2023 Mercedes E Class (W224) to have 48V MHEV as standard [Update]

The ‘only-electrified’ powertrain strategy isn’t a one-time application reserved for the 2021 C-Class. According to an AutoZeitung report, entry-level variants of the 2023 Mercedes E Class (W224) will feature a 48V mild-hybrid system as standard, whereas higher up in the range, a plug-in hybrid system will be the norm.

Exterior & Interior

Work on the 2023 Mercedes E-Class has commenced. A market launch is expected towards early 2023, post the reveal of the all-electric Mercedes EQE – the pure EV equivalent of the E Class. Note we use the word ‘equivalent’ because Mercedes designers will distinguish the EQE from the new E Class, unlike the EQC-GLC or EQA-GLA pairs, making one vehicle futuristic and another in the classical form. This comes on the back of a dedicated EV platform at play – the Mercedes EVA – which debuted on the Mercedes EQS.

The exterior and interior of the next-gen Audi A6 rival will be inspired by the new S Class and C Class. Sharper lights and new aerodynamic enhancements around the bonnet, the windshield, and the fenders should bring down drag and improve fuel efficiency. However, it won’t be anywhere as near as the EQS or EQE in Cd, which are designed in the wind tunnel. Similarly, on the inside, the 2023 E Class’s highlight would be the new-gen MBUX (Mercedes Benz User Experience) central screen alongside the driver display. Like the outgoing model, expect a complete rear-seat entertainment and comfort package, a current favorite among chauffeur-driven buyers and markets where the long-wheelbase specs are available.

On the 2023 Mercedes E Class Engines

According to the report, the plug-in hybrid variants of the 2023 E Class will feature an electric range of up to 100 km. However, even base variants with a 48V mild-hybrid system will include regenerative braking and coasting the car with the engine turned off.

2023 Mercedes E-Class features

Rear-axle steering

The next-gen E-Class would flaunt many new features already available in the new-generation S-Class and C-Class. Rear-axle steering would reduce the executive sedan’s turning circle by turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction, making maneuvers as easy as in a compact car. At high speeds, the benefit would be better handling.

Digital Light & second-gen MBUX

Key features of the 2023 E-Class should include Digital Light headlamps that can project marking aids and warning symbols onto the road ahead. Drive Pilot for semi-autonomous driving and second-gen MBUX that includes a large central display in portrait orientation and voice control with “Hey Mercedes” prompt are also likely to be among the highlights.

Air-Balance

Daimler may offer an Air-Balance Package that allows customers to fragrance their car per their preference and improves air quality by ionization and optimized filtering of incoming and recirculating air. Energizing Coach would recommend various “feel-good programs” as per the vehicle and journey data and use musical and lighting moods. It can take the user’s personal values such as stress level or sleep quality from a paired smartwatch or another wearable device. These should be two of the many different customer wellness features the company offers in the new executive car.

Airmatic

The Airmatic air suspension system should ensure that the driver and passengers travel in high physical comfort. It will likely automatically lower the car at highway speeds to minimize aerodynamic drag and provide a more dynamic driving experience. On poor roads, the driver can raise the ride height and increase the ground clearance. Calibration would change as per the selected drive mode.

Frontal airbags for rear-seat passengers are all but given for heightened safety. Pre-Safe Impulse Side function enabled by E-Active Body Control suspension, which quickly raises the car’s body in the event of a potential side-impact, further enhancing safety, could also be available.

Active Steering Assist

The Active Steering Assist system would come in a new version that works at up to 210 km/h (130 mph) instead of 60 km/h. Moreover, it would be able to recognize an additional lane using the vehicle’s 360-degree camera and form an emergency corridor.

Price

Prices of the 2023 Mercedes E-Class may start at around EUR 50,000 in Germany and around USD 55,000 in the USA.

New Mercedes E-Class FAQs

Source: AutoZeitung & Avarvarii; Featured image: Daimler