The launch of the W213 Mercedes-Benz
E-Class facelift would have been at the Geneva Motor Show, but the event has
been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns. The show must go on though, and
Mercedes will now digitally present its new products from a studio in
Stuttgart. The digital press conference will happen tomorrow morning (European
time) online.
In the meantime, what could be the final
round of teasers for the W213 E-Class facelift have been released, and this
time, it’s the All-Terrain variant under the spotlight. The current X213
E-Class All-Terrain debut in 2016 as a raised and rugged version of the E-Class
Estate, following the established template of the Audi Allroad. The SUV look is
provided by a twin-slat grille, black plastic body cladding around the lower
part of the car and wheelarches and a raised ride height. The X213 is 29 mm
taller than the standard E-Class wagon, and ground clearance is up to 156 mm.
The Air Body Control multi-chamber air
suspension system offers three driver-selectable ride heights, and the car can
be lowered to just 121 mm off the ground. The 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive
system distributes power to the front and rear axles in the ratio of 45:55. There’s
also an All-Terrain mode in Dynamic Select – which besides raising the air
suspension by 20 mm – displays off-roading information relating to steering
angle, the vehicle level (air suspension position), the angle of slope and
inclination, the accelerator/brake position and a compass.
Now, Mercedes-Benz has already showed
teasers of the revamped E-Class, but this is our first good look at the car’s
front end. It has to be said though that exclusive All-Terrain bits such as the
chunky bumper and grille means that the sedan/estate won’t look exactly like
this.
First official details of the W213 E-Class
facelift was revealed in January. Refreshed exterior aside, the E-Class will
benefit from a new steering wheel that retains its touchpads, as well as larger
10.25-inch displays as standard (12.3-inch items optional). The facelift also
sees the integration of the latest Mercedes-Benz User Interface (MBUX),
including its advanced voice control.
Other new tech include the new Distronic
adaptive cruise control that adjusts its speed based on navigation information,
as well as Active Tailback Assist that provides Level 3 semi-autonomous driving
at speeds of up to 60 km/h. There’s also a new rescue lane function for the
Active Steering Assist, a cross-traffic function for Active Brake Assist and a
door opening warning. For powertrains, the E-Class will receive a new M254 2.0
litre turbo-four producing up to 268 PS and the familiar M256 3.0 litre
straight-six with 362 hp. Both will be available with a 48-volt mild hybrid
system. There will also be plug-in hybrids, 4Matic AWD and wagon models, which
we now know includes the All-Terrain.
