2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review: Design, Performance, and Technology

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review

When it comes to luxury cars, the Audi A6 is one of my personal favorites. I consider it the best in the midsize luxury sedan category. Therefore, when I received the opportunity to test drive the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E300, I was eager to see if it would change my opinion. I had previously driven an E-Class coupe from the last generation and can confidently say this model differs significantly in many aspects. Let's explore how.

Elegance

The updates to the E-Class give it a more aggressive look, especially with its pronounced angles and lines at the front. You will also notice the updated headlights and larger air intakes at the front. New features include a redesigned grille displaying the car's emblem. The smooth lines along the sides enhance its wider and more appealing appearance. It is said that every time Mercedes-Benz releases a new E-Class, something fundamental changes in the vehicle. I must admit this holds true for this model. The best update is the brand new front LED headlights, which are visually striking. Even the rear lights have improved significantly. The new design is subtle yet noticeable, featuring chrome accents above the exhaust and additional touches on the rear bumper.

Interior

I can't say the same for the interior, which appears almost unchanged except for the gear shift. The alteration does not feel luxurious, reminiscent more of an old American pickup than a premium German vehicle. This change also creates a sense that something is lacking in the center console. However, the interior exudes luxury, with the seat color called "Chestnut Brown," which is absolutely stunning. The seats are incredibly comfortable, making them ideal for long journeys. The trunk is very spacious. A unique feature that distinguishes the trunk of the E-Class is a retractable storage compartment. You can pull it out and press it down, creating a large bag-like space to secure your items during drives.

Computer System

The computer system in the E-Class is the same as the previous model but in a different color. The sound system is excellent and high-quality. Unfortunately, the system has some drawbacks. For instance, the navigation wasn't accurate. While driving on Al Khail Road, the navigation indicated I was 7 km away from the nearest street. This raises two possibilities: either the device needs recalibrating, or the maps are outdated. Another issue is that the system would inform me of an exit 20 km away, which was actually right next to me. This makes the system less useful for someone genuinely in need of assistance. Regarding voice control, like most cars, it wasn't great either, as I had to repeat the name at least three times for it to connect to the correct person. So far, I have yet to encounter a voice control system as effective as Ford's SYNC. However, the visual updates in the navigation system are attractive, providing a side screen while driving on the highway that indicates 1 km to the nearest exit, along with logos of nearby stores.

Driving Assistance

The E-Class is equipped with several systems designed to keep the driver and passengers safe. The lane-keeping assist is impressive, even when the road markings are unclear. The distance alert system is also commendable, warning the driver if they are approaching the car ahead too quickly. If the driver fails to brake, the collision prevention system activates, automatically applying the brakes. This system also works with other vehicles. For example, if you are stopped at a red light and the car behind is approaching too quickly, your rear lights will flash to alert the driver behind you. The car features a two-stage braking system. When you press the brakes, the rear lights illuminate, but if you brake hard, the lights flash more intensely. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with blind-spot monitoring, a rear camera, and a curb proximity sensor. One standout feature is the attention assist system, which uses various methods to gauge the driver's alertness. However, you cannot fool the system into thinking you're drowsy just to see if it works; it is highly intelligent. It provides attention ratings: green, yellow, and red. If the car senses that your attention is waning, it emits a warning sound, vibrates the steering wheel, and displays a message on the screen asking, "Time for a break?" This is one of the best features available in cars of this generation, especially considering the high accident rates due to inattention.

Performance

The E-Class is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that sends power to the rear wheels through a 7-speed Tronic Plus transmission, producing 248 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 340 Nm of torque. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, which is quite respectable. Fuel consumption was acceptable, particularly given my driving style: 7.8 liters/100 km on the highway and 11.4 liters/100 km in the city.

Handling and Comfort

The sports suspension enhances the ride's firmness, and the 18-inch AMG wheels contribute to this improvement over the previous model. When cornering at speed, the car remains stable, though the tires do make noise, and the vehicle vibrates slightly after the turn to stabilize itself, thanks to the sports suspension, making it a more enjoyable driving experience.

Conclusion

Priced at AED 260,000, the new E-Class may empty your wallet, but in return, you'll own a vehicle that commands respect on the road and is practical for families. To return to my initial statement, I still prefer the A6 over the E-Class simply because the A6 has better cornering abilities and a lower price. While the price is somewhat high for this car, it remains undeniably luxurious. However, if you're looking for a car to have fun with, this may not be the right choice.