Premium sedan has most advanced systems and is on sale now
Mercedes-Benz New Zealand has launched the all-new E-Class with the large premium sedan boasting the most advanced driver assistance systems available in any vehicle.
Launched to the Australasian media this week in Melbourne, the ‘executive saloon’ is now on sale in New Zealand.
It is the 10th generation of E-Class and sits between the luxury S-Class and the brand’s top selling vehicle, the C-Class sedan
There are five E-Class variants from launch with three more to join the line up by early 2017.
The E200 petrol is priced from $99,000 and has a 2-litre, four cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 135kW of power and 300Nm of torque.
The E220d has the Mercedes-Benz’s all-new 2-litre, four cylinder diesel engine producing 143kW/400Nm and priced from $102,900.
The E350d has a 3-litre, six cylinder diesel engine (190kW/620Nm) and is priced from $146,300.
The E300 is priced at $119,900 and has 2-litre, four cylinder petrol engine (180kW/370Nm) while the E400 starts at $149,900 with a 3-litre, six cylinder engine (245kW/480Nm).
All models have Mercedes-Benz’s nine speed automatic transmission.
Kiwis are expected to favour the E400, according to Mercedes-Benz, with the E200, E200, 220d and 350d on sale noew and in September the E300 and 400 arrive in showrooms.
The E-Class has the S-Class style dual screen integrated into the dash, the C-Class front grille and is one of the most technologically advanced sedans available with a near autonomous driving system called Drive Pilot; touchpads on the steering wheel; and Car Play so you can use smartphone apps.
At the global launch in Lisbon, Portugal earlier this year that Driven attended, the company stated that the new E-Class had evolved two generations, rather than one, thanks to the passive and active technology supported by cameras and radars around the vehicle.
As well as Drive Pilot, there is Cross Wind Assist (that helps stabilise the sedan in strong winds); Active Lane Change Assist (by using the indicator, radars sense if it is clear to move and the car does it for you); Evasive Steering Assist (that avoids hitting pedestrians); Pre-Safe Sound (where a sound is emitted just before a crash to protect your eardrums); plus impressive self-parking systems.
Within the next two years Connect Me services will be available in Australasia, including remote parking pilot where, via an app on your smartphone, you can park the car remotely — as long as you’re 3m from the vehicle and can see it.
The are also a variety of optional packages available across the range, including AMG Line, Active Comfort (with massaging seats) and Vision (with glass sunroof).
