Since Mercedes markets a myriad of models in
the U.S. and elsewhere, the first thing you should know about the 2014
Mercedes-Benz E-Class is that it’s the German luxury marque’s mid-size,
mid-priced series of sedans, wagons, coupes and cabriolets. Sitting
between the compact C-Class and full-size luxury S-Class in size, price
and prestige, the E-Class competes primarily against Teutonic rivals
like the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and Cadillac’s soon-to-come larger,
pricier, all-new CTS. Ten variants of 2014 E-Class sedans and wagons
debuted in the spring of 2013, while coupe and cabriolet models will
arrive mid-summer. Second, while they are not all-new, these 2014
E-Class entries are extensively updated with styling enhancements, more
efficient engines and 11 new or improved driving assistance systems,
which M-B groups as "intelligent drive." Among these are technologies
that can help avoid collisions with vehicles to the sides or crossing in
front of your car, and with pedestrians.
Designer’s Touch
The styling update begins
with two new faces. Luxury versions wear a classic three-louver Mercedes
grille and three-pointed stars on their hoods; Sport models get the MB
“sport” grille with a large star centered in it. The hood and front
bumper are redesigned, the latter with a new aerofoil shape along its
lower edge, and Sport models get a high-performance AMG look with larger
air intakes and an aluminum trim line along the bumper’s lower edge.
A new feature line running
from the rear door to the taillamp, and a lower three-dimensional trim
line, add visual length. New headlamps carry on the E-Class signature
"four-eyed" look with partial-LED daytime running lamps and low-beams,
and full-LED headlamps are available. Around back, new horizontal LED
taillamps give a distinctive nighttime signature, and Sport models have
dual exhaust pipes.
