Mercedes creates long-wheelbase executive E Class sedan for China

(April 25, 2016) A long-wheelbase version of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan to be built in China for China brings with it the numerous technical innovations of the most intelligent executive sedan, and also offers an even more spacious rear compartment with a first-class character. The executive edition of the E Class will be shown at the Beijing Auto Show this week.

The E-Class Saloon has a wheelbase of 121 inches and a length of 199 inches offering rear compartment passengers an extra 4.9 inches of legroom. The larger entrance clearance at foot level furthermore facilitates passenger entry and exit.

The long-wheelbase version will be available on the Chinese market with two distinct design characters — as a saloon and as a sports saloon. The saloon bears the classic saloon radiator grille with the Mercedes star on the bonnet. The sports saloon is identifiable by the radiator grille with its central star.



The longer wheelbase manifests itself in the triangular windows additionally integrated into the C-pillar and a stretched roof line. This lends the long-wheelbase version an autonomous side profile with harmonious proportions that give it a dynamic and at the same time elegant appearance. The favorable ratio of overhangs to wheelbase also contributes to this effect.

Mercedes says the elongated hood coupled with a long, coupé-esque roof flowing into a sensual, broad-shouldered tail end creates an exciting silhouette. The powerfully extended vehicle body is characterized by short overhangs, a long wheelbase, large wheels and taut well-defined flanks displaying a fresh, stylish and dynamic interpretation of the feature line.

The intelligence of the long-wheelbase version of the new E-Class is also reflected in the headlamps. A characteristic element is the double eyebrow of the reinterpreted daytime running lamps. The face of the vehicle is shaped by distinctive headlamps with a clear-lens design. LED High Performance headlamps are on board. High-resolution MULTIBEAM LED headlamps are available as an option. These headlamps, each with 84 individually activated high-performance LEDs, automatically illuminate the road surface with a hitherto unsurpassed, precision-controlled distribution of exceptionally bright light — without dazzling other road users.

That's because this grid allows the light distribution of the left and right headlamps to be controlled separately and adapted to the changing situation on the road quickly and dynamically. All the functions in the low- and main-beam mode of the MULTIBEAM LED headlamps can also be purely digitally displayed and without mechanical actuators for the first time, also including the active light function.

At the tail end, broad shoulders above the rear wheel arches lend the saloon its unmistakably powerful character. Single-piece tail lights featuring a two-bar design framed by the vehicle body clearly identify it as a new member of the Mercedes saloon family. The rear lamp and brake lamp in the tail lights feature LED technology with all headlamp versions.
High-class interior with fine details

The high-quality appointments of the interior ensure a prestigious and pleasant atmosphere. From the E 200 L model it is characterized by two wide high-resolution and bright displays each with a next-generation 12.3-inch screen diagonal.

The two displays blend into a wide-screen cockpit beneath a joint glass cover. As the instrument cluster, this wide-screen cockpit contains a large display with virtual instruments in the direct field of vision of the driver as well as a central display above the centre console. The driver can choose between three different styles to select their preferred look for the wide-screen instrument cluster: "Classic." "Sport" and "Progressive".

Also on board are new touch-sensitive controls in the steering wheel. Like a smartphone interface, they respond precisely to horizontal and vertical swiping movements, allowing the driver to control the entire infotainment system using finger swipes without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. In keeping with the motto "hands on the wheel, eyes on the road," this allows minimum driver distraction to be achieved.

Further controls for the infotainment system are provided in the form of a touchpad with Controller in the centre console, which can also recognize handwriting and characters, plus the LINGUATRONIC voice control system. There are also direct-access buttons for controlling functions such as the air-conditioning system or — 
in another first — for convenient activation and deactivation of certain driving assistance systems.

High-quality materials define the interior style. They include a selection of fine woods. The dashboard and beltlines feature fine ARTICO. Another Mercedes hallmark clearly in evidence is the high-quality look and feel created through meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship.