2016 Mercedes E-Class world premieres in Detroit - IAB Report [Video]

Range includes 5 models, including a plug-in hybrid for the first time.

Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the fifth generation Mercedes E-Class (W213) at the 2016 North American International Motor Show in Detroit. The all-new 2016 Mercedes E-Class was already revealed online in leaked images days before its world premiere, but we have all its technical details and features now.

Based on the latest MRA (Modular Rear-wheel drive Architecture) platform, the fifth-gen Mercedes E-Class is 43 mm longer with a length of 4,880 mm and has a 65 mm longer wheelbase of 2,874 mm, than the fourth-gen Mercedes E-Class. The all-new model has a "record-breaking" drag coefficient value of 0.23 cd. One of the most interesting features of the new generation model is DRIVE PILOT.

Mercedes-branding for semi-autonomous driving, DRIVE PILOT, allows autonomous driving on highways and country roads. The car can not only maintain the correct distance from the vehicle ahead of it by itself, but also follow it at a speed of up to 210 km/h. The driver doesn't need to accelerate or brake till a speed of 210 km/h, but at speeds beyond 130 km/h, the driver will need to take over the steering wheel. The autonomous driving tech works with the navigation system to remain updated with the allowed maximum speed on the route. The car can also overtake, when prompted by the driver.

Other noteworthy features of the 2016 Mercedes E-Class include remote parking (in/out) using smartphone app, Car-to-X communication car-to-car networking for getting and giving warnings of the cars in the network including the driver's E-Class, MULTIBEAM LED headlamps with 84 individually controlled LEDs each, fully-digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch high-resolution display, all-new COMAND Online infotainment system with touch-sensitive Touch Control Buttons on the steering wheel and a 12.3-inch high-resolution display, Qi wireless charging and Burmester 3D surround sound system with 23 speakers.

The 2016 Mercedes E-Class will be available with a choices of four combustion engines as well as a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Initially, only two models will be available - E 200 and E 220 d. 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission will be standard for both these models. Three more models - E 350 d, E 350 e and E 400 4MATIC - follow later.

The E 200 packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 135 kW (184 hp) and 300 Nm of torque and can do 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. Its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures are rated at 16.95 km/l and 132 g/km respectively. The E 200 d features an all-new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine good for 143 kW (195 hp) and 400 Nm of torque. It can do 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and has fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures rated at 25.64 km/l and 102 g/km respectively.

The E 350 d sports a more powerful, 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine producing 190 kW (258 hp) and 620 Nm of torque, and can hit 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. Its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures are rated at 19.61 km/l and 133 g/km respecitvely. The E 400 4MATIC is propelled by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine that throws out 333 hp and 480 Nm of torque.

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The E 350 e is the first-ever mass-produced plug-in hybrid E-Class to be offered. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain features a combination of a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 155 kW (205 hp) and 350 Nm of torque and an electric motor that produces 60 kW (82 hp) and 360 Nm of torque. Both sources together churn out 205 kW (279 hp) and 600 Nm of torque. This model can be driven up to 30 km solely on electric power and do 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures are rated at 47.62 km/l and 49 g/km.

Prices of the 2016 Mercedes E-Class will be announced closer to market launch, scheduled to happen in Spring 2016 in UK. For the U.S. market, it'll be 2017 Mercedes E-Class, going on sale in Summer 2016.

More details are available in the press release embedded below the image gallery.

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