Mercedes has released the first details of the next E‑Class, the tenth generation of its mid-range saloon model line.  The latest car has numerous technical innovations, including a newly developed diesel engine. Other features include lightweight design and record-breaking aerodynamics, as well as a new, optionally available multi-chamber air suspension.

“The E-Class is the core of the Mercedes-Benz brand and in the past has repeatedly redefined the standards in the business-class segment. Now it carries this tradition into the future with a wealth of top-class innovations. The new E-Class takes another major step towards fully autonomous driving. In addition, it enhances efficiency, safety and comfort, reduces the stress level when driving and intensifies motoring pleasure,” said Prof Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

Compared with the current E-Class, the wheelbase has grown by 65 millimetres, and the overall length by 43 millimetres. Mercedes-Benz thinks the elongated bonnet coupled with a coupé-esque roof flowing into a sensual, broad-shouldered tail end creates an exciting silhouette.

There’s a different look for each design and equipment line. In most markets, the base version features the classic Mercedes radiator grille with the star on the bonnet, as does the Exclusive line. The Avantgarde and AMG Line models are identifiable by the sports radiator grille with a large Mercedes star as its centrepiece. All UK models will be offered exclusively with the sports radiator grille.

Mercedes says the interior of the new E-Class “embodies the synthesis of emotion and intelligence”. Optional extras include two next-generation high-resolution displays, each with a wide screen diagonal of 12.3 inches . Beneath their shared glass cover, the two displays visually conflate into a wide-screen cockpit. As the instrument cluster, this wide-screen cockpit contains a large display with virtual instruments in the direct field of vision of the driver as well as a central display above the centre console. The driver can choose between three different styles to select a preferred design for the wide-screen instrument cluster: “Classic”, “Sport” and “Progressive”.

In addition, touch-sensitive control buttons (‘Touch Controls’) on the steering wheel make their first appearance in a car. Like a smartphone interface, they respond precisely to horizontal and vertical swiping movements, allowing drivers to control the entire infotainment system using finger swipes without having to take their hands off the steering wheel.

Among the high-quality materials used are open-pore woods, wood in a yachting look with flowing lines as a contemporary interpretation of inlaid wood and a metal fabric. The use of authentic materials is continued in the leather-covered doors and the belt-line for selected lines.

The interior lighting makes use of durable, energy-saving LED technology. Enhanced ambient lighting adds touches of light, for example, to the trim parts, central display, front stowage facility on the centre console, handle recesses, door pockets, front and rear footwells and overhead console.

A new feature is the Heat Comfort package, which includes heated armrests in the doors and on the centre console. The rear bench seat comes with the option of a three-piece backrest with a 40/20/40 per cent split.

The new E-Class will come with a choice of two engines at market launch: the E 200 with a four-cylinder petrol engine and the E 220 d with an all-new four-cylinder diesel engine. In the UK the range will start with the 192 BHP E 220 d, which is capable of accelerating from rest to 62 MPH in 7.3 seconds. Later, a second four-cylinder diesel unit developing 148 BHP will join the range.

The new four-cylinder diesel unit marks the birth of a new Mercedes-Benz engine family. It’s shorter and more compact than its predecessor thanks to reduced cylinder spacing. Despite having a lower displacement than its predecessor, reduced to around two litres, the new diesel power-plant has an output of 192 BHP when installed in the E 220 d, and delivers CO2 emissions of 102 g/km. In its basic form it features single-stage turbocharging and variable turbine geometry. Both the cylinder head and the crankcase are made of aluminium. The Mercedes-Benz developed NANOSLIDE surface coating reduces the friction between cylinder surface and steel piston.

Further model variants will be added to the range, including the E 350 e featuring hybrid technology. This plug-in hybrid allows around 18 miles of purely electric and therefore locally emission-free driving. Its four-cylinder petrol engine, in conjunction with a powerful electric motor, gives it a total system output of 275 BHP with a system torque of 443 lb/ft. CO2 emissions in official tests are rated at just 49g/km.

All engines are equipped with the ECO start/stop function, while the new OM 654 four-cylinder diesel engine is already configured with future RDE (Real Driving Emissions) limits in mind.

The next-generation E-Class also features a host of driver assistance systems. Active Brake Assist is fitted as standard, and is able to warn the driver of impending crash situations, provide just the right level of support during emergency braking and, if necessary, also apply the brakes automatically itself.  Attention Assist can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness, while Crosswind Assist helps prevent the vehicle from drifting too far off track.

Drive Pilot is Mercedes’ next step along the road to autonomous driving. Among its features – Distance Pilot Distronic, which can keep the car the correct distance behind vehicles in front automatically, and also follow them at a speed of up to 130 MPH.

Evasive Steering Assist is a new system that complements the pedestrian detection function of Active Brake Assist. When the driver performs an evasive manoeuvre in a dangerous situation, this function can assist by adding precisely calculated steering torque to support the movement of the steering wheel.

Other new technology includes Remote Parking Pilot: this allows the vehicle to be moved into and out of garages and parking spaces remotely using a smartphone app, enabling the occupants to get into and out of the car easily, even if space is very tight. Car-to-X communication, Mercedes’ car-to-car networking set-up is available. Mobile phone-supported exchange of information with other vehicles further ahead on the road, for example, can effectively allow the driver to “see around corners” or “through obstacles” well in advance.

Mercedes says the next E-Class has a robust yet lightweight body shell, with a far higher proportion of aluminium and ultra-high-strength steel components than its predecessor. The front wings, bonnet, boot lid, and large sections of the front and rear ends are made of sheet or cast aluminium. There’s also a record-breaking aerodynamic drag coefficient (cd value) of 0.23.