CARMEL, Calif. — The completely redesigned 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class marks the 10th generation of the German automaker’s most popular model. To save you the suspense of waiting until the end of the review, I’ll tell you now: The new E-Class is nothing short of fantastic and lives up to its billing as “The world’s most intelligent luxury sedan.” Heck, I’d go so far as to say it’s the most intelligent vehicle on the planet, period.

The introduction of the new E-Class also marks the world premiere of numerous technical innovations enabling enhanced comfort, a new level of driving safety, a new dimension of driver assistance and a new infotainment and control system. Add the optionally available new Air Body Control air suspension that ensures outstanding ride comfort and driving dynamics, and you get major advancements normally introduced on the flagship S-Class sedan.

While the new E-Class sedan is longer, roomier and lighter than any previous model, the really big news is the introduction of the most advanced suite of semiautonomous driving technologies ever by Mercedes-Benz. Technology that allows the vehicle to change lanes on its own, stop on its own and operate hands-free for up to a minute at a time.



The optional Drive Pilot package includes advanced adaptive cruise control, the lane-change feature with steering assist that recognizes lane markings on the pavement and can boost evasive steering inputs. Distance Pilot Distronic not only will automatically maintain the selected distance from the vehicle in front of you, but, for the first time, it can also follow the traffic in front at speeds of up to 130 mph. It eliminates the need for the driver to operate the brake or accelerator pedal during normal driving.

The new E-class also introduces Pre-Safe Inpulse Side as part of the Driving Assistance package PLUS. If a lateral (side) collision is imminent, the system preventively moves the driver or front passenger away from the danger zone to the side. To do this, the system inflates an air chamber in the side bolster of the front seat backrest nearest the side of the impending impact, in a fraction of a second. In other words, it pushes the occupant closer to the center of the vehicle thus increasing the distance between the occupant and the door, reducing the forces acting on the occupants.

There’s also the new Evasive Steering Assist. When the driver deliberately or instinctively performs an evasive maneuver in a dangerous situation, such as quickly turning the steering wheel to swerve away from a pedestrian or other object, the vehicle automatically assists by adding precisely calculated steering torque to support the movement of the steering wheel to avoid in this instance a pedestrian. In other words, it will take over and act more quickly than the driver can.

Thanks to Mercedes’ new Pre-Safe Sound, for the first time ever, the vehicle occupants themselves become an integral part of safety technology. Here’s how it works: Once the vehicle’s sensors have detected that a collision is unavoidable, a comprehensive system of safety features are activated within the short time that remains before the actual impact occurs. The system is the first to harness a natural reflex to condition the human ear for the loud noise that is anticipated from the impact when a collision is imminent.

The vehicle’s sound system plays a short interference signal (known as playing “pink noise”) that causes the stapedius muscle in the ears to contract, which for a split second changes the link between the eardrum and the inner ear. That reflex reduces the damage to hearing.

Completely redesigned in appearance, the new E-class looks strikingly similar to the larger S-class and is suddenly a great looking sedan once again. A welcome change to be sure.

Inside, the E-class cabin is luxurious, comfortable and replete with gorgeous quilted and perforated leather seats, huge 12.3-inch infotainment screen, high-grade materials and exceptional build quality.  

For 2017, the new E-class brings with it a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct injection with 241-horsepower engine. This same engine is found in the C-class, the GLC and the SLC Mercedes models. There’s also a new 192-horsepower 2.0-liter aluminum-block diesel engine but it won’t be available for at least another year. An all-new 9-GTronic nine-speed automatic is the only available transmission, whether rear or all-wheel drive.

We drove the new E-class in and around Carmel, Calif., and found the performance pleasing, noise and vibration tightly controlled and handling precise. Even with the new air-spring suspension the ride never became harsh or unnecessarily firm.

Overall, the Mercedes-Benz E-class has always preformed with brilliance, comfort, handling and the new E-class not only continues that tradition but is a leap well ahead of the outgoing car.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $52,150 - $62,600
Price as Tested: Not Available
Seating: 5
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 241
Fuel Economy:  22/30 – City/Highway

Fab Features

Advanced Technology
Available in numerous models – Sedan, Coupe, Wagon, Convertible
Gorgeous interior

— Jim Prueter