2017 Mercedes Benz E-Class revealed at Detroit auto show

The 2017 Mercedes Benz E Class sedan was officially revealed at the 2016 Detroit auto show. The vehicle is larger and more technically advanced that its predecessor.

The new E-Class wheelbase has grown to 293.88 centimetres, an increase of 6.6 cms over the earlier model. Overall length has been increased by 4.3 cms and now measures 492.25 centimetres bumper to bumper.
Mercedes has carefully positioned the E-Class in what it calls the “Business Class” segment. Leaving the S-Class as it luxury limousine and aspirational sedan.
At its launch in North America, Mercedes Benz will offer a 2.0L Turbocharged engine equipped E300 model. The turbocharged 4-Cylinder engine will produce 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.Power is shuttled to the rear wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. Naturally Mercedes will expand the product range with V6 and V8 models in the following months. Also revealed was a plug-in hybrid model combining a four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor. Expect electric-only range of approximately 30 kilometers. A launch date for the Hybrid model was not revealed.
Interestingly, in Canada Mercedes has gone with 4Matic on all models however no mention was made of the all -wheel drive option on the new E-Class at the world wide debut.
Inside the cabin, the array of technology and safety features is overwhelming.
The first thing to catch your eye is the one-piece glass display panel that runs off the area behind the steering wheel out into the dashboard area. This display panel houses a next-gen high-res 12.3 inch navigation screen as well as the traditional instruments behind the steering wheel.
Mercedes has also added smart phone like touch sensitive buttons to the steering wheel on the E-Class. Drivers can now swipe and scroll through the infotainment system using finger gestures on the touch pads without taking their hands off the wheel.

Ironically Mercedes Benz has actually made it quite possible to take you hands off the wheel with a slew of new safety equipment in the new E-Class.
Perhaps the must surprising are the elements of upgraded autonomous driving included in the optional Driver Assistance Package Plus.
The new Drivepilot package includes Distronic cruise Control which will maintain a distance between you and the vehicle ahead at speeds up to 209 kms/hr. Steeringpilot keeps the vehicle between the painted lanes at speeds up to 130 kms/hr. The new E-Class can even perform lane changes using
the on board cameras and sonar. The system is activated by the driver activating the turn signal indicator. The car’s systems wait till the coast is clear to complete the process.
Finally, in a nod to James Bond level gadgetry, the new Mercedes E-Class can even pull into and out of tight parking spots without drivers on board. The unoccupied vehicle can be controlled with a smartphone app.
All these features surely vault the 2017 Mercedes E-Class to the forefront as one of the most technologically advanced cars coming to market.
The new E-Class will be offered for sale sometime in the summer of 2016. Pricing has yet to be announced.