Mercedes is focusing on safety and power for the revamped version of its E-Class model, due to be unveiled later today at the New York car show.
The German luxury marque is eager to move beyond the quality problems that dogged the current E-Class range and hurt Mercedes's image.
A lot is riding on the overhauled E-Class, which goes on sale later this year. At a media preview, company officials stressed that the model's quality hiccups - especially in its on-board electronics - had been fixed. Mercedes officials cite as selling points new design features including a larger and more upright V-shaped grille, more agile handling, and engines with up to 26 per cent more power.
Optional features borrowed from the top-of-the-line S-Class include systems that prepare cars for impending accidents by tightening occupants' seats belts and closing the windows and sun roof and that position headrests to help prevent whiplash injuries.
Exterior lights adjust automatically for city, country or highway driving, while brake lights flash on and off during emergency braking to warn following motorists to slow down.
(Additional reporting: Reuters)