Digital Embraced 'Imported Car King'... Can't Overtake the Charm of E [Mania]
11th Generation E-Class Redesigned After 8 Years
Digital and Personalized Features... 'Smart' Display
Passenger Seat Video Not Visible to Driver While Driving
Stable Driving Performance with Smooth Stopping and Running
The best-selling imported car model in South Korea. It is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The car that comes to mind when people think of 'Benz.' The 10th generation model, launched in 2016, sold 226,714 units until last year. The E-Class is the first single model to surpass 200,000 units in sales. After 8 years, the E-Class has been revamped and returned as the 11th generation. It once again sets the standard for luxury cars by emphasizing its unique quality as well as digitalization and personalization.
Among the seven lineups to be released by the end of the year, I test drove the mid-range model, the 'E300 4MATIC Exclusive,' on a 130 km round trip between Seoul and Paju. This model was officially launched on the 19th of last month. The exterior is similar to the previous generation but with some changes. The shape of the front grille has been slightly modified, and the design of the front and rear lights has become sharper. The car's dimensions are length 4955 mm, width 1880 mm, and height 1475 mm, making it larger than the previous generation. The wheelbase (distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels) has increased by 20 mm, and the rear legroom has expanded by up to 17 mm. The rear seat width has also increased by 25 mm to 1159 mm, approaching the level of the S-Class. The trunk space can hold up to 540 liters.
Video Viewing and Video Conferencing Possible... "Smart Digital"
The interior from the driver's seat reveals a completely new look. Displays fill the space from the driver's seat to the passenger seat. This is the 'MBUX Superscreen' emphasized by Mercedes-Benz. It gives a feeling more futuristic than electric cars. The central display and the passenger seat display are connected as one. It looked like a huge PC widescreen monitor had been installed.
It is equipped with the 3rd generation MBUX infotainment system, allowing the use of domestic and international streaming services such as YouTube, Wavve, and Melon. It looks like a large tablet has been installed right on the passenger seat. The touch operation feels as natural as a regular tablet. Up to this point, it is just simple 'digitalization.' Mercedes-Benz has taken a step further with 'smart digitalization.'
First, the large display that looks like one is divided into the center and passenger sides. While the passenger watches videos, listens to music, or browses the internet, the central display can show navigation. When the car is stopped, video conferencing is also possible through the upper camera. However, when the passenger watches videos, this screen is not visible from the driver's seat. Even if the driver glances over while driving, only a black screen with nothing on it is visible. The driver can only properly see the navigation screen when it is displayed. The front camera detects the driver's eye movements to enforce 'safe driving.'
The sound system has also been enhanced. Seventeen speakers deliver 730W of output. Especially, the Burmester 4D surround sound system with sound personalization is applied, causing the seats to vibrate and the ambient light to change according to the music playing. It delivers music not only through hearing but also visually and tactilely, creating a synesthetic music experience. However, some drivers may find this somewhat uncomfortable because the seats vibrate even with calm music. The vibration intensity cannot be adjusted, but the vibration can be turned on or off.
The rear seat space is somewhat disappointing. A man about 180 cm tall sitting there has little space left to the front seatback. Pulling the front seat forward would create some room, but considering it is used as a 'family sedan,' it gives a cramped impression. There is no rear seat temperature control or window sunshade. Considering the price of about 90 million KRW, this could be a point of dissatisfaction for customers.
Good Acceleration and Braking... Stable Driving Performance
The basic driving performance of the car is stable. It basically accelerates and brakes well. When pressing the accelerator pedal, it moves forward quietly and steadily like an electric car. This is supported by a 48V mild hybrid system. The power is sufficient. A 4-cylinder gasoline engine (M254) is combined with a 9-speed transmission, and the 2nd generation integrated starter generator (ISG) provides up to 17 kW of power during acceleration. It accelerates smoothly without noise even at speeds over 100 km/h.
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The quietness continues even at higher speeds. External noise is barely noticeable even above 100 km/h. It is hard to even feel the sense of speed. Laminated glass and soundproofing materials are used throughout to maintain a peaceful interior. Switching the driving mode to 'Comfort' maximizes the smooth ride. The driving assistance system that prevents lane departure and maintains a consistent distance from the car ahead works smoothly. Efforts to pursue the comfort of a luxury car are evident in every aspect.
There are some disappointing points. All steering controls are touch-based, so drivers often have to look down to confirm if the function has been properly activated. The creeping phenomenon on hills is somewhat far from 'luxury.' Even on gently sloping hills, if the auto-hold function is not activated, the car rolls backward several times. This is a phenomenon rarely seen even in domestic mid-size sedans. Since this issue was also occasionally found in previous generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class models, it needs improvement.
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