2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sure Does Look Like An EQ Model

The German brand calls the latest 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a “bridge” between combustion and electric. It sure looks like it.

Mercedes-Benz on Tuesday revealed the latest E-Class to the world. Either the sixth or the 11th generation depending on how you look at it, the redesigned mid-sized sedan is tasked with bridging the gap between the gas-powered present and the all-electric future.

To that end, Mercedes has draped its best-seller in new sheetmetal that incorporates cues from the EQ sub-brand. It starts up front with a high-gloss black surround around the grille, which is larger and features different trim patterns based on options. The trim visually connects the grille to the LED headlights, providing the E-Class with a distinctive “mask” much like the EQS and EQE. Merc’s typical eyebrow-style daytime running light signature is standard on both the stock headlights and the optional Digital Light upgraded units.

Move around the E-Class and the shape is still traditional, all cab-backward proportions instead of the EQ one-box approach. The flanks are just a little softer, a little more round than before—another EQ nod. Mercedes’ designers have broken up the clean surfaces with a subtle shoulder line that fades in and out across the length of the car.

Out back, the E-Class shakes up Merc’s current full-width taillight trend with more angular outer shapes. The lighting elements within now glow with little three-pointed star designs, too.

Moving inside the E-Class, Mercedes has carved out extra head-, leg-, knee-, and shoulder room. The cabin design evolves the brand’s current approach, with a large “floating” dashboard design and a smooth, wraparound look stretching from the windshield base to the door panels. It wouldn’t be a modern Merc without heaps of ambient lighting, either—and now there’s an optional feature that syncs the lighting to music or sounds from apps. As is typical, there are a variety of trim and material options, including a combo of undyed alpaca wool and recycled material in the base seating. A large center console cover keeps that area looking tidy when not in use.

In the center of the dashboard lies Superscreen, Mercedes’ latest infotainment solution. As we detailed back in February, the big news is under the skin, where Mercedes has centralized processing with one primary computer. This should make for much quicker responses and a smoother user experience, with a greater availability of popular apps. To that end, the E-Class will ship with WebEx, Zoom, web browser Vivaldi… and TikTok and Angry Birds. An optional passenger-side display uses a two-stage safety lock-out to ensure the driver can’t access the screen, and a camera-based blocking system to protect them from watching it, too.

At launch, there will be two 2024 E-Class drivetrain options: the E 350 and E 450. Both come with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and mild-hybrid systems. The former uses Merc’s 2.0-liter turbo-four, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 450 uses the silky-smooth inline-six cylinder, producing a stouter 375 hp and 369 lb-ft. Both also gain short access to an additional 20 hp and 148 lb-ft through the mild hybrid system. We fully expect hotter AMG models plus increased levels of hybridization to debut over the next year or two.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will launch late this year in E 350 guise, while the E 450 will bow early in 2024. Expect more details on pricing and trim levels closer to launch.

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