Autoblog

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class [w/video]

Matt Davis — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Luxury

Three-Pointed Star's Cash Cow Gets Significant Updo

On sale since 2009, with some enhancements already done in early 2011, the eighth-generation W/S 212 Mercedes-Benz E-class has once again been put under the knife to stay in step with the automaker's never-ending desire to be the world's Number One purveyor of premium. Whereas the smaller C-class is the best-seller worldwide for Mercedes-Benz, the E-class pulls in oceans of dough per sale, also at immense volumes.

Beyond a reworking of the overall engine strategy in this second midlife massage, a majority of the E-class' exterior panels have been redesigned. Additionally, many of the assistance systems to be offered on the next S-class are being introduced to the E-class segment for the first time. Occasionally, these sorts of comprehensive refreshes nearly create a new generation of the car, and this freshened E-class comes damned close to that.

While Mercedes-Benz wants to talk a lot about the new engine lineup and the S-class-style convenience and safety systems, we were struck immediately by the redesign. Frankly, to our eyes, these past few years of the Mercedes family look could have used a little more finesse and less knife-slice coldness. That general feel of chilled sharpness on the E-class is set to be history in short order. Even the chiseled "haunch" line is gone from the rear bodyside - the sort of sheetmetal change you almost never see on a mid-cycle update.

Continue reading 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class [w/video]

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe ready for face-off

Zach Bowman — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 10:14:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Luxury

Photographers have managed to snap a handful of photos of the facelifted 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe out and about on public streets. From the looks of things, designers have graced the two-door with a new front fascia, complete with light elements likely borrowed from the E-Class wagon and sedan. Those include integrated LED-daytime running lights first time, whereas the old DRL array was left stuck in the fascia itself. Meanwhile, the grille appears to have turned slightly more more vertical than the last iteration. Otherwise, expect to see plenty of familiar sheetmetal along the machine's flanks.

Around back, the E-Class Coupe will most likely pack a resculpted valance, complete with revamped LED light clusters. Revisions are expected to stay fairly tame inside, with little more than an updated steering wheel and modestly modified dash. No word yet on whether a new engine or major updates will happen to the powertrain options. At present, buyers have either the 302-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6-powered E350 Coupe or a 402-hp, 4.6-liter V8-engined E550 Coupe to choose from.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe ready for face-off originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Matt Davis — Thu, 12 May 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Luxury

New Engines Add Spark To Brand Staple

2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery

In past generations, she was often labeled planet Earth's favorite taxi. (Or have you always preferred the Ford Crown Victoria with the shiny black leatherette?) The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, however, has long since graduated to become a premium middle-management darling in all corners of the globe.

Still, even Mercedes-Benz North America would have to admit that a mid-life and/or new model year E-Class is not generally a traffic-stopping event. This time around, however, there's more going on with Mercedes' ninth-generation contender than, say, adding a new Pipe Smoker's Package or overhead cold beverage storage-TRONIC. And while it may still not cause a road block, this mid-shelf-life version of the W212 E-Class should, at least, make everyone slow down to rubberneck a bit, because the new V6 and V8 E-Class wants to take you farther on a full tank while making more power and torque to exercise your executive privileges. Continue reading...

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2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 May 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will offer E63 AMG wagon, AWD-only E550

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 09 May 2011 15:58:00 EST

2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a leaked dealer order guide for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class range, we red-blooded Yankees might be able to once again sink our teeth into the super-hot E63 AMG Estate. As you'll recall, Mercedes-Benz decided not to offer the new-for-2010 E63 wagon here in the States, but that is wrong is reportedly being righted for 2012. BenzBoost.com reports that the cargo-hauling AMG stunner will be available for U.S. customers later this year, powered by the same twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 that debuted in the E63 sedan at last month's New York Auto Show, complete with start/stop technology and mated to a seven-speed MCT dual-clutch transmission.

We can already picture the inevitable E63 AMG Wagon vs. Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon battle, and it looks awesome.

In other E-Class news, BenzBoost reports that the E550 sedan - which gets a new 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 - will only be available with 4Matic all-wheel drive. A similar move was made to the 2011 CL550 coupe, which uses the same engine and is no longer available in a two-wheel-drive configuration. Stay tuned for the official details later this year.

2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will offer E63 AMG wagon, AWD-only E550 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 May 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class getting upgraded V6, twin-turbo V8

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 05 May 2011 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The hardcore Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG isn't the only E-Class model that gets a new heart for the 2012 model year. According to our sources within Mercedes-Benz, both the E350 and E550 models will receive new powerplants currently found elsewhere in the automaker's lineup.

The base E350 will now be powered by the automaker's new 3.5-liter V6 with direct-injection, an engine that we recently tested in the C350 sedan and SLK350 roadster. Rated at 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, the new engine provides power increases of 14 hp and 15 lb-ft over the current V6, while the use of direct-injection and a seven-speed automatic transmission will no doubt return improved fuel economy.

Moving along, the eight-cylinder E550 will ditch its naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 in favor of a twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter unit with direct-injection, currently found in the CL550 coupe. In the E-Class, this engine will be good for 402 hp and 443 lb-ft - improvements of 20 and 52, respectively.

Look for the refreshed E-Class range to debut this Fall.

2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class getting upgraded V6, twin-turbo V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 May 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video Followup: Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes-Benz C63 nicked for hoonage

Zach Bowman — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Government/Legal, Safety, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Australia, Celebrities, Luxury

Lewis Hamilton's hoonage aftermath - click above to watch the video

Australia's ABC News was on hand to document the aftermath of Formula One champ Lewis Hamilton's "over-exuberant" driving, and has been kind enough to share the video with the rest of the world.

As you may recall, Hamilton had his loaner Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG sedan impounded after lighting up the rear tires on public streets. Since Melbourne has notoriously vitriolic anti-hoon laws, the British driver will be facing a stiff fine on top of doing without his car for two days. Something tells us that even after his sixth-place finish at the Australian GP, Hamilton won't have any trouble finding another set of wheels. Hit the jump to see the action.

[Source: ABC News via YouTube]

Continue reading Video Followup: Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes-Benz C63 nicked for hoonage

Video Followup: Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes-Benz C63 nicked for hoonage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is a smooth Spanish Fly(er)

Chris Paukert — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Convertibles have long been something of an acquired taste. Devotees steadfastly defend the unique sensation of elemental motoring that can only come when plugged in to one's surrounding breezes, noises and smells. Conversely, detractors have traditionally lambasted droptops for their lackluster foul weather performance, added weight, vulnerability, and creaky, ill-handling platforms. And while the naysayers may have had a point in the era of tonneau-covered British roadster pilots with their tepid heaters, dubious structural rigidity and leaky, masochistic roof mechanisms, modern topless numbers like this 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet give lie to the idea that convertibles make lousy year-round companions.

Follow the jump to find out why.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is a smooth Spanish Fly(er)

First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is a smooth Spanish Fly(er) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible promises four-season topless motoring

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:51:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio - Click above for high res-image gallery

We've been friendly with the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class since its introduction. As much as we liked the sedan, we enjoyed the Coupes even more so. That stated, it would figure that we're going to really dig the new 2010 E-Class Convertible. Of course, here in the D, we just get to look at the latest Benz drop top and listen to the Daimler folks make the car's case. If we did nothing but listen to them, the E-Class Convertible is literally the most exciting thing since bagels got holes.

In reality, this is a pretty sharp looking car, especially with the top down. Turns out that the best way to remedy the awkward looking chunky C-Pillar is just to remove it altogether. Replacing the CLK as MB's mass-market convertible, the new E-Class rag top has to be many things to many people. As such, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the E-Class Convertible with a couple of features that will allow the car to be driven with the top down year round.

The biggie is the new AirCap, a small 2.4-inch wind deflecting device that, in conjunction with a baffle between the rear headrests, keeps things quiet in the open cabin at speeds up to 100 mph. Sunstroke aside, not being able to talk to the person 13 inches away from you is one of the big drags of convertible ownership. If they're to be believed, Mercedes claims that AirCap solves the problem. That's a great thing, should you opt for the 382 horsepower, 391 pound-feet of torque E550 Convertible as opposed to the V6-powered 268-hp, 258 lb-ft of torque E350 Convertible.

There's also a new Airscarf, a system that blows hot air at the necks of the people seated up front. Hence, short of hail, falling snow and rain, you could conceivably drive the E-Class Convertible year round. Unless you're seated in the back seat... And even with AirCap and Airscarf, we'd be hesitant to drive the new E-Class 'Vert in Detroit in early January. Just sayin'. Like what you're seeing? Well, the new E-Class Convertible will go on sale in May of this year.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio

Detroit 2010: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible promises four-season topless motoring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Luxury

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Do you hear that? That's the jostling of a Prada bag and a soy latte inside the the last Mercedes CLK as it cruises into what is commonly referred to as "oblivion." It's being replaced by the brand new E-Class Coupe. Or rather, it's not really a replacement; the new car is a reset of expectations from Mercedes' middle coupe, distinguished from its CLK niece with more size, more features and more brawn, and distinct from its E-Class sedan big brother by unique architecture and body panels. Our question was: could it distinguish itself? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class still a solid bet with excellent returns

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Luxury

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery

With eight generations and 12 million units sold over the last 62 years, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class' longevity represents a profound run of intelligent bets for a premium sedan sold in premium quantities. That makes Las Vegas an appropriate background for last week's introduction of the E-Class sedan, Sin City being home to numerous examples of remarkable endurance. Having been outsold by the BMW 5 Series for the last couple of years in the U.S., Mercedes went all-in on the new E, from design to fabrication to luxury to - of course - technology. To find out what we thought of the gamble, hit the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class still a solid bet with excellent returns

First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class still a solid bet with excellent returns originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unofficially Yours: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe images leaked?

Chris Paukert — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:25:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Click on the image above for a gallery of Mercedes-Benz E500

Either someone is either rather handy with Photoshop, or Mercedes-Benz has another E-Class embargo break on their hands. The folks over at Autoblog.nl (no relation) have somehow gotten hold of what looks to be a slate of images of the 2010 E500 Coupe. We've seen mules of this car for some time now, but this is our first gander at what appears to be a wholly uncovered example.

The front end shots look decidedly similar to the already-unveiled 2010 E-Class sedan, but the profile has benefited from a more graceful roofline and the omission of a pair of doors and what looks to be a B-pillarless greenhouse. We like the swooping rear fender line and the short rear deck, but the large LED taillamps and the decklid itself will be something we have to see in person to truly wrap our heads around. Check out the gallery below and stay tuned for more details as they happen.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E500 Coupe Leak

[Source: Autoblog.nl (via Jalopnik)]

Unofficially Yours: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe images leaked? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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