Mercedes-Benz is opening order books for the new E-Class saloon, following this month?s unveiling of the car at the Detroit Motor Show.
Expected on UK roads in May, the fifth-generation model has been completely redesigned to take on competition that includes the mass-selling BMW 5 Series, Audi?s A6 and the Jaguar XF.
Built on a new platform with significant use of high-strength steel and aluminium, the new E-Class offers weight savings of up to 100kg despite being
43mm longer than its predecessor with a wheelbase extended by 65mm.
The car has a much bolder exterior appearance, directly evolved from the latest version of book-ending sister models the C-Class and S-Class, which Mercedes hopes will appeal to younger buyers. It is more aerodynamically efficient, with a drag coefficient of 0.23, while the combination of a 6mm lower height and more distinctive roofline aids the car?s visual presence. The interior has been significantly upgraded. More room is on offer to occupants, again inspired by its sister models with innovations including touchpads and a double digital screen display in the dash using two monitors each of 12.3 inches.
Initially the E-Class will be offered with two engines and two trims, SE and AMG Line.
The E220d will cost from £35,935 and be powered by a an all-new four-cylinder 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine with 195hp and 295lbft of torque, out through a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox that is standard on all new UK E-Class Saloon models.
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