Mercedes has unveiled the first official photos of the interior of the Mercedes E-Class (W214), the latest Mercedes built on a conventional platform and looking like a more compact S-Class.
Seven years after its 2016 launch and a facelift in 2020, Mercedes is introducing the next-generation Mercedes E-Class, codenamed W214. The limousine will be produced at factory plant 46 in Sindelfingen alongside the GLC and S-Class and will debut in summer 2023, followed in September 2023 by the station wagon version T-Model, codenamed S214.
Interior with a different layout compared with C-Class and S-Class
First surprise: the interior of the Mercedes E-Class is entirely different from the C-Class and S-Class. There is no portrait screen but a so-called MBUX Superscreen. What does Superscreen mean? It’s a screen 2/3 the width of the Hyperscreen. The Superscreen includes the central multimedia display and the optional front passenger display under the same glass. On a different plane is the digital display for the instrument cluster.
The instrument displays can be configured in two styles (Classic and Sporty) combined with three modes (Navigation, Assistance, and Service) with graphics similar to those in the S-Class. In Classic style, the driver is faced with a familiar two-dial instrument layout. In the Sporty style, the tachometer is centrally placed and dominates red. Seven ambient light colors are available. A strip of light runs the entire width of the dashboard and continues across the doors. The dashboard extends to the area of the doors. Another interesting design element is the free-floating control island that incorporates the door opener and the controls for electric seat adjustment.
A touch-sensitive control bar is integrated below the multimedia system display that includes controls for the drive modes, audio system volume, fingerprint, and direct access to several essential menus. In addition, a compartment with a lid and beverage can holders is integrated in front of the center armrest.
As in the Mercedes EQS, for example, the front passenger display can only be viewed by the passenger, not the driver. In addition, the front passenger display is only active if someone is sitting in the front seat. A sensor detects whether the front passenger seat is occupied or not.
Until now, apps could be installed only via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Now standalone apps can also be installed, such as TikTok, Angry Birds, Zoom for video conferencing, Webex, and the Zync entertainment app that offers streaming video or various sports and news programs. In addition, with the 5G connection, the data flow is much faster.
MRA II platform: Optional integral steering and air suspension
As the last model built on the MRA II platform, the E-Class will feature optional air suspension and integral steering. As announced, the wheelbase will be slightly longer, at around 2.96 meters. In addition, the front and rear tracks will be slightly larger, and the length will also be slightly longer.
Under the bonnet will be the 4-cylinder diesel (OM654) and petrol (M254) and 6-cylinder diesel (OM656) and petrol (M256) engines mated to 9-speed automatic transmissions. However, AMG versions will have only 4-cylinder engines as part of a PHEV system. There will also be PHEV models in the standard range with an electric range of around 100 km. In addition, the new rear axle construction will allow a larger battery to be installed.
The Mercedes E-Class (W214) will be available as a limousine, estate T-Model (S214), and All-Terrain. The coupe and convertible E-Class will be replaced by a joint model with the C-Class, which will probably be called Mercedes CLE. The new E-Class will have a similar lifecycle to the previous generation and will be produced by 2030 at the latest.
