Mercedes-Benz has announced details of a major update to the E-Class range.
Billed as the most comprehensive facelift the German firm has ever carried out, both the saloon and estate receive changes in both pricing and trim levels as well as a new look for both front and rear ends.
In terms of aesthetics, gone are the twin front headlights replaced with a single unit. The lights and bumpers have been revised at the rear too, for a more contemporary look.
A trio of trim levels
There are now just three trims available – SE, AMG Sport and the E63 AMG.
Starting with SE, company car drivers will now get 17-inch alloys, a sports grille, the Mercedes COMAND multimedia system, DAB digital radio, parking sensors with active Park Assist, a collision prevention system and folding, auto-dimming rear view mirrors both inside and outside the car.
Pricing has changed too. Since you get more kit, there’s a £2,280 heavier cheque to hand over. The engine line-up comprises three diesel engines – E220 CDI, E250 CDI and E300 BlueTEC HYBRID – while petrol engines come in the shape of E200 (for saloon models only) and E250.
Replacing Sport trim, AMG Sport nets buyers different alloy wheels, a sports grille, seats with a more futuristic material, the COMAND system, DAB radio and collision prevention assist. This little lot costs £575 over the old Sport trim, with prices starting at £34,895.
The E350 BlueTEC engine is still available on AMG Sport models, while the E200 CDI is now the only model available with a manual gearbox.
Lower tax bills
Company car drivers will be pleased to note that the changes to the range also mean a reduction in CO2 emissions, which in turn push company car tax liability down. The cheapest E-Class to tax is still the E220 CDI, which sees an official emissions figure of 125g/km for the saloon and 133g/km for the estate. The lowest-emitting car is still the BlueTEC hybrid, although its far higher P11d value means it isn’t as cheap to tax as the diesel model.
As well as the standard equipment changes, there’s a host of new optional extras available on the E-Class for the first time. You can specify the new Mercedes 360-degree parking camera system, active headlights with high beam assist, leather upholstery, active air suspension and an adaptive damping system.
The monster E63 AMG saloon and estate models have also been updated. Power is now up to 555bhp and torque jumps to 720Nm. You also get 19-inch wheels, a new grille, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, keyless start, an AMG performance steering wheel and automatic lights as standard. Just don’t ask how much it’ll cost to tax this particular model of E-Class.
