W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class – mini S-Class interior revealed ahead of January 11 debut

The slow tease of information regarding the new W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class continues ahead of its official unveiling set for January 11, 2016 – earlier in the year, we showed you some of the new technology that will be going onto the upcoming executive sedan. Now, Stuttgart has revealed the interior in full, and it looks absolutely extravagant.

Previous spyshots showed a cabin that was rather reminiscent of the W222 S-Class, and they were absolutely on point. It looks very nearly as plush as its larger cousin, with a dual-tier dashboard, two large screens on higher-end models and wraparound wood/metallic trim with four circular centre air vents. Other bits such as the outer air vents and the centre console are more closely related to the W205 C-Class.

At first glance, it really looks a cut above anything BMW and Audi can muster at the moment, and even though the current F10 BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 are getting on a bit now, it’s hard to see even the next generation of these models topping this.

Let’s start with the combined instrument and infotainment screen binnacle, since, like in the S-Class, it dominates the interior. Standard models come with twin analogue gauges with a seven-inch colour display in between, along with an 8.4-inch centre display.

For the full S-Class-lite experience, opt for the COMAND Online system – you’d be greeted instead by a pair of widescreen 12.3 inch displays, each with a resolution of 1920×720 pixels. Unlike on the S-Class, the whole thing is enclosed by a single piece of glass for a more uniform flat panel look.

The digital instruments can be configured in three modes – the regular Classic, Sport with distinctive yellow fonts, and Progressive with a large central rev counter, a speed readout in the middle and information screens on either side.

The centre display on models equipped with COMAND Online also features new graphics compared with those on other current models in the Mercedes stable. Informative animations and graphics make up two-thirds of the screen at all times (except in navigation mode), with a supplementary panel on the other third. The use of animated displays is said to provide a more intuitive user experience.

The range of three-spoke steering wheels are broadly identical to those on the C-Class, save for one key difference – touch pads on the left and right spokes, augmenting the usual multifunction controls. This enables the driver to swipe up and down and left and right to control every function of the infotainment system without the hands ever leaving the wheel.

Of course, you can also utilise the usual touchpad and COMAND knob on the transmission tunnel instead, like on the C- and S-Class. There’s also the Linguatronic voice control system which can turn certain driver assist functions on and off for the first time.

The materials have also been given a step up here. Customers will be able to choose from a range of new trim finishes – including open-pore woods, a yacht-style glossy wood finish with inlaid floating lines, and a fabric-like metal finish – while leather covers the door cards and beltline on certain models. Various shades of brown have also been added to the interior colour palette for a more personalised design.

Additionally, there’s also an ambient lighting system – much like the S-Class, except the range of colours has grown from seven to a staggering 64 hues! Among other things illuminated by the system, the large pair of screens are backlit, which Mercedes says makes the whole binnacle look like it’s floating in space.

The seats get a more torso-like form for a more ergonomic, sculpted look. Avantgarde models get sportier contours, while AMG line models receive extended side bolsters and a wider shoulder section for even better lateral support. Punting for the Exclusive line gets you longitudinal seat stripes; the designo seats are quilted like on the S-Class, and feature the lateral support of the sports seats.

As standard, the E-Class gets a Frontbass sound system that utilises space in the cross-member and side member of the body structure as a resonance chamber for the bass speakers. Buyers can also opt for the second-generation Burmester 3D surround sound system that uses four roof-mounted speakers for a true three-dimensional experience.

In total, the high-end system features 23 speakers with diaphragms of glass-fibre fabric for high level stability, low weight and higher power. These include two woofers in the front doors and seven mid-range speakers and aluminium ring radiator tweeters; the latter revolve out into the optimal position when turned on. They’re driven individually via separate channels and active crossovers by two amplifiers with a total output of 1,450 W; the 25-litre bass box has its own separate 400 W amplifier in the boot.

As mentioned earlier, Mercedes-Benz has spoken volumes about the technologies that will make its way into the next-generation 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 – it 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.

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