Seat vibrations can be felt, the interior lights flash, and exciting music flows in sync. It feels like a concert hall. This is the ultimate audio experience found in the newly evolved 11th generation Mercedes Benz E-Class.
On January 19, Mercedes-Benz Korea hosted a launch event for the new E-Class at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul. Since its debut in 1948, the E-Class has become a symbol of Mercedes, with cumulative sales reaching 16 million units worldwide across its 11 generations. South Korea has consistently topped global E-Class sales for five consecutive years starting in 2018. The launch of the E-Class in the South Korean market holds significant importance for Mercedes.
The 11th generation E-Class has finally made its debut in the domestic market after a full redesign in 8 years. It features a massive grille adorned with the iconic three-pointed star emblem on the front, and rear lamps that also showcase the emblem, seamlessly integrating Mercedes’ signature elements throughout the vehicle.
The dimensions of 4,955 x 1,880 x 1,475 mm show a slight increase from the previous 10th generation (4,940 x 1,860 x 1,475 mm). The wheelbase has also been extended from 2,940 mm to 2,960 mm. When seated in the second row, there is ample space for two clenched fists in front for knee room, and two clenched fists above for headroom. The center tunnel rises to wrist level, but even sitting in the middle of the second row provides a comfortable headroom of one clenched fist, ensuring no discomfort.
An emblem of advanced digitalization, the MBUX Super Screen is now equipped. The MBUX Super Screen can be divided into a 14.4-inch central LCD display, a passenger side display, and a driver instrument panel.
The central display encompasses music streaming services such as Melon and Flo, as well as the OTT service Wavve, allowing me to enjoy diverse content while stationary or parked. Listening to music through Flo feels as if I am in a concert hall. With the Burmester 4D surround system, the ambient lights flash to the beat, and the seats vibrate in rhythm. Every moment on the road becomes a personal concert hall inside the new E-Class.
Starting in the latter half of the year, the T-map navigation will be applied. All models equipped with the 3rd generation MBUX infotainment system, including the 11th generation E-Class, will be able to use T-map navigation through a software update.
The driving assistance system has also been enhanced. The Driving Assistant Package has been upgraded to Plus, allowing it to keenly observe the eyelid movements and actions of the driver while driving. Furthermore, a digital light feature has been introduced for the first time in the country, projecting symbols onto the road with headlights, enhancing safety in unexpected situations.
The new E-Class features a 48V mild hybrid powertrain across all trims, providing an additional output boost of up to 23 horsepower during driving. Additionally, a 4th generation PHEV model with a 129 horsepower electric motor, boasting an EV driving range of 115 km under WLTP standards, and AMG models are expected to be added in the second half of the year.
The sales prices for the new E-Class are as follows: E200 Avantgarde at 73.9 million KRW, E220d 4MATIC Exclusive at 82.9 million KRW, E300 4MATIC Exclusive at 89.9 million KRW, E300 4MATIC AMG Line at 93.9 million KRW, the New E-Class Premier Special (E300 4MATIC AMG Line) at 100.55 million KRW, and E450 4MATIC Exclusive at 123 million KRW.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr