Mercedes-Benz Korea will launch the all-new ‘Mercedes-Benz E-Class’ luxury business sedan, fully redesigned for its 11th generation, in January 2024.
Since its debut in 1946, the E-Class has sold over 17 million units worldwide, making it the best-selling model series in Mercedes-Benz history and considered the “heart of the brand.”
The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214) is the first new model unveiled by Mercedes-Benz Korea in 2024, coming 8 years after the release of the 10th generation E-Class in 2016. It was first revealed to the world as a world premiere in April this year. The new E-Class combines Mercedes-Benz’s long-standing heritage and luxurious analog sensibilities with a highly intelligent and personalized advanced digital experience, setting new standards once again in the quickly evolving automotive future.
The E-Class, a key model for Mercedes-Benz, has built a unique reputation in the luxury full-size business sedan segment for over 75 years.
The first E-Class, the 170 V (W136) released in 1947, established the typical characteristics and image of the E-Class with its spacious body, excellent ride comfort, superior quality, and refined style.
As a central model of the brand, it gave birth to various derivative models such as the 170 S sedan, which emphasized greater space and luxury, and the efficient diesel model 170 DS (W191).
The 180 model (W120), launched in 1953, introduced the innovative ‘self-supporting’ body structure with a chassis and body separated, along with the ultra-modern ‘Ponton’ design, creating a new era for passenger cars. The W110 (1961-1968) set new safety standards, followed by the first million-seller models W114 and W115 (1968-1976), the W123 (1976-1985) that pioneered anti-lock brake systems (ABS) and driver airbags, achieving a remarkable sales record of 2.7 million units, and the sixth-generation model W124 (1984-1996), which improved driving safety and reduced harmful emissions.
In 1993, the E-Class officially adopted its name and completed its lineup with sedan, estate, coupe, cabriolet, and long wheelbase sedan models, broadening customer choice. In 1995, the W210 (1996-2002) model introduced the world’s first four-eye headlamps and won the ‘Red Dot’ design award.
Subsequent models like the W211 (2002-2009), which introduced various new safety and convenience technologies, and the W212 (2009-2016), known for its innovative assistance systems, high fuel efficiency, and unique design, continued to win the love of customers worldwide.
Finally, the 10th generation E-Class (W213), launched in 2016, set the standard for future passenger vehicles with SAE Level 2 driving assistance systems, remote parking, and active brake assist. It has maintained its status as the best-selling import car in Korea for seven consecutive years, loved by customers for its luxurious exterior design and comfortable ride suitable for luxury business sedans. The 10th generation E-Class was updated in 2020, breaking unprecedented records by surpassing 100,000 units (2019) and 200,000 units (2022) as the first imported car model in the country. Based on overwhelming support from domestic customers, Korea has held the number one position in the global E-Class sedan market of Mercedes-Benz since 2018.
By reaffirming the standards of luxury business sedans and consolidating its leadership, the new E-Class upgrades this further through digitalization and personalization. It is expected that the new E-Class will continue the high popularity of previous models by offering a new digital luxury experience.
The design of the new E-Class features a harmonious blend of classic lines and modern aesthetics, elegantly merging Mercedes-Benz’s tradition with contemporary style. The interior space is equipped with a plethora of digital-based advanced comfort specifications that achieve perfect digitization within the vehicle.
The new E-Class comes with the new third-generation MBUX infotainment system, which boasts greater intelligence and learning ability, as well as a preview version of MB.OS, a dedicated operating system expected to be launched by Mercedes-Benz around 2025. Additionally, it features a new active ambient light with sound visualization capabilities and an optional MBUX Superscreen, offering an impressive and immersive entertainment experience.
As the most personalized E-Class yet, it introduces an AI-based ‘routine’ feature, allowing the vehicle to learn frequently used convenience functions by the driver and offer customized recommendations. Furthermore, third-party apps, including entertainment platforms, games, office applications, and a browser, will also be available.
Details about the lineup and pricing of the new E-Class will be revealed at its launch in January next year.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr