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2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Interior Officially Unveiled, Will Rival the S-Class

Mercedes-Benz took the time to show us the interior of its new E-Class sedan, and we’re happy to say it looks very similar to the one in the S-Class. The future S-Class facelift, to be more exact.
2017 Mercedes-Benz interior 19 photos
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior
If, more or less, the exterior designers used the scaling tool on the S-Class to come up with the new E-Class, on the inside it was the morph tool that did most of the job, with the C-Class joining the party as well.

But we’ve talked about this before, following a set of very revealing spyshots of the interior, so we’re not getting into that. Especially since Mercedes-Benz spilled the beans on pretty much everything we should be expecting from the new mid-sized sedan regarding cabin amenities.

The instrument cluster dilemma has been solved: on the entry-level models, the E-Class will get a hybrid system, with two analogue dials and a 17.8 cm (7”) digital screen in between, and a second display with a 21.3 cm (8.4”) diagonal positioned over the central console. However, the top level models get two 31.2 cm (12.3”) screens with identical, near Full-HD resolution: 1920 x 720p.

Mercedes-Benz is bragging about how it managed to mix ergonomics with attractive design and high-quality materials. In terms of controls, the E-Class brings a world-first with its touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons that can detect horizontal and vertical swipes just like the surface of a smartphone. This allows the driver to control most features of the infotainment system using only their thumbs and without lifting their hands off the steering wheel.

In addition to this, the central console touchpad from the C-Class is also present, allowing handwritten characters to be inserted. The system will then read them aloud, enabling the driver to make corrections if necessary without taking their eyes off the road. LINGUATRONIC voice control is also available, as well as the classic COMAND rotary dial. Some features such as the climatization come with their own specific buttons.

It’s not just the controls that have been revamped, but also the menus. They come with a new, clearer structure that was, let’s face it, much needed if we’re to look at how intuitive BMW’s iDrive system was by comparison.

The main theme of the E-Class interior are the horizontal lines and surfaces, used to create a sense of roominess. Whether using the dual digital displays or the more affordable option, the whole cluster is backlit at night to give the impression of floating, as if weightless. Speaking of interior lighting, it exclusively uses energy-saving LEDs and can have an optional package that offers no less than 64 different colors to choose from.

All this focus on design doesn’t mean the materials took a second row seat. Not at all. Mercedes-Benz promises high-grade, open-pore wood inserts as well as leather covering even the door panels, all done with the now usual Mercedes-Benz attention to detail.

As with any interior, the seats play an important part, and the new E-Class has no less than five available options to choose from, ranging from extreme luxury (designo trim) to supreme comfort (EXCLUSIVE line) or added sportiness (AMG line) and the AVANTGARDE line somewhere in-between. There’s a little something for everyone, including a basic fabric version that’s still supposed to hold the luxury aspirations of the new E-Class intact.

Rounding off the interior features is the second generation Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system with Frontbass system (first used on the current-generation SL). The audiophile system uses 23 speakers (four of which are integrated into the roof) and a 25-liter bass box with its own 400 W amplifier sitting in the boot.

This early presentation of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class even made a small foray on the outside of the car, focusing on the new lighting solutions provided by the luxury sedan. The headlights, in particular, provide the most talking points with their new double eyebrow daytime running lights design that will differentiate the E-Class from its competition, but also from the other members of the Mercedes-Benz family.

The new E-Class also marks the introduction of the high-resolution MULTIBEAM LED intelligent headlights (optional). They come with 84 individually controlled high-power LEDs in each headlamp, allowing for selective lighting of the road ahead and offering optimal visibility at night without dazzling the other road users.

LEDs have made their way to the back of the car as well, giving the E-Class its own distinct visual identity, but also making the car a lot more visible and, thus, increasing safety. Also for safety reasons, the LED taillights come with varying intensity depending on the time of day.

The new E-Class sounds like a winner, and at least until the competition launches the new generations of their direct rivals, there really isn’t anything in this segment to challenge the complete package in terms of technology and comfort that the Mercedes-Benz mid-sized sedan is now offering. Well, technically not right now, but soon enough.
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About the author: Vlad Mitrache
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"Boy meets car, boy loves car, boy gets journalism degree and starts job writing and editing at a car magazine" - 5/5. (Vlad Mitrache if he was a movie)
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