• Gets EQ front fascia with S-Class tech
• Said to be the bridge between combustion engine and full-electric
• Half of engine variants will be plug-in hybrids

This is the all-new W214 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which the company says it points the way in the transition from the combustion engine to electric drive. Much of it is down to the powertrain options, while the rest are in the exterior and interior design.

At market launch in Europe, half of the engine variants will be plug-in hybrids (PHEV), while the rest are mild-hybrids (MHEV). The sole petrol MHEV variant is the E200 that packs a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 204 PS/320 Nm, with the integrated starter generator providing a 23 PS/205 Nm boost.

The same engine is also found in the PHEV variants, though with output of up to 252 PS/400 Nm in the E400e 4Matic, supplemented by a 129 PS/440 Nm electric motor to give combined system output of 381 PS/650 Nm. Meanwhile, the E300e and E300e 4Matic make do with a combined output of 312 PS/550 Nm.

The battery energy content is rated at 25.4 kWh that provides up to 100 km all-electric range (WLTP), and accepts up to 55 kW DC fast charging, 11 kW AC charging.

On the suspension front, the all-new E-Class has a four-link front suspension, while the rear axle is equipped with an optimised multi-link independent rear suspension with five links to ensure good wheel control and straight-line stability.

Agility Control steel spring suspension with selective damping system comes as standard. There’s also the optional Airmatic suspension and rear-axle steering.

Exterior wise, the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class features a classic three-box saloon design with a short front overhang and a long bonnet.

It has a black panel-like surface that connects the radiator grille with the headlamps, which is similar to the Mercedes-EQ models.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz plans to launch 20 new models in Malaysia in 2023, new EQ and AMG models

The AMG Line trim gets a large central logo on the front grille while the Exclusive Line trim gets a more traditional front grille with an ornament on the bonnet. Both grille designs are optionally illuminated.

The all-new E-Class also comes with high-performance LED headlamps as standard, and Digital Light as an optional extra with projection function. The rear has two-section LED lights with a special design and a star motif in both light units.

Inside, the optional MBUX Superscreen adds a front passenger display that extends to the central display. The driver's display is visually separated and placed within their field of vision.

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

The front section of the instrument panel is illuminated by Active Ambient Lighting, while cabin space is said to be increased with more headroom, kneeroom, legroom, and elbow width compared to the previous model. Luggage capacity is up to 540 litres.

Mercedes-Benz has developed a compatibility layer that allows third-party apps to be installed on the E-Class central display. The apps available include TikTok, Angry Birds, Webex, Zoom, and Vivaldi.

The optional MBUX Superscreen also includes a selfie and video camera, allowing drivers to participate in online video conferences and take personal photos and videos when stationary.

In terms of advanced safety, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes with Active Distance Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Speed Limit Assist as standard.

Optional features include the driver distraction warning with a visual and acoustic warning, and the Driving Assistance Plus package which includes Active Steering Assist and automatic restart in city traffic and country roads.

Mercedes-Benz says the all-new W214-generation E-Class will make its way into European showrooms in autumn 2023, while sales commences in the summer.

Also read: 1 million km and counting; this W124 Mercedes-Benz E200 is still on its original engine