Back in May, Zung Fu (Macau) launched the much-anticipated 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class here in the city, and earlier this month prospective buyers finally had the chance to get behind the wheel and take it for a test drive. the four test drive vehicles waiting elegantly on the Promenade at One Central Macau, you could have been forgiven for thinking that this was an all-new model.
Mercedes-Benz has, after all, made over 2,000 modifications to the 2014 edition. However, despite its significant makeover, this E-class is actually an extensive facelift of the outgoing model. Such is the competition in this segment of the luxury car market, that Mercedes-Benz are taking no chances with one of its strongest models, and have gone all out to offer a range of exciting changes to entice would-be owners. And given its significance to the marque, it’s not surprising. According to Mercedes-Benz Product Manager Hans-Peter Buhler, over 13 million E-Class have been sold in the past 60 years. The previous model sold over 600,000 units worldwide.
At first glance, the most obvious changes are to the front end of the car. Following in the footsteps of the C-Class, for the first time ever the E-Class comes in two distinct stylings, the classic ELEGANCE and the sportier AVANTGARDE. The ELEGANCE version features a stately three-louvre front grille design with the Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet, while in the AVANTGARDE, the star moves to centre of a powerful looking two-louvre grille.
Both versions get prominent front air intakes, albeit with distinct design characteristics, and a sculptured chrome lip. The Mercedes-Benz design team under Gordon Wagener have returned to a single headlamp shape, cleverly using the LED daytime running lamps to retain the E-Class’ traditional ‘four-eyed’ look. The full LED array is a very striking element, accentuating the overall more aggressive and chiseled front profile of the car.
Almost every panel of the car is new from front to rear, with strong crease lines flowing along the clean side profile, back to all new LED taillamps and prominent chrome dual exhausts.
The interior changes to the 2014 model are more subtle. The leather-trimmed, multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles has been updated, and a new three-tube gauge cluster offers a more visually exciting look. Just below the 17.8 cm COMAND system LCD central display sits an elegant analogue clock, a nice juxtaposition of high-tech and tradition. Another new feature is the two-part trim stretching across the entire dashboard, which comes in wood or aluminium. E-Class owners will find most other aspects of the interior pleasingly familiar, with the expected high quality materials, refined aesthetics and superb comfort.
While not all variants will be available in Macau, the E-Class is offered across one of the most extensive lineups available in the segment, with a total of 18 engine and drivetrain combinations including four, six and twin-turbo eight cylinder variants, in either a saloon, estate, coupe, convertible and of course the gutsy AMG. There is even the all new E400 Hybrid which pairs a 3.5 litre V6 with a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motor.
The 4-cylinder E200 and E250, and the V6 E300 and E350 are likely to be the most popular here in Macau. The base model E200 features a 2.0-litre 184hp engine with combined fuel consumption of around 6.0L / 100km. At the other end of the range, the E350 offers a 3.5-litre 306 hp engine with combined consumption of around 7.0 litres / 100 km. That extra grunt will also get you from 0-100 in a clean 6.3 seconds.
All engines are coupled with the latest version of Mercedes-Benz’s7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission and optional all-wheel drive. The new engines are more powerful and more efficient than their predecessors, particularly with the expansion of the BlueDIRECT spray-guided direct injection system to the 4-cylinder models, and ECO start/stop function across the entire range.
Regardless of what is under the bonnet, the entire E-Class range rewards drivers with adjustable suspension settings, responsive steering, and altogether pleasing driving dynamics.
When it comes to innovative high-tech safety features, Mercedes-Benz has always been a leader, and the E-Class confirms this once again. A whole host of new and optimized systems have been combined under the umbrella of ‘intelligent drive’, many offering a preview of what the new S-Class will have to offer.
The optional Driver Assistance package includes PRE-SAFE Brake with pedestrian protection. The system uses a front-mounted stereoscopic camera system which enables three-dimensional imaging of road obstacles and traffic at distances of up to 50 metres, with overall system effectiveness stretching out to 500 metres. It can detect cars and even human beings and bring the car to complete standstill from speeds up to 50km/h before a collision occurs.
Other optional safety packages also include Lane Keeping Assist which prevents you from drifting into oncoming traffic, DISTRONIC PLUS with STEER CONTROL to help maintain the distance from the vehicle in front, and ATTENTION ASSIST to warn of driver drowsiness. There is also a parking package with Active Park Assist and a 360 degree camera.
On the tech side, the E-Class has USB and Bluetooth connectivity, and the COMAND system offers a DVD player and 10GB hard disc. And music buffs will definitely want to upgrade to the 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Altogether the 2014 E-Class will definitely continue to set the bar high in this luxury segment, and more than ever combines refinement, performance and cutting-edge technology that is sure to impress.
Zung Fu Motors (Macau) Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, No 252-266 Edificio Chun U Villa, R/C, Loja A B C Taipa, MACAU
Phone: 28831283
Fax: 28831799 www.zungfu.com.mo
