NEW FOR 2015:
-E 400 trim, with new 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine
-E 400 Hybrid model discontinued
-Non S-Model AMG variants discontinued
-Blind spot assist standard in all models
-Satellite radio standard in E 250, E 300
-Active LED headlights added to premium package for E 250, E 300, E400
-18-in wheels standard on E 250, E 300
-New optional collision prevention assist plus with autonomous braking
Following a redesign for 2014, Mercedes-Benz moves its mid-size E-Class into this year with a new turbocharged V6 engine to power a car wearing a new E400 4MATIC trim designation. All variants are all-wheel drive, following the elimination of the RWD-only E 400 Hybrid model.
The sedan line starts with the E 300 4MATIC, the only version still using Benz's 3.5L V6, tuned here for 248 hp and 251 lb-ft. Next up is the E 250 4MATIC, powered by a 2.1L turbodiesel four-cylinder making 195 hp/369 lb-ft, followed by the new E 400 4MATIC and its twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6, which is good for 329 hp/354 lb-ft. The E 550 4MATIC, with its twin-turbocharged 4.7L V8 (402 hp/443 lb-ft) is a stepping stone to the performance-tuned E 63 AMG S-Model, powered by a stonking 5.5L turbocharged V8 tuned for 577 hp/590 lb-ft. Note that last year's standard E 63 AMG is gone.
Wagon lovers can get their cars in E 400 4MATIC and E 63 AMG S-Model trims.
All cars use seven-speed automatics: it's a traditional auto-box in all but the AMG model, which gets a quick-shifting dual-clutch unit.
Standard kit in all models includes direct control suspension with selective damping, electric power steering, engine auto start/stop, single-lens static LED headlights, heated electrically-adjustable side mirrors, navigation, satellite radio, 14-way power front seats with memory, power-adjustable steering column, Nappa leather, trimmed steering wheel, garage door opener, analog clock, three-colour ambient lighting, passive blind spot assist, attention assist, collision prevention assist, adaptive brake with hold function, nine airbags, pre-safe, and neck-pro.
E 550 models get Airmatic with adaptive damping.
E 63 cars add full LED intelligent headlights, upgraded brakes with silver painted calipers, speed-sensitive sport steering, and AMG gauge cluster with race timer.