The current-generation Mercedes E-Class was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and since then, the model hasn’t had many changes. That will all change in 2013 when Mercedes->ke187 brings out the first facelift for the E-Class->ke373. The model is set to be making its world debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, but the first official details have been already dropped.

Mercedes announced that all the changes made to the E-Class will represent more than just a mid-life revision and will add to the luxury sedan "an elegant, refined and yet sporty look." On the exterior the most obvious change includes the replacements of the old headlamps with new, one-piece assembly with LED DRL. As a first for the E-Class, Mercedes has decided to offer different front updates for the Luxury and Sport versions, while the interior has been subtly revised and harmonized with the expressive exterior.

On the U.S. market customers will have to choose between a V6 and a V8 petrol engine, while the old E350 diesel has been replaced by a new E250.

Updated 12/14/2012: Mercedes has unveiled two new video for its new E-Class facelift models. In these trailer videos, you will get to see the E350 in action. They new videos are the first two after the jump. Enjoy!

Updated 09/11/2013: Mercedes has unveiled all of the pricing details and the fuel economy of the much-anticipated E250 BlueTEC.

mercedes-e-class

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: mercedes-e-class
Pros
Cons

2014 Mercedes E-Class

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Mercedes E-Class
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 402
  • Torque: 443
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

When it comes to a mid-life update you should not expect big changes on a model and the new E-Class is no exception, even if Mercedes wanted us to believe the 2014 E-Class would be completely updated. Exterior changes are being kept to a minimum, but they are enough to further improve the elegance and the sporty feeling of the E-Class.

The most obvious and anticipated update of the 2014 E-Class is the replacement of the old headlamps with one-piece assemblies with LED daytime running lights.

The rest of the updates are differentiated by the version. In the Luxury models Mercedes has installed a classic sedan grille with 3-louver look and star on the hood, while the Sport version received a sports grille with an integrated star. In both versions, the hood and the front bumper have been completely redesigned, and the Sports models can be updated with an additional AMG styling package that includes larger air intakes and a distinct aluminum trim line along the entire lower rim of the front bumper.

For the rear, Mercedes installed a new bumper and new taillights with a horizontal design that emphasizes the width of the vehicle and a two-tone look.

Interior

The interior has also been updated with premium materials, precise lines and clearly defined surfaces. As a first for the E-class, Mercedes is offering a two-part trim available in two wood finishes – burled walnut or black ash. Other updates include a 3-tube instrument cluster, trapezoidal head-unit display, new air vent design an analogue clock between the two central vents.

Optional packages:

-Premium 1 package with Rearview camera

-COMAND navigation

-SiriusXM satellite radio

-Harman/ kardon® Logic 7® surround sound

-Power rear window sunshade

-Heated front seats (standard with E550)

-Active ventilated front seats

-Garage-door opener

-Lighting package

-Parking Assist package

-Lane Tracking package

-Wood Trim package

-Wheel package

Assistance systems:

-*DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist can help the driver keep the vehicle centered in its lane and can semi-autonomously follow in-line traffic

-*BAS PLUS with Cross- Traffic Assist is able to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians, and boost the braking power applied by the driver accordingly

-*PRE-SAFE Brake can now detect pedestrians as well and initiate autonomous braking

-*PRE-SAFE PLUS can identify an imminent rear-end collision and then prompt the PRE-SAFE system to trigger occupant protection measures that reduce the forces exerted on passengers. If the vehicle is stationary, it can also prevent secondary accidents in the event of a rear-end collision by applying the brakes

-*Active Lane Keeping Assist can now detect when the adjacent lane is not clear, including the presence of oncoming traffic, overtaking vehicles, crash barriers etc. Under threat of a collision, even if the lane marking is not a solid line, the system can prevent the vehicle from leaving its lane unintentionally by applying the brakes on one side. This system pairs perfectly with Active --*Blind Spot Assist

-*Adaptive Highbeam Assist PLUS allows high beam to remain permanently switched on without dazzling traffic by masking out other vehicles in the beams’ cone of light

-*Active Parking Assist enables automated parking with active steering and brake control in both parallel and perpendicular spaces

-*Surround View Camera will cover all four sides of the vehicle and enable a 360-degree view including virtual bird’s-eye perspective – a top view of the vehicle and its immediate surroundings. Dynamic guide lines help during parking and maneuvering

Engine

In the U.S. market, customers have to choose between two gasoline models: the E350 with its 302-horsepower, V-6 engine or the E500 with its 402-horsepower, V-8 engine. Also available in the U.S. is the E250 BlueTEC, which is powered by a 2.1-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 195 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, while getting 28 mpg in the city and 45 mph on the highway.

There will also be an E400 hybrid version that combines a 302-horsepower, 3.5- liter V-6 engine with an electric motor that adds an extra 27 horsepower. This system will deliver an incredible fuel economy of 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

While these are the only models to be offered on the U.S. market, in Europe customers will have much more possibilities. Check out the full list below:

American customers have one transmission options, and that is a seven-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever and DIRECT SELECT shift paddles. This new transmission adds a new short-term M mode that independently switches back to the fuel-efficient automatic shift mode after a pre-determined period of time elapses. Each engine can also be combined with the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system.

Drivetrain Specifications

E400 HYBRID Sedan E250 BlueTEC (4MATIC) Sedan E350 Sedan E350 4MATIC Sedan & Wagon E550 4MATIC Sedan
Engine 3.5L V6 + electric motor 2.1L diesel Inline 4-Cylinder 60-degree V6 60-degree V6 90-degree V8
Displacement (cc) 3,498 2,143 3,498 3,498 4,663
Horsepower @ rpm 302 (+27 electric) 195 @ 3,800 302 @ 6,500 302 @ 6,500 402 @ 5,000 - 5,750
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm 273 (+184 electric) 369 @ 1,600 - 1,800 273 @ 3,500 - 5,250 273 @ 3,500 - 5,250 443 @ 1,800 - 4,750
Transmission 7-speed automatic with Economy and Sport modes 7-speed automatic with Economy and Sport modes 7-speed automatic with Economy and Sport modes 7-speed automatic with Economy and Sport modes 7-speed automatic with Economy and Sport Modes
0-60 (seconds) TBA TBA 6.5 6.6 5.2 (est.)
Top speed (mph) 130 130 130 130 130
Fuel mileage (city/hwy) 24/30 28/45 (4MATIC: 27/42) 21/30 20/28 (Wgn: 19/26) 17/26


Suspension and Brakes

In the U.S. market, the 2014 E-Class will be offered with three suspension configurations:

-AGILITY CONTROL suspension with stroke-dependent damping system is the standard suspension setup for the Luxury model

-AGILITY CONTROL suspension with stroke-dependent damping system is 15 mm lower and has a more sporty setup in the Sport model

-The E63 AMG comes with the AMG Adaptive Sport Suspension.

In Europe, however, things will be a little be different. There will be a DIRECT CONTROL suspension system offered for base models, a lowered sports suspension available in conjunction with the Exterior Sports package and AMG Sports package, and an AIRMATIC air suspension fitted as standard to the V-8 models.

In both markets, the 2014 E-Class will be offered with a standard electromechanical Direct-Steer system that includes:

-Improved agility thanks to more direct steering response

-Comfortable handling and smooth steering characteristics at all speeds

-Improved efficiency, as energy is consumed only while steering

-Enables innovative assistance systems, e.g. Active Parking Assist

Prices

Mercedes-Benz released the official pricing for the entire 2014 E-Class lineup, and the 45 mpg E250 BlueTEC is the lowest-priced model.

Model MSRP
2014 E250 BlueTEC sedan $51,400
2014 E350 sedan $51,900
2014 E350 Coupe $52,200
2014 E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC sedan $53,900
2014 E350 4MATIC sedan $54,400
2014 E350 4MATIC Coupe $54,700
2014 E400 Hybrid sedan $56,700
2014 E350 4MATIC wagon $58,600
2014 E550 Coupe $59,000
2014 E350 Cabriolet $60,200
2014 E550 4MATIC sedan $61,400
2014 E550 Cabriolet $67,300
2014 E63 AMG 4MATIC sedan $92,770
2014 E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC sedan $99,770
2014 E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC wagon $102,370


Competition

2014 BMW 5-Series

If you are looking to find a competitor for the Mercedes E-Class, you won’t have to look very far, as you’ll find most of them hail directly from Mercedes’ home country of Germany. The list includes models like the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6 in the European market, but in the U.S. market, models like Infiniti M already made a name and managed to steal lots of customers from the three famous German brands.

Just like the E-Class, the 5-Series is also about to receive a facelift. It won’t come with any significant updates, just some minor exterior changes. Under the hood, however, the current N55 engine will be dropped in favor of a new inline turbo six-cylinder.

2014 Audi A6

Our favorite of this class is the Audi A6. Prices start from an even lower $42,200, it has the best look of the three German models, and it has the choice of two engines: a 2.0 TFSI and a 3.0 TFSI. The A6, however, does receive one black mark, as the most powerful version delivers just 310 horsepower -- significantly lower than the 402 horsepower offered in the E500.

Conclusion

It’s true, the facelifted E-Class brings a pretty impressive amount of updates, but we still think it misses that modern appearance offered by models like the Audi A6 or even Infiniti M. Not to mention that American customers are in a little disadvantage and do not receive all the engines offered in the European market. That makes the E-Class the best choice for those whom are paying for the logo on the car, not the car itself; for the rest of the people we are truly recommending taking a very good look at that wide competition.