? 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: A versatile and elegant portfolio?
Mercedes-Benz currently ranks number one in the luxury sales category, and the E-Class family is accountable for 25 percent of all Mercedes-Benz sales. The iconic German mark has also been number one in luxury brand loyalty for the past seven years.], and currently ranks as number one in diesel sales. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is made up of four body styles, with a total of 15 variations in two distinct levels of trim.
The E-Class body configurations are: Coupe; Sedan; Cabriolet and Wagon. For now, the two trims are Luxury and Sport, which visually are primarily discernable by the new front fascia and grille treatments and the positioning of the Mercedes-Benz tri-star/circle logo. Luxury models feature a more sedate grille with the logo appearing atop the hood or bonnet, while Sport models lead off with a bolder grille, displaying the logo centered in the grille. All E-Class models have been significantly redesigned.
There are three Coupe models: the E350; an E350 4MATIC; and an E550. Two Cabriolet models are available: E350; and E550. The Sedan model availability will number eight: E250 BlueTEC 2WD; E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC; E350; E350 4MATIC; E400 Hybrid Sport 2WD; E550 Sport 4MATIC; E63 AMG 4MATIC; and E63 AMG S-model 4MATIC. There will be two wagon versions available: the E350 4MATIC; and E63 AMG S-model 4MATIC. 2014 represents the first time that a diesel model is offered with 4MATIC. The E63 AMG S-models will become available in late fall and will come with 4MATIC as standard fare.
Numerical model designations are sort of relative to their powertrains. The E250 BlueTEC diesel is a 2.1-liter, 195 horsepower inline four-cylinder biturbo engine that generates 369 pound feet of torque. The E350 draws its motive force from a 302 horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 that also develops 273 pound feet of torque. The E400 Hybrid is also powered by the 3.5-liter V6. E550 models are powered by a 4.6-liter BiTurbo V8 with Direct Injection that makes 402 horses along with 443 pound feet of torque. E63 AMG models deliver 550 horsepower and 531 pound feet of torque, while S-model E63 AMG examples crank out 577 horsepower and 590 pound feet of torque. All engines will transfer energy to the driving wheels (either 2WD rear or 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive) through a 7-speed automatic transmission with Economy and Sport modes with Direct Select Paddle shifters, except for the E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, which does not offer paddle shifters.
2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class pricing will range from $51,400 for the E250 BlueTEC 2WD to $102,370 for the E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC Wagon.
The styling of the latest iteration E-Class family is, in a word, ?sexy? and alluring with just the right amount of elegance thrown in for good measure. The new grille designs for both Luxury and Sport are bolder and blend into the dramatic and powerful hood lines. New static LED headlamps flank the hood and accentuate the new front bumper air intakes. The ?Pontoon? side flare remains. The rear bumper also displays a more athletic persona. Inside are new air outlets with an integrated analog clock, a new instrument display, new control buttons and a new steering wheel, and the shift lever has been relocated to the steering column.
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive has been incorporated into the 2014 E-Class models. Intelligent Drive features intelligent technologies that support the driver and vehicle occupants in a safe and convenient manner, such as: a Lane Tracking Package with Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, a Driver Assistance Package with Distronic Plus and Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Pre-Safe P{plus, Pre-Safe Rear, Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian recognition and BAS Plus with cross-traffic assist; Attention Assist; Collision Prevention Assist; a Parking Assist Package with Parktronic, featuring Active Parking Assist and Surround view Camera; Pre-Safe System; ESP; BAS; BAS Plus; ABS; and ASR.
During the recent 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class launch, I was able to experience the E250 BluTEC 4MATIC sedan, the E550 Cabriolet and the E350 Wagon in a variety of driving scenarios from congested city and freeway traffic to challenging and twisting back roads over both smooth and rough road surfaces. The E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC was in Sport trim in a Dolomite Brown metallic exterior with a Silk Beige leather interior and Black Ash wood trim accents. The base price was set at $53,900. While options and extras elevated the final sticker total to $69,254. My test E550 Cabriolet sported a Palladium Silver metallic exterior finish with a Maroon fabric top and Red and Black Nappa leather interior that also featured Black Ash trim accents. The Cab?s base sticker amounted to $67,300. which, with options and value added packages bumped the final tally to $80,410.
Summary: I happen to be a big fan of open cars, currently owning two and I also have a penchant for wagons, having owned several in the past, and I have never owned a diesel vehicle.
During the press launch, which took place in Oregon, I found the E550 Cabriolet to be the most enjoyable overall. It provided an unrivaled fresh air driving experience. Power output was plentiful and instantaneous, with rapid acceleration. Ride comfort was exemplary, and the handling characteristics consisted of crisp steering response and great braking. The Airscarf and AirCap contributed to total comfort with top and windows down, even in cloudy, chilling conditions. Wind buffeting and noise were held to a minimum, allowing easy conversation at normal voice levels. The wagon, despite its smaller engine, delivered satisfactory scores in all departments ? Styling, power, handling, ride comfort and versatility. The E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC sedan was surprising with its power delivery. The four-cylinder diesel seemed more like a V6 in all respects. The clean diesel was exceptionally quiet and only really noticeable at idle with the hood open. A blindfolded person would be hard pressed to identify the car as a diesel. The only drawback for the E250, was the lack of paddle shifters.
All the models tested were in Sport trim, which delivers a more dynamic visual impact for my taste. I didn?t have time to drive a Coupe or regular sedan, which would have obviously been equally deserving of high praise. Which of the three vehicles tested would I buy? The E250 BlueTEC in 2WD if it came as a Cabriolet rather than a sedan.
Bottom line, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineup serves up perhaps the largest assortment of models available from any auto manufacturer. With its 15 variants, consumers should certainly be able to find a model that?s just right for them.
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?[wptabtitle] SPECIFICATIONS: 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC Sedan & E550 Cabriolet) [/wptabtitle]
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| Base Price: | $53,900.- E250 / $67,300 E550 |
| Price as Tested: | $69,354.- E250 / $82,335 E550 |
| Engine Type and Size: | : E250-2.1-liter inline 4-cylinder BiTurbo Diesel/ E550- 4.6-liter BiTurbo V8 with Direct Injection. |
| Horsepower (bhp): | E250 BlueTEC-195 @ 3,800 rpm / E550 – 402 @ 5,000-5,750 rpm |
| Torque (ft./ lbs.): | E250 BlueTEC-369 @ 1,600-1,800 rpm / E550-443 @ 1,600-4,750 rpm |
| Transmission: | Seven-speed automatic with ECO and Sport modes/Start- Stop System. |
| Drive Train: | Longitudinally mounted front engine / 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive – E250 BlueTEC / Rear-Wheel drive E550. |
| Suspension: |
Front – Independent 3-link strut-type with stabilizer bar. Rear – Independent 5-link strut-type with stabilizer bar. |
| Brakes: | Power-assisted four-wheel discs with ABS,ESP and ASR traction control. |
| Tires: | Goodyear Eagle RSA 215/45 R17 (E250 BlueTEC) mounted on 5-double-spoke alloy wheels / Continental ContiSportContact 255/35 R18 mounted on star 5-double-spoke alloy wheels. |
| Wheelbase: | 113.2 inches |
| Length Overall: | 192.1 inches |
| Width: | 79.3 inches E250 / 81.5 inches E550 (with mirrors). |
| Height: | 57.1 inches E250 / 55.0 inches E550. |
| Curb Weight: | 4,048 lbs. E550 |
| Fuel Capacity: | 21.1 gallons-E250 BlueTEC / 17.4 gallons w/4.6 reserve. |
| EPA Mileage Estimates: | 17 mpg city / 26 mpg highway – E550 / E250 TBA |
| Drag Coefficient: | Not listed. |
| 0 – 60 mph: | 4.9- seconds E550 / E250 TBD |
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