Mercedes shrinks range of Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series sedan rival: 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class pricing and features – Car News

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed pricing and features for the 2024 E-Class which will arrive in a single E300 mild-hybrid trim level from next week. 

The Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series rival will cost $131,500, before on-road costs and options, shrinking the five-strong E-Class range to one variant, for now. High-power AMG E53 and E63 models are due later. 

Inside, the E300 features Mercedes’ 14.4-inch ‘Superscreen’ touchscreen media system, 5G connectivity, third-gen operating system and digital key compatible with Apple iPhone and smart watch. 

The new variant sits between the old entry-level E200 and mid-spec E350, with pricing closer to the latter. More powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid, are offered overseas but there’s no word yet for Australia.

Under the E300’s bonnet is a turbo-petrol 2.0-litre four-cylinder with an integrated starter motor generator bumping outputs by 17kW and 205Nm to 190kW and 400Nm total. The E-Class drives its rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.

A drag coefficient of 0.23 helps keep fuel consumption at 7.2L/100km in the combined cycle. 

The E-Class only comes in one trim for now.

The E-Class sedan rides on a 20mm longer wheelbase for improved interior space. Visually, there are cues from the new C-Class sedan combined with new details, including an illuminated grille and star motif tail-lights. 

The E300 has a generous amount of equipment standard, including AMG Line exterior styling, adaptive LED headlights, 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, plus adaptive dampers and steel springs (the suspension is 15mm than other overseas-market models). 

Inside, the 14.4-inch touchscreen is complemented by wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a digital driver’s display, head-up display, augmented realist navigation, dual-zone climate control and power-adjust sports front seats with heating, leather upholstery in three colours.

Benz has cramped tech into the E-Class cabin.

Adding to the E-Class luxury experience is an in-built ‘assistant’. Voice control features along with the ability to automate habits, for example pre-setting the car’s climate control before you leave at a set time. 

The E-Class can also intelligently make these choices, for example turning on the heated seats when the outside temperature dips below a certain threshold.

The E300 gets driver-assistance tech such as lane-centring, AEB, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert. A set of 11 airbags features as well.

Mercedes offers option packs for the E300.

An optional ‘Energizing Plus’ pack adds multi-contour front seats with adjustable lumbar and bolsters as well as a heated rear bench for $5200. 

The ‘Plus Pack’ brings adaptive air suspension, rear axle steering, a 17-speaker 730-watt Burmester sound system, gesture control and quad-zone climate control.

The Mercedes-Benz E300 will arrive in dealerships next week, with timing for the AMG E53 yet to be confirmed. 

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class pricing