The new Mercedes E-Class Estate, model series 214, is just as functional as its predecessor but now offers greater intelligence and customization options. It impresses in various aspects, including its redesigned roofline, which is more dynamic compared to the previous model. The new E-Class Estate excels in both functionality and cargo space, enhanced by the sloping rear window, resulting in a progressive overall appearance.
Similar to the Saloon version, the Estate continues the long-standing tradition of the classic E-Class while also incorporating elements from Mercedes-EQ’s avant-garde style with its fresh design. The car’s balanced proportions embody the characteristic look of a classic estate vehicle, featuring a short front overhang, a long bonnet with powerdomes, an extended wheelbase, and a well-proportioned rear overhang.
Distinctive Profile and Meticulous Craftsmanship: The E-Class Estate’s Striking Design
Setting itself apart from the competition, the Estate boasts a distinctive side profile. The two character lines, which are recognizable from the Saloon version, contribute to a visually elongated body, emphasizing its sporty and stylish appeal. The surface finish is meticulously crafted, displaying sophistication, three-dimensionality, and attention to every detail, radiating an elegant aura.
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A black panel-like surface connects the radiator grille with the headlamps, drawing visual inspiration from the Mercedes-EQ models. The three-dimensionally designed radiator grille can either exhibit a progressive or classic style, depending on the chosen equipment line. Additionally, a chrome-framed radiator grille with optical fiber backlighting is available as an option for all lines (Avantgarde, Exclusive, and AMG Line). LED High Performance headlamps come as standard, while DIGITAL LIGHT, with or without a projection function, can be added as an optional extra. All headlamp variants offer a distinctive day and night design, with the daytime running lights featuring the brand’s characteristic eyebrow shape.
The rear-end design of the E-Class Estate showcases precisely designed chrome elements and modern two-part rear lamps. The large opening of the load compartment allows for versatile usage. The rear lamps have been reinterpreted by the design team, featuring intricate contours and inner workings. The interior design complements the vehicle’s high-value appeal with meticulous attention to detail and animated functions. The distinctive star motif ensures that the rear lamps have a unique appearance in both day and night settings. The light sections on the side wall and boot lid visually connect, further enhancing the sense of width at the rear. The reflectors have been relocated to the bumper, allowing for a larger load compartment opening, increasing practicality while giving the rear view a wider appearance.
Interior Design Highlights: MBUX Superscreen and Elegant Floating Elements
MBUX Superscreen stands out as a prominent feature of the interior design. The dashboard plays a vital role in delivering a digital experience within the vehicle. If the E-Class Estate is equipped with the optional front passenger screen, the MBUX Superscreen’s expansive glass surface extends to the central display. The driver’s display, positioned within the driver’s line of sight, visually separates from this setup. In models without a passenger display, a large trim element takes its place, stretching towards the center. The central display, distinct from the trim element, appears to be floating above its concave surface.
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Enhancing the aesthetics of the interior, the front section of the instrument panel is illuminated by the Active Ambient Lighting’s light strip. This strip forms a broad arc, starting from the windshield, passing through the A-pillars, and extending into the doors. This creates a sense of spaciousness. The upper section of the door panels showcases a control array that seemingly hovers in space, matching the appearance of the glass screens.
The center console is seamlessly integrated and forms a cohesive unit that seamlessly connects with the lower section of the dashboard. Towards the front, a three-dimensionally shaped trim element incorporates a storage compartment with a lid and cup holders. In the rear part of the center console, there is a comfortably cushioned armrest.
The door center panel smoothly merges with the armrest, following a concave curve. The front section of this area features a metallic high-tech element, serving as both a grab handle and a closing mechanism. It also includes the power window switches. Another notable feature is the floating control array, which combines the door opener and controls for the seat functions.
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The seat design showcases elegant contours that flow gracefully from the inside to the outside. The layered construction gives the impression that the seat surface and backrest are suspended above the seat base. Vertical lines with a slight depression follow the outer contour, gradually widening as they move upward.
The New E-Class: Redefining Efficiency with Electrification and Intelligent Hybrid Technology
At its launch, the new E-Class raises the bar for efficiency through systematic electrification and intelligent downsizing. The engine lineup, consisting of four and six-cylinder units from the Mercedes-Benz engine family FAME, plays a crucial role in the flexibility of the international production network, allowing for customized electrification based on requirements.
Both diesel and petrol engines, in addition to turbocharging, benefit from the support of an Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG), making them mild hybrids. The electric motor’s power has been enhanced to 17 kW, with a boost torque of 205 Nm, thanks to a new battery. This advancement in mild hybrid technology is just the beginning, as more models will follow suit.
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From the very beginning, the market launch includes the E 300 e plug-in hybrid, which boasts impressive specifications: combined fuel consumption of 0.9-0.6 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions of 20-13 g/km (weighted WLTP), and combined power consumption of 21.4-19.1 kWh/100 km (weighted WLTP). With an electric output of 95 kW (129 hp) and an electric range exceeding 100 kilometers (WLTP), this model can operate solely on electric power on most days, without the need for the petrol engine. Furthermore, additional plug-in hybrids featuring diesel engines will be introduced in the future.
Digital Vehicle Key for iPhone and Apple Watch
The E-Class Estate can be started and locked using the Digital Vehicle Key on compatible Apple devices. Key sharing is possible, allowing the owner to invite others and grant different access rights. Multiple users can be recognized, and the key can be shared with up to 16 people. The Digital Vehicle Key comes pre-installed with the KEYLESS GO Comfort Package in markets with Mercedes me connect services.
Sound Visualisation enhances music experience
Active Ambient Lighting with Sound Visualisation enables a multi-sensory music experience in the E-Class Estate. Music and sounds can be heard, felt through sound resonating transducers, and now “seen” on the light strip. The visualisation responds to the music’s rhythm, creating dynamic lighting effects. The front passenger can enjoy entertainment on their screen, even when the driver is looking over, thanks to a switchable display.
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Third-party apps and selfie/video camera
The new compatibility layer allows installation of third-party apps on the E-Class Estate’s central display. Apps like “TikTok,” “Angry Birds,” “Webex,” “Zoom,” “Vivaldi,” and “Pocket Casts” are available at launch. The ZYNC entertainment portal offers video streaming, on-demand content, games, and more on the central and passenger displays. A selfie and video camera on the dashboard enables online conferences and personal media creation.
Added convenience with AI routines
Mercedes-Benz is using AI to automate comfort systems based on repeated usage patterns. Personalized automation, called routines, allows occupants to link multiple functions and conditions. Standard routines are available as templates, and users can create their own. For example, the car can automatically switch on the seat heating and adjust ambient lighting based on the interior temperature.