

But even if only fitted with the standard specs, the 2017 E200 offers optimum comfort and quiet driving pleasure in an elegant, premium sedan that is packaged according to Mercedes-Benz’s Sensual Purity design language.

 

The principle of Sensual Purity embodies ultra-modern stylishness and refined sportiness.

 

The standard equipment on the 2017 E200 Avantgarde includes Active Brake Assist, Pre-Safe system with Pre-Safe Sound, Thermatic automatic climate control, Audio 20 USB infotainment system, and electrically adjustable front seats.

 

The Avantgarde test unit I drove had, in addition, a Burmester audio system with 13 speakers, reversing camera, power trunk lid, and the sun protection package (rear sunblind, rear windscreen, and electric roller blind).

 

On the 2017 E200 Avantgarde, the Sensual Purity design idiom features a long hood, a stretched (by 2.5 inches) wheelbase, a coupe-like roof, taut, well defined flanks, muscular shoulders, and 18-inch 5-spoke light alloy wheels shod with run-flat tires.

 

In short, the design echoes the sweptback S-Class flagship.

 

Having a higher proportion of aluminum than its predecessor, the 2017 E200’s lightweight body shell constructed of aluminum and ultra high-strength steel components achieves a record-breaking drag coefficient of 0.23.

 

A sports radiator grille with the Mercedes-Benz star integrated in the middle, multibeam LED headlights with a grid of 84 individually controlled energy-saving LED DRLs (daytime running lights) in each headlight, and air intakes on the front bumper complete the fascia of the E200 Avantgarde.

 

The Avantgarde suspension’s Agility Control setup consists of a comfort suspension with adaptive damping and a 15-mm lowered ride height.

 

The lowered Agility Control suspension emphasizes the sportier look of the Avantgarde variant.

 

Potent engine

 

The E200 Avantgarde’s 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder inline, direct injection, twin scroll turbo petrol engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission packs 184 hp and 300 Newton meters max torque, potent enough for accelerating out of corners.

 

It creates a superior driving experience, especially in the low and medium engine speed range.

 

The E200 zooms from zero to 100 kph in 7.7 seconds, hits a top speed of 240 kph, and consumes 6.3 to 5.9 liters per 100 km in combined city and highway driving.

 

The engine is equipped with an Eco start/stop function that saves fuel and works quietly, without causing the car to shudder when it restarts at a green light.

 

By twirling the Dynamic Control scroll, you can choose from four driving modes: Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Sport+.

 

In Comfort or Eco mode, the 9-speed A/T tends to upshift quickly, so keep it in Sport or Sport+ to hold gears longer.

 

The Sport modes are best for cornering and for twisting roads as they offer quicker steering ratio and throttle input.

 

Rear wheel drive is standard on all E200 variants.

 

Even in Sport mode, high-speed cruising is quiet, smooth and very comfortable. The E200’s soft chassis is perfect for a car where riding comfort in a plush, exquisitely crafted and spacious cabin is key.

 

Touchpad

 

The base Avantgarde variant has traditional analog dials with a multi-information display and a 7-inch central infotainment screen that has satellite navigation connectivity.

 

A Touchpad with controller in the center console and a pair of touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel’s spokes, manageable by both thumbs—like using a typical smartphone—provide easy access to the infotainment system.

 

Indeed, the E200’s steering wheel is multifunctional in an entirely futuristic way.

 

Ambience lighting visible in the central display, handle recesses, overhead console, and door pockets uses durable and energy-saving LED lights.

 

Inside the Cavansite blue test unit, blue ambience lighting delineates the dash, center console and footwells, too.

 

E200 owners can choose from 64 colors to personalize the interior of their car.

 

The ergonomically designed leather seats provide long-ride comfort seating front and back.

 

Because of the increase in both overall length and wheelbase of the E200, rear passengers gain more space and knee room.

 

The E200 can comfortably accommodate a family of four, but five adults may make long journeys a bit tight.

 

Storage spaces abound with a deep central cubbyhole between the driver and front seat passenger, a large tray in the center console behind the controller, a generously-sized glovebox, and four deep door bins running the length of each door.

 

The trunk, with a capacity of 540 liters, has a flat, square loading bay and a lid that opens high enough to load awkward items.

 

Integral safety concept

 

Mercedes-Benz is pursuing accident-free driving via its Integral Safety Concept, which is divided into four phases: Safe Driving, In Critical Situations, In an Accident, and After an Accident.

 

Included as standard equipment in the first phase are Adaptive Brake with Hill-Start Assist, ABS, acceleration skid control, Attention Assist, Electronic Stability Program with Crosswind Assist, electric parking brake, and tire pressure monitoring system.

 

Oddly enough, reversing camera and Blind Spot Assist are optional.

 

In phase two covering a critical situation, the standard features are Active Brake Assist, Brake Assist, ABS and Pre-Safe system.

 

If the phase two gear fails to prevent an accident, a comprehensive range of occupant safety measures is activated to protect the vehicle occupants as well as other road users.

 

Listed as standard in the third phase (In an Accident) are driver and front passenger airbags, crash-responsive pedals, pedestrian protection with active hood, kneebag for driver, five head restraints, side-impact protection, front side airbags and pelvis bags and window airbags, among others.

 

Phase four, After an Accident, initiates a number of different actions to reduce consequential damage, and support the work of the rescue services.

 

Listed here are the automatic turning off of the engine and cutoff of fuel supply, the automatic unlocking of doors, automatic lowering of power windows if an airbag is deployed, hazard and emergency interior lights to lower the risk of subsequent accidents and help rescue services locate the car, and other measures to aid rescue.

 

In case of an accident or breakdown, the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system in conjunction with a mobile phone can automatically contact an emergency call center.

 

Higher level

 

Fitted with a 360-degree network of cameras, sensors, and radars, the new E-Class raises safety first to a whole new, higher level, anticipating and avoiding risks on the road before you do.

 

When you maneuver the E200 into a U-turn, enter a narrow gate, climb a steep driveway, or backup aided by the reverse camera into a parking slot, protective lighted lines appear in front, beside and behind the car to indicate whether there is enough space (yellow lines), pretty close (orange lines), or dangerously close (red lines plus a warning sound).

 

On the road, the adaptive DRLs sweep a well-lighted path ahead of the car and turn in the direction you point the car.

 

The 2017 E200 does not behave like a sports car since it was not designed to be one.

 

Its rivals may offer a more exciting driving experience, but the E200 is tops in innovative technology and safety, has a small turbocharged engine that packs enough punch for its target market, cuts a sophisticated profile, and provides plenty of luxury features.

 

In short, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E200 Avantgarde  is an impressive midsize premium sedan that offers elegance mixed with stellar technology, a quiet, comfortable, smooth ride, and a willing though not over-eager chassis.

 

It is a car that you’d like to drive yourself, if you can afford its P4.39 million price tag.