Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2014 News

...but we've been fooled in the past.Mercedes is now committed to major under-the-skin revisions in its mid-life updates, although the next E will also get more aggressive in the nose with a look that mirrors the style of the latest C Class.

The side profile is unchanged but there will be major changes to the nose to line it up with everything from the latest baby C to the SL roadster.Major efficiency improvements are also expected.

Interior changes and engine upgrades are the most likely improvements for 2012, but are still on the top-secret list.Still, it's clear that the '12 model is only a minor change with small alterations to the headlamps, foglamps and daytime running lights.

The Toyota Prius is up against the Volkswagen Polo and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class in final voting for the world's most prestigious car prize. The three finalists are named today at the Geneva Motor Show in the second-last stage of WCOTY voting.The winner will be announced in New York on April 1.The WCOTY contest is decided by 59 jurors from 25 countries through two secret ballots. Apart from the main prize, there are awards for performance cars, green cars, and automotive design.The three final contenders for the 2010 World Performance Car award are the Audi R8 V10, Ferrari California and Porsche 911 GT3.The three finalists for the World Green Car award are the Honda Insight, Toyota Prius and the Volkswagen BlueMotion (Golf, Passat, Polo).

BMW's 3 Series cabrio has been the buyer's benchmark in German fresh- air contenders in recent years but Mercedes believes it can lure people to its brand by ripping the top off its newest E-Class. The E Cabrio is all new and replaces the CLK droptop, promising more space and practicality thanks to a four-seat cabin and a folding canvas roof. Benz also believes it can do the job against the latest Audi S5 cabrio, which has just landed in Australia to put more sizzle into the summer showroom stoush.The E Cabrio will not land until next year and it could easily run into a winter chill, but Benz says it has two systems to keep its owners toasty and happy. The first is the Airscarf, which is already fitted to Benz droptops and blows heated air from vents around the headrest to keep necks warm.Now it also has Aircap, an electrically operated draft excluder for all four seats in the E, which should also get a workout in Australia with deliveries not starting until autumn next year.  "We don't get it until late March or early April. But the Airscarf and Aircap will definitely make a difference once we get into winter," admits David McCarthy, spokesman for Mercedes-Benz Australia.Benz released the first pictures of the new E-Class Cabrio this week and the droptop completes the company's mid-sized lineup. "We have an E sedan, and a coupe, and a wagon. So now we have a full family with the Cabrio," says McCarthy.He admits the E replaces the previous CLK but says it takes a different approach. And one that has not been used by Benz since the 1990s. "This is a proper four-seater. Ok, it won't carry four seven-footers, but it's for real people."McCarthy is also quick to defend the car's canvas top which, despite extra insulation and noise protection, trails the folding hardtop designs used on many convertibles including the Lexus IS-C. "There are a couple of reasons for the top. The first is customer feedback that they like the ragtop because there is less compromise on boot and passenger space. In a two-seat car you can use quite a bit of space for the folding roof, but this is a four-seater. "The other issue is that, predominantly, the E Cabrio will be parked off the street in garages. The security issues of some cars, like the Pueoget CC and the Ford Focus, is that the majority of those vehicle are sold in Europe and parked on the street. So a hardtop is important to their owners."The exact price and specification of the E Cabrio is not finalised but Australian shoppers will see the car first with a 350 petrol engine. The 250 petrol and diesel will follow, along with a V8. "It really depends on the numbers we can get. We'll start with the 350," says McCarthy."If you look at the price, the E-Class coupe (from $94,500, $127,500 with the 350) is a good starting price but with an obvious premium for the roof. The 3 Series will be a rival, yes, but size-wise our car is more like a 4 Series, which doesn't exist." 

The new standard for mid-sized and mid-priced luxury, even if the bottom end is out of reach for most Australians, is a must-have contender for COTY. It's not as fast as Godzilla or as economical as the Prius, but the E is the car which will set the bar for luxury and comfort and overall refinement.Price: from $96,900Output: 150kW/4200revs, 500Nm/1600-1800revs, 5.3L/100km, 139g/kmMercedes-Benz E-Class: reviewMercedes-Benz E350 E500: reviewMercedes-Benz E63 AMG: reviewMercedes-Benz E-Class coupe: first driveMercedes-Benz E-Class 2009 price and specsACT dealer locationsNSW dealer locationsNT dealer locationsQLD dealer locationsSA dealer locationsTAS dealer locationsVIC dealer locationsWA dealer locations

So Mercedes-Benz has responded by trimming the entry price into its new E-Class sedan range and adding more equipment.The newest range opener is also now a 2.1-litre turbo diesel, the 220 CDI, which arrives in September with a pricetag of $80,900, about $10,000 cheaper than the outgoing 1.8-litre 200 Kompressor model. The CDI also becomes the first modern four-cylinder turbo-diesel E-Class to be sold here. The 220 CDI will be joined in two months by the $93,900 E250 CGI petrol four, $96,900 E 250 CDI diesel four and $131,900 E350 CDI V6.These engines are all part of the company's Blue Efficiency technologies designed to reduce aerodynamics, fuel consumption and emissions. The range initially kicks off with the $128,900 E350 V6 and $178,900 E500 V8. The new 3.5-litre V6 E350 costs $2965 less than the outgoing model, yet adds more than $10,000 in additional standard equipment. Of all the models, only the 5.5-litre V8 E500 sedan is more expensive, increasing by $11,232. However, it too gets an equipment lift with about $21,000 worth of extra standard equipment.Buyers can also specify the $5700 AMG sports pack which adds 18-inch AMG alloys, body kit, firmer suspension, sports seats, three-spoke steering wheel and brushed alloy pedals.Apart from a lavish level of safety, the E350 gets front and rear parking sensors with parking guidance, 7-speed G-tronic automatic, lane keeping package with blind-spot alarm, 18-inch alloys, bi-Xenon headlights, cruise control, split/fold rear seats, cupholders, cable for the iPod input, multi-contour front seats and multi-zone climate control air-conditioning.The E500 ups the ante with keyless entry and go, more luxurious front seats, alarm and sunblinds in the rear and side rear seats. The car has grown slightly in all directions except height. The wheelbase is 20mm longer at 2874mm, which has helped liberate more interior room. The sedan's boot capacity remains at 540-litres but it has been redesigned to improve its shape so it can take four golf bags. Every E-Class now also gets a split fold rear seat to increase luggage room.Visually, one look at the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan shows that the design team has taken some cues from the famous 1950s Pontoon models. The E-Class shares that car's bulging rear wheel arches, incorporated into the ninth-generation car's 21st century design. Apart from a passing nod to the Pontoon, the newest Merc gains a modern interpretation of the E-Class's quad headlight treatment.As expected, it bristles with safety and technology. Mercedes boldly describes it as the safest car in the world. Apart from the added features, service intervals have also been lifted to 25,000km.Mercedes-Benz Australia managing director, passenger cars, Horst von Sanden, says the introduction of an entry turbo-diesel reflects the growing acceptance of modern diesel technology by Australian customers. He says adding more gear into the cars was also a direct reaction to market demands.The luxury segment had become more price sensitive, he says. “We saw that with the run-out of the old car,” he says. “Even luxury buyers are expecting more.”Apart from the sedan, Mercedes-Benz also launched the E-Class coupe, which effectively replaces the CLK.Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan: E 220 CDI sedan - $80,900E 250 CGI sedan - $93,900E 250 CDI sedan - $96,900E 350 CDI sedan - $131,900E 350 sedan - $128,900E 500 sedan - $178,900Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé: E 250 CGI coupé - $94,500E 250 CDI coupé - $97,500E 350 coupé - $127,500E 500 coupé - $174,500

The almost unbelievable move of prestige cars carrying small-car engines is being sparked by punishing global fuel and emission regulations. As performance is becoming replaced with economy, Mercedes-Benz is even admitting high-efficient four-cylinder engines may be seen in its S-Class flagship range. For now, the German won't timetable an S-Class four, but has confirmed its new E-Class will hit Australia this year with its entry-level E220 sporting a turbo-diesel four. It is the first time Mercedes has announced a diesel as the base model. The 125kW E220 CDI is expected to arrive in September, three months after the first wave of E-Class sedans led by the petrol-engined E350 and E500, priced at a bit more than the $75,000 green luxury threshold. Regardless, the E220 will save buyers about $5000 compared with the old luxury car threshold that didn't favour low-emission cars. The E220 will not be the only turbo-diesel four on offer in the E-Class range. It will be accompanied by the 150kW/500Nm E250 that has a 2.1-litre turbo-diesel engine. This engine, rated at a hybrid-busting 5.1 litres/100km yet capable of a 0-100km/h sprint of 7.4 seconds, is also being picked up by the E-Class Coupe which from October this year replaces the long-standing CLK range. The use of this engine in the performance-styled Coupe says it all about the change in thinking of European car makers. It comes as the January 2012 deadline draws closer for the European Union-mandated 120 grams per kilometre of carbon-dioxide emissions. Mercedes smartly believes that collecting a band of low emission models will allow it to continue developing and making its big-bore AMG models. With its family of cars including the 90g/km CO2 Smart MHD and a sub-90g/km CO2 Smart diesel, Mercedes may be on its way to fulfiling the EU demand. The E250 is the engine that is being talked up by Mercedes. Quietly, it is plausible that the engine could be the first four-cylinder to be slotted into the S-Class —- though that won't happen for the Mercedes-Benz 2010 S-Class range being unveiled now. Rather, it could be on the cards within five years.

Million dollar extravagance alongside budget buggies, runaway horsepower side-by-side with eco warriors. Its the eclectic mix that makes the Geneva one of the most anticipated events on the annual motor show circuit.As major car manufacturers battle for survival in the most severe economic crisis since the Great Depression, its all spit, polish and business as usual inside the Palexpo complex in the world's banking capital.Bentley, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce and Maybach spruiked their million-dollar babies alongside a tiny Smart, Chrysler's European debut for its vision of an electric future and a full range of real-world hybrid and dual-fuel models.There were the wild and wacky concepts — fewer than in the halcyon days, an acknowledgement that times are tough — and a mix of models that will grace showrooms in the coming year.Also fighting for attention were the usual array of specialists like Brabus, Startech and Zagato adding even greater gloss and performance to mainstream models as well as tiny Euro operations producing outlandish stars of their own imagining — badges such as Sbarro, Gumpert, Spyker and Koenigsegg.So, what were the stars of the 2009 Geneva Show?Ask a hundred people and you will probably get 100 different answers, but from a purely personal point of view here is one version of a Top 10. Citroen DS Inside Concept: A concept in name only, the little Mini rival will spearhead Citroen's new DS naming convention when it launches next year. Sleek, stylish and boasting a hybrid-diesel powertrain, the DS (the manufacturer says that stands for different spirit) caught the eye and the imagination with emotional, if not styling, hints of the truly radical DS on the 1950s.Hyundai ix-onic concept: Gone are the days when you looked on a Korean concept with a sense of synmpathy. While the ix-onic is clearly an exaggeration of the marques next SUV generation there is enough about it to whet the appetite. As important as the styling is the news that the ix-onic carries DSG gearbox and stop/start eco-technology. Look for for it all in the next generation of Tucson compact SUV next year.Pagani Zonda Cinque: A personal favourite. Not so much a car as a piece of very, very fast art. The latest offering from designer Horatio Pagani uses the company's own bespoke carbon-titanium material to shape a truly gorgeous body — and it goes. Zero to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds and back to zero in 2.1. Enough sauid. Chevrolet Spark: Far more super-realistic than super-car, the little Spark is none-the-less an excellent example of its kind. Developed from the General Motors Beat concept shown in New York two years ago, the Spark is a bright rendition of a city car which, despite its name, is not electric nor even hybrid. On sale in Europe this year, don't be surprised if it comes under serious consideration for life with a Holden badge.Mercedes E-Class Coupe: The outstanding model from the new E-Class range. While the sedan version of the new generation E-Class had been seen in Detroit in January this was the Coupe's first outing — and well worth the wait. A really pretty rendition of a true coupe style.Audi TT RS: There was no shortage of new Audis in Geneva with the A5 and S5 Cabriolets on show but they were put in the shade by this hot version of the cool TT. What really sets this one apart is the use of a rorty 5-cylinder engine which is a hint to a wider future use of the powerplant behind the four-rings badge.Maybach Zeppelin: Outrageous, outlandish and unapologetically designed to shout "look what I've got that you don't", the latest Maybach earns its spot in the top 10 for offering a stone interior as an option. The high-tech process for bending Indian granite around complex surfaces is more Jetsons than Flintstones and about as left-field as anything seen in a production car. Aston Martin One-77: Another conspicuous statement of wealth, this super-exclusive super-car — only 77 are being made — exudes power and style. Everything about this car is special, right through to the unique 7.3-litre V12 massaged out of the company's standard 6.0-litre unit by Cosworth. It is believed at least one of these beauties is heading for Australia.Jaguar XFR: It has been a little while coming but Jaguar has put some real bite into its award-winning XF range with the arrival of the high-performance R version. Without over-burdoning the car with fancy, garish aero bits there is little doubt the XFR looks the biz. The 5.0-litre supercharged V8 under the bonnet doesn't hurt, either. Fiat 500C convertible: Not really a convertible in the contempory sense of the word, this latest rendition of the insufferably cute Fiat 500 is a must-have fashion accessory. The rollback sot top is true to the style of the original 1950s car with the centre of the roof rolling back to open the passengers to the skies without the complicated engineering of removing roof rails or C-pillars.

And it's an odd decision for a nameplate that has done so well.Like the CLK, the new coupe is an amalgam of components from various Benz models but is more closely aligned to the medium large E-Class than anything else.Due to lob here in July with the new sedan, the coupe brings with it a range of new engines and sensational low slung styling destined to set a new benchmark in the segment.There will be numerous variants of the new hard top coupe (a ragtop cabriolet arrives late this year) starting with a 250CGi direct fuel injection petrol V6 and a 220CDi turbo diesel four cylinder.Pricing is expected to follow the precedent set by the new Benz C-Class which was pitched lower than the model it replaced.Other coupe models include the 250CDi diesel with 150kW and 500Nm output, a 350CGi direct injection petrol V6 with 215kW and a 500 petrol V8.All V6 and V8 models will have a seven speed auto with the fours having five speed autos in Aussie spec'.The new coupe is said to be a genuine four seater with individual seats and adequate rear headroom. The boot is large.At this stage, no AMG version of the coupe is on the drawing board but a sports pack comprising brake and suspension upgrades could be available for the 500 coupe.Technologies and new features from the E-Class sedan will flow through into the coupe including safety, luxury and performance features.