Mercedes-Benz Korea officially launches the fully remodeled 11th generation, ‘The New Mercedes-Benz E-Class’.
The ‘E-Class,’ which is not only a core model for Mercedes-Benz but also referred to as the ‘heart of the brand,’ has established a unique position in the business sedan segment through over 75 years of history. The 10th generation E-Class (W213), which was launched in Korea in 2016, became the first imported single model to surpass 200,000 sales in Korea and held the title of the best-selling imported car model for 8 consecutive years, setting unprecedented records. Thanks to its popularity, Korea has positioned itself as a key market, leading global E-Class sedan sales from 2018 to last year.
The 11th generation new E-Class (W214) is a full model change that has been launched in the domestic market after 8 years. The New E-Class features an exterior design that harmoniously blends tradition and modernity, and an upgraded infotainment system with the 3rd generation MBUX, providing a new level of digital experience. Moreover, all models come with electrification technology, resulting in improved driving performance and cutting-edge safety and convenience features.
Matthias Beitl, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea, stated, “The New E-Class will solidify its reputation as the ‘most intelligent business sedan’ by combining its unique heritage, technology, and safety with high levels of digitalization and personalization.” He expressed confidence that this 11th generation E-Class will continue the successful history built by the 10th generation over the past eight years.
The New E-Class will be introduced in Korea with a total of seven lineups. First, the E 300 4MATIC Exclusive and E 300 4MATIC AMG lines will be delivered this month, followed by the E 220 d 4MATIC Exclusive in the first quarter. Subsequently, the E 200 Avantgarde, E 450 4MATIC Exclusive, E 350 e 4MATIC Exclusive, and Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ will also be launched.
The most crucial aspect of this full model change is ‘digitalization’ and ‘personalization’. The New E-Class is equipped with the 3rd generation MBUX infotainment system, which is a pre-release version of Mercedes-Benz’s dedicated operating system, MB.OS. The 3rd generation MBUX infotainment system has shown increased intelligence and higher learning capabilities compared to the previous generation.
This allows passengers to enjoy various infotainment programs through third-party developed apps such as YouTube, Webex, Zoom, Angry Birds, TikTok, and more while inside the car.
Notably, thanks to collaborations with domestic companies, various Korean apps like Essential, FLO, Wavve, and Melon can be enjoyed in the New E-Class. Additionally, real-time traffic information-based navigation from TMap Mobility will be available, and starting in the second half of this year, TMAP AUTO, a vehicle navigation optimized for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, will be introduced. Furthermore, with the incorporation of a 5G communication module, faster data transmission speeds can be experienced.
This infotainment program is available on the 14.4-inch high-resolution LCD central display and the optionally available MBUX Superscreen. The MBUX Superscreen is a new type of screen that connects the central display with the passenger side display. This screen features advanced privacy functions, helping prevent the driver from losing focus. When video content is played on the passenger side display while driving, this function adjusts the passenger display so that the content is not visible to the driver’s field of vision.
Additionally, a new ‘Routine’ function has been added to support more personalized vehicle settings. Drivers can automate comfort features such as temperature settings, ambient lights, audio, and parking camera connections based on specific conditions like date and time, location, outside temperature, and vehicle speed.
All lineups of the New E-Class released in Korea will come equipped with the latest driving assistance system, Driving Assistance Package Plus. Moreover, starting in the second half of the year, a projection function that projects signs onto the road with headlights while driving will be launched for the first time in Korea.
The New E-Class boasts electrification systems across all lineups, providing outstanding driving efficiency and performance. Equipped with a 48V onboard electrical system, the mild hybrid system offers up to 17 kW of additional power to aid quick and smooth engine starts through the 2nd generation integrated starter-generator, while also providing gliding, boosting, and regenerative braking functionalities. The upcoming 4th generation plug-in hybrid model will feature an electric motor with a maximum output of 95 kW, providing up to 115 km (WLTP standard) of driving range on a single charge, allowing for electric-only driving in daily situations like commuting.
The exterior of the New E-Class highlights the classic sedan proportions coupled with sporty character lines, showcasing a harmonious blend of Mercedes-Benz’s tradition and modernity. Also, for the first time, an illuminated radiator grille is available as a selectable option, giving it a futuristic feel. The New E-Class features a 20mm longer wheelbase than its predecessor, providing a more spacious interior along with a meticulously designed body shape, aerodynamic design elements, and soundproofing materials to achieve the best-in-class quietness.
Additionally, a new Active Ambient Light visually represents sound through changes in lighting strips, and a Burmester® 4D surround sound system allows you to feel music resonate throughout your body, creating a multi-sensory audio experience. Other convenient features include a digital key that makes an iPhone or Apple Watch the car key, MBUX augmented reality navigation, and dual or quad-zone automatic climate control systems to create a more comfortable driving environment.
To celebrate the launch of the New E-Class, Mercedes-Benz Korea will offer a limited edition of 214 units under the name ‘The New E-Class Premier Special’ starting from the 25th of this month through the online sales platform, the Mercedes-Benz Store. The ‘Premier Special’ emphasizes a modern atmosphere with its Alpine Gray exterior and Tonka Brown interior combination, along with options that enhance the appeal of the New E-Class such as rear axle steering, Airmatic suspension, illuminated radiator grille, and black-colored 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Alongside this, from the 20th of this month for four days at COEX in Seoul, a launch commemorative pop-up event, ‘The New E-Class Korean Premier,’ will take place, providing customers a chance to experience the New E-Class firsthand.
The lineup and prices of the New E-Class for the domestic market are as follows: E200 Avantgarde at 73.3 million won, E220d Exclusive at 82.9 million won, E300 4MATIC Exclusive at 89.9 million won, E300 4MATIC AMG Line at 93.9 million won, E300 4MATIC AMG Line Korean Premier Special at 100.55 million won, and 4MATIC Exclusive at 123 million won.
By Sang-Jin Lee daerdusj@autodiary.kr