Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214)

The sixth generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class executive car, is a lineup consisting of three body styles, the W214 sedan, S214 estate, and the X214 all terrain estate, which are vehicles produced by German luxury vehicle manufacturer Mercedes-Benz Group since 2 May 2023. Available exclusively in mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, the E-Class has been available since August 2023 in the UK. Estate variants will come in December 2023. Models years for all body styles are to start in 2024.

As the last generation, the W214 will receive a long-wheel base model internally designated V214 replacing the V213, assembled and sold locally at the Beijing Benz factory in Beijing, China.

Development and launch
Built upon the rear-wheel drive based MRA II (Modular Rear Architecture) platform which it shares with the D-segment W206 C-Class and the F-segment W223 S-Class, the W214 was unveiled on 25 April 2023. At 26 mm longer, 28 mm wider, and 12 mm taller, it has grown in every dimension compared to the previous model. Its wheel base has grown by 22 mm. For the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet, the vehicle has undergone a nomenclature update, using the CLE nameplate.

For the estate model, its size in length, width and height has increased by 4 mm, 28 mm, and 22 mm, respectively, while its wheelbase has increased by 22 mm. Boot space has increased by 10 mm.

Designed under the direction of Gorden Wagener, the CLE was sketched by Bastian Baudy, Micheal Frei, and Robert Lešnik, while Torben Ewe designed the lights and Andreas Franke had designed the interior. As of Q4 2023, available model configurations are petrol mild hybrid, petrol plug-in hybrid, diesel mild hybrid, and diesel plug-in hybrid.

Design and chassis
The W214 features a four-arm multi-link suspension setup at the front, while a five-link setup is positioned at the rear with Agility Control steel-sprung suspension and adjustable damping, which is standard on the mild hybrids. Ride height for plug-in hybrids is lowered by 15 mm. Air suspension is optional, as part of the Technology package, which adds Airmatic with continuously variable damping. Rear-wheel steering is optional, which now supports steering of up to 4.5 degrees, reducing the vehicle's turning circle by 90 cm. For RWD models, the turning circle is 10.8 m, and 11.1 m for AWD models. All-wheel steering is also available. For the saloon model, its boot capacity is 540 L, though for the estate model boot space increases to 615 L. With rear seats folded, boot space expands to 1675 L on the estate.

The vehicle's basis for chassis and bodywork is the rear-wheel drive based, Mercedes-Benz Modular Rear Architecture, a platform dedicated to making unibody-based vehicles that use either a mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain. Like other vehicles in this platform, the W214 combines high-strength steel and with aluminium.

The vehicle retains its drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd, which would not have been possible if not for its headlights, which are joined by a black panel that connects the grille.

Exterior
Retaining its three-box sedan shape, the front fascia features a black high-gloss insert in between the headlights and grille, which was inspired by the EQ range. According to the brand, the headlights are made to resemble eyebrows. Flush-fitting door handles, as seen on the EQE and EQS, are available. The taillights feature a three-pointed star motif design.

Eleven colour options, consisting of Black, Polar White, Obsidian Black metallic, Graphite Gray metallic, Mojave Silver metallic, Lunar Blue metallic, Cirrus Silver metallic, Selenite Gray metallic, Cardinal Red metallic, Diamond White metallic, and Selenite Gray metallic are available.

Features
The W214 is the first Mercedes-Benz non-EQ vehicle to utilize the MBUX Superscreen, a tri-screen setup which pairs dual-12.3 in screens with a 17.7 in screen to make what looks like a large screen. The Superscreen features a selfie camera and is able to stream third-party apps such as Angry Birds, TikTok, Vivaldi, and Zoom. Additionally, if the driver looks at the screen, the device will automatically decrease its brightness. Active Ambient Lighting features a range of colours and brightnesses. Because of the 23 mm size increase, kneeroom and legroom are increased by 10 mm and 17 mm, respectively.

Standard features include 17- to 18-inch wheels, electrically folding mirrors and dimming rear view mirrors. The KEYLESS-GO smart key function, LED headlamps including integral LED daytime running lamps and Adaptive Highbeam Assist system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (upgradable to the Superscreen), and privacy glass for rear side windows and rear windscreen. The advanced driver-assistance features include Active Distance Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Parking Package that comes with a 180-degree camera, Park Assist, and Parktronic, and Speed Limit Assist. Attention Assist features a distraction system. This system and will warn the driver both visually and by audio. The car will initiate an emergency stop via the Active Emergency Stop Assist function. 64 ambience colours are optional, and a wireless charging pad for smartphones is available.

Standard, models receive the Thermatic two-zone air conditioning system, however, the Thermotronic package is available with higher-end models. Other optional features include 19-, 20, or 21-inch wheels, Mercedes’ DIGITAL LIGHT system, head-up display, illuminated grille, and summer tyres.

Mercedes says the hybrid system reduces turbo lag and smoothens the automatic start-stop system.

Powertrain
The W214 E-Class is primarily available with 2.0 litre four cylinder engines with 48 V mild hybrid technology with an integrated starter-generator, located between the transmission and the crankshaft. There are also plug-in hybrid variants which all use a 25.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. Only the range-topping E450 is available with the 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine.

Plug-in hybrids
The E300e PHEV model's all-electric range is 96 - 115 km depending on either trim or model. The E400e PHEV's all electric range is 97 - 109 km. For both models, the fully electric modes let the driver cruise below speeds of 130 kph.