(March 4, 2020) STUTTGART, Germany — The Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon have undergone a comprehensive update for the 2021 model year as the first representatives of this model series. Both models will arrive in European showrooms this summer. The sedan and All-Terrain will arrive in the U.S. this fall. The long-wheelbase version of the Saloon (China), as well as the Coupé and Cabriolet, will follow soon thereafter.

With over 14 million sedan and wagon models delivered since 1946, the E-Class is the best-selling model series in the history of Mercedes-Benz. It is perceived by many as the "heart of the brand."

The tenth generation of the E-Class set styling trends in 2016 with its clean yet emotionally appealing design and an exclusive, high-quality interior. The wealth of innovations such as in the area of the driving assistance systems also was characteristic. This emotionally appealing and at the same time intelligent combination is extremely successful — to date, more than 1.2 million customers around the world have bought a current-generation E-Class vehicles.

The enhanced dynamics and the upgrade of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class are reflected in the model range. Now the entry-level model already comes with the sporty Avantgarde Line exterior. As a result, the base model of the E-Class features a central star at the front for the first time.

The new front end with increased chrome content plays a role in the fresh appearance: The grille of the Avantgarde Line was redesigned with two chrome louvres and vertical high-gloss black struts. Chrome and high-gloss black trim elements in the front bumper underscore the sporty and elegant appearance. The likewise available Exclusive Line lives up to its name: The special grille, the upright star on the bonnet and the large chrome elements in the front bumper emphasize this positioning.

The new E-Class has the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems providing cooperative support to drivers. This results in an especially high level of active safety. The Sedan and All-Terrain are able to react if the driver doesn't through the hands-off recognition, which now works on a capacitive basis. This enhances user-friendliness when driving in semi-automated mode.

In order to inform the assistance systems that the driver still has control of the E- Class, it is sufficient for the driver to hold the steering wheel. Previously, a slight steering movement was required as feedback when utilizing the assistance systems. Now, the new steering wheel features a pad with the appropriate sensors in the rim that register whether the driver is holding the wheel. If the system detects that the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for a certain period of time, a warning cascade is initiated, which ultimately activates Emergency Brake Assist if the driver continues to be inactive.

As standard, the E-Class comes with Active Brake Assist, which in many situations is able to use autonomous braking to prevent a collision or mitigate its severity. At normal city speeds, the system is also able to brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians, and even to prevent collisions depending on the situation. As part of the Driving Assistance Package, this is now also possible when turning off across the oncoming lane.

Active Blind Spot Assist with exit warning offers enhanced protection when getting out of the car. It is able to respond to vehicles in the blind spot as well as in the critical area with an active brake intervention. When the vehicle is stopped, the system can now also warn the passengers visually in the exterior mirror before they get out if a vehicle, or even a bicycle, is driving past in the critical area.

If the driver tries to use the door handle at this moment, an additional audible warning will sound and the ambient door lighting will start to flash red. It detects passing road users moving at a speed of more than 5 mph. The function is also available when the vehicle is stationary and up to three minutes after the ignition has been switched off.

The E-Class is fitted with an entirely new steering wheel as part of the model update. It is available as either an all- leather steering wheel or a wood-leather combination. The control surfaces feature a high-gloss black finish, while the trim elements and surrounds have a silver shadow finish. The instrument cluster and the media display are controlled by swiping along the Touch Control Buttons.

The operating principle of the Touch Control Buttons changes from optical to capacitive. A mechanical system was no longer needed, and the touch surfaces also are less susceptible to fingerprints. Whether the driver has control of the steering wheel is now determined by means of capacitive detection (see section on the driving assistance systems).

The new E-Class is equipped with the latest generation of the MBUX multimedia system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). As standard, it includes two large 12.3 inch screens, which are arranged side by side for a widescreen appearance. The information in the instrument cluster and on the media display is easily legible on the large, high- resolution screens. An emotive presentation with brilliant graphics underlines the comprehensibility of the intuitive control structure.

The electrification of the powertrain takes another major step forward with the model update of the E-Class. E 450 models will receive the M 256 3.0L inline 6-cylinder turbo engine with EQ Boost technology. Models equipped with this engine will have a 48-volt on-board electrical system. Thanks to energy recovery and the ability to "glide" with the engine switched off, the gas engine is highly efficient.