Next Mercedes E-Class gets digital cockpit and self-driving features

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the styling and some of the tech details of the interior of its new E-Class saloon and estate, which will be unveiled in full at the upcoming Detroit show.

As had been largely revealed in spy photographs in the past few months, the cabin takes roughly equal inspiration from the smaller C-Class and the larger S-Class.

Top spec models will get a full-width digital cockpit featuring a TFT screen for the main instruments and trip computer (not to mention sat-nav instructions and some of the infotainment functions) while a massive 12.3-inch COMMAND Online central screen will take care of everything else, controlled as usual by a click-wheel located on the centre console. The big screen has hi-def quality images and drivers can choose from ‘Classic,’ ‘Sport’ and ‘Progressive colour schemes and layouts.

Lesser models will get two traditional analogue main dials with a seven-inch screen mounted between them and a smaller 8.4-inch central COMMAND screen.

The buttons on the steering wheel are also getting a major makeover in that they’re not buttons anymore, but multi-touch trackpads so that the driver can not only press, but pinch and swipe as well for various different functions.

Mercedes is also going big on LED lighting for the new E-Class, with low-consumption LEDs for the cabin lighting, optional MULTIBEAM LED headlights (with the new de rigeur automatic high-beam trickery) and rear LED lights with a so-called ‘Stardust’ effect which Mercedes says is “reminiscent the Milky Way or the glow of a jet engine.”

“With the interior of the new E-Class, we are giving a new interpretation to the concept of contemporary luxury,” said Hartmut Sinkwitz, Head of Interior Design at Mercedes. “We have designed a spacious and intelligent interior. True to Mercedes-Benz’s design philosophy of sensual purity, it employs technological innovation and high-grade equipment to create an exceptionally emotive experience for driver and front passenger. The E-Class thus not only sets a new standard in the business class. Alongside a workplace and private environment, it also becomes a third place - a living area in which passengers are able to enjoy contemporary luxury.”

And a place to enjoy some robot driving too. Mercedes had previously said that the new E-Class would be among the first cars to start drip-feeding autonomous driving features into the options list, and Stuttgart has confirmed that the car can be optionally equipped with Active Lane Change Assist. This forms part of the Drive Pilot package and works using a combination of the electric power steering, lane departure warning, blind spot monitor and the active cruise control. Basically, when all of these systems are switched on, and you activate the indicator to change lanes, the car will do it for you, at speeds of between 80kmh and 180kmh (presumably something of an Autobahn special, that last figure…). Mercedes says that the German authorities have already approved the system for use and that regulatory papers have been filed with the rest of the EU governments.

For those who can’t wait for the new E-Class to arrive Mercedes will shortly be able to tempt Irish buyers with the new GLC SUV.

Based on the same platform as the C-Class, the GLC has just gone on sale here. In Ireland, emphasis will be placed on two diesel models, both equipped with nine-speed automatic transmission (a ratio count which Mercedes has said it will not go beyond, seeing no benefit in ten-speed transmissions) and 4matic permanent all-wheel drive as standard. Both of 2143cc capacity and both in tax band B1 with annual road tax of €270, they are a 170bhp GLC 220d at €50,280 and a 204bhp GLC 250d at €52.055.

Describing the GLC as one of the “most complete” vehicles ever launched by Mercedes-Benz, Ciaran Allen, Mercedes Ireland’s sales manager for passenger cars said “the GLC is a model for which we have been waiting, filling a void in our model range in a way that will appeal to all fans of the SUV.”