The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Exterior Design

The new E-Class combines tradition and modernity: on the one hand, the model series continues the long model history of the classic E-Class; on the other hand, its new appearance builds a bridge to the avant-garde trendsetters from Mercedes-EQ.

The new E-Class has the proportions of a classic three-box saloon: the short front overhang and long bonnet are followed by a greenhouse which is set well back. The passenger area is generously dimensioned, partly owing to the two-centimetre longer wheelbase (2961 millimetres) compared to the preceding series. The “cab-backward” design is rounded off by the well-proportioned rear overhang. Among other things, the E‑Class derives its status from the so-called prestige dimension, i.e. the distance from the front axle to the windscreen. Nevertheless, sportiness has not been sacrificed: powerdomes accentuate the bonnet. The flowing C-pillar has a dynamic effect. The new E-Class has a wide track (front/rear: 1634/1648 mm) and flush-fitted wheels measuring up to 21 inches.

The two separate character lines on the side emphasise the car’s sporty character. This shows off the elaborately designed surfaces to their best advantage. In line with the design philosophy of “sensual purity”, the design team modelled a 3D sculpture with a special play of light. Chrome trim is discreetly and stylishly placed.

A surprising feature at the front particularly illustrates the bridge between tradition and modernity: A black panel-like surface connects the radiator grille with the headlamps. This insert in high-gloss black is visually reminiscent of the Mercedes-EQ models. The three-dimensionally designed radiator grille is either progressive or classic, depending on the equipment line. In the Avantgarde version, the central star is integrated into the grille. Other design features of this line include a single louvre, grilles in a chrome star motif and chrome surrounds. In the Exclusive version, on the other hand, the radiator grille has three horizontal twin louvres. This variant also has an upright star on the bonnet.

An illuminated radiator grille surround is optionally available for all lines. In this case there are two optical fibres behind the chrome strips. Light is fed into the glass-fibre bundles via LED modules. While driving, the radiator frame is illuminated in combination with the low beam. When stationary, the radiator grille adds another level of staging to the Coming Home and Leaving Home scenarios.

The new E-Class has high-performance LED headlamps as standard. As an optional extra, DIGITAL LIGHT is available without and with a projection function. All headlamp variants offer a distinctive day and night design. As a typical feature of the brand, the daytime running lights take the shape of an eyebrow.

The side view shows off the harmonious proportions and the distinctive “cab-backward” design to particularly good effect. The flush-fitting door handles familiar from the luxury Mercedes-Benz models are available as an option. They extend electrically when the driver approaches or strokes the outer surface of the door handle.

Highlights at the rear include the two-section LED lights with a new contour and special design: the star motif in both light units provides a special day and night design. A light show is optionally available to welcome or bid farewell to passengers. The two rear lights are connected in the middle. This emphasises the width of the rear end, as does the v-shaped design of the boot lid and the chrome trim bar on its rear edge.

Interior Design

The dashboard makes for the digital experience in the interior. If the E-Class is equipped with the optional front passenger screen, the large glass surface of the MBUX Superscreen extends to the central display. Visually detached from this is the high-resolution driver display in the driver’s field of vision.

The contour of the cover glass is dynamic in design. For the central display, the glass surface is extended downwards accordingly. The profile becomes flat towards the outer edges. A narrow nozzle band nestles against the upper contour of the glass surface, connecting the central nozzle with the outer nozzles to form a single unit.

The models without a passenger display feature a large trim element that extends to the centre. Visually detached, the central display appears to float above the concave surface of this trim element.

The front section of the instrument panel is illuminated by the light strip of the Active Ambient Lighting. This runs in a wide arc from the windscreen, past the A-pillars and into the doors, so creating a spacious feeling in the way the door panels merge with the collar of the instrument panel to form a single unit. An apparently free-floating control array in the upper section of the door panels matches the look of the glass surfaces of the screens.

The centre console is designed as a homogeneous unit and merges in a straight line into the lower section of the dashboard. At the front, a stowage compartment with lid and cup holders is integrated into the three-dimensionally shaped trim element. There is a soft padded armrest in the rear part of the centre console. USB ports are located in the compartment below.

The door centre panel merges seamlessly into the armrest with a concave sweep. The front section here is designed as a metallic high-tech element. It serves as a grab and closing handle, and incorporates the switches for the power windows. Another highlight is the free-floating control array incorporating the door opener and the controls for the seat functions.

The contours of the seat surface and backrest flow elegantly from the inside to the outside, and appear to float above the base of the seat thanks to their layer design. Indented vertical lines follow the outer contour, widening out towards the top. The association made here by the interior designers was with the organic beauty of shells. If the customer opts for leather upholstery, the seats are designed with elaborate longitudinal fluting, created in individual panels. The nappa leather seats feature quilted and perforated diamond patterns that follow the shape of the seat. The seat with MICROCUT offered as part of AMG Line interior is also perforated.

Extensive range of interior colours and decorative trim

The colour & trim concept conveys a technoid character. E-Class buyers can choose between numerous interior colour combinations. The palette ranges from light beige combined with space grey, including a classy pearl effect, to the sophisticated tonka brown and the cool and technical-looking grey.

The interior surfaces have a new fine-grain finish from the base trim level upwards, underlining the contemporary character. The interplay between analogue and digital sensory experience is further exemplified by the wide range of trims with innovative, natural or technoid surfaces. Exclusive to the E-Class is interior trim of open-pore wood – dark ash – which is backlit by the Mercedes-Benz pattern.

In addition to other trim panels featuring open-pore woods, the “MANUFAKTUR piano lacquer black flowing lines” variant familiar from the S-Class is also available. Another highlight is interior trim in a silver-coloured metal-mix material. Its high-gloss finish gives it a very futuristic look.

Customisable UI design

The main icons on the central and optional passenger displays are now simpler, and also colour-coded to match smartphone tiles. This enables the driver to recognise them even more intuitively.

With two display styles (Classic and Sporty) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service), the graphics of the screens can be individualised. In the “Classic” style, the driver is greeted by the familiar display layout with the look of two dial instruments. Varying content with vehicle-related information is displayed between the two tubes.

The “Sporty” style is dominated by the colour red, with a dynamically designed central rev counter. A holistically impressive colour experience is created in the interior by the optional seven colour themes of the ambient lighting.