VIDEO: W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class in development – 1,200 prototypes, over 12 million km in four years

We’re mere weeks away from the unveiling of the new W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class on January 11, and to whet our appetites still further, Stuttgart has released a new video documenting the development of the next-generation executive sedan.

The film lists the mind-numbing statistics the latest E-Class has achieved over its four-year development cycle. For instance, Mercedes has built 1,200 prototypes (covered in 3,200 square metres of camouflage, no less), collectively amassing a mileage of over 12 million kilometres across four continents – in extreme conditions of between -32 and a sweltering 60 degrees Celsius.

The vast amount of technology onboard has also been thoroughly tested. In total, 10,000 autonomous braking tests have been conducted, along with 5,000 autonomous lane changes on the new Active Lane Change Assist – and we bet our bottom dollar that the video barely scratches the surface in terms of the sheer depth of engineering put to the test.

E-Class Interior

Mercedes-Benz has already revealed the interior of the next-generation E-Class, showing the S-Class-inspired dashboard, twin 12.3-inch displays on higher-end models, new digital instrument cluster and COMAND Online display graphics, steering wheel-mounted touch pads to control the infotainment system as well as an impressive new 23-speaker Burmeister sound system.

The company has also spoken volumes about the technologies that will make its way into the E-Class, including an updated version of the Multibeam adaptive LED headlight technology that debuted on the facelifted CLS; diode count has been raised from 24 to 84. Smartphone integration has also been expanded – your phone can now serve as a key, as well as guide the car in and out of parallel and perpendicular parking spaces via the Remote Parking Pilot function.

Safety technologies like Active Brake Assist also get a bump up, capable of scanning other lanes for cars and initiating braking earlier if it senses an evasive manoeuvre is impossible. Other features include the new Evasive Steering Assist, Distance Pilot Distronic with Speed Limit Pilot and Active Lane Keeping Assist, as well as an uprated Pre-Safe system – the latter now protects your ears in a crash, and pushes you closer to the centre of the car to provide more survival space in the event of a side impact.


GALLERY: W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • mak Raine on Dec 28, 2015 at 3:46 pm

    A masterpiece indeed. But rich towkays only buy bcos of the shiny Three-pointed star logo

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
    • Lebeh lebeh on Dec 28, 2015 at 10:00 pm

      Rich towkays buy what their friends buy. They have no idea about drivability, body roll, under steer/over steer, fwd vs rwd and so on. Thats why so many sapu the audi a6 hybrid.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
    • so much of testing?

      12,000,000km/1,200 vehicles = 10,000km per vehicle.

      sounds like desperate to register for new patent rather than focusing Reliability.
      I have not heard Benz = Reliable for Modern Years.
      We only know old benz = good and durable.

      What benz has maintained = middle age businessman status.

      but not the reliability and peace of mind it has given like what well known before 2000s. Not much of benz owner can praise their 5 years old benz is very easy to keep..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • heybadigol (Member) on Dec 28, 2015 at 9:50 pm

    Can’t wait for it. The smartphone as your key is pretty cool (just when BMW was showing off their smart access key which is kinda like a smart phone). But hope they still give a normal key in the event your smartphone battery has died (or if you’ve misplaced your phone), else you will need to find a charger first before you can unlock the doors and drive off. The BMW 7 Series owner on the other hand, has an additional thing to re-charge (ie the smart key), though it is capable of being charged wireless-ly inside the armrest.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
    • Lebeh lebeh on Dec 28, 2015 at 10:07 pm

      There will always be a physical key for emergency door opening at least.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Uncle must be happy for this! Only stupid will love merc only.Small brain

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 8
    • Alex Saw on Dec 29, 2015 at 3:24 am

      Lol agree….typical malaysian are too sticky to mercedes…..whereas in europe audi vw and bmw rules….it seems 5 mercs fangays there :P

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
    • Cb shen on Dec 29, 2015 at 12:50 pm

      Shen, what cb non stupid car you are driving?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 9
  • betteryear on Dec 29, 2015 at 9:37 am

    1,200 prototypes!!!! and yet looks like mini S class

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
 

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