Mercedes Just Dropped A Trio of Next-Gen Cars
All those lab-coated engineers over at Mercedes-Benz HQ in Stuttgart have clearly been keeping busy because the brand just launched a trio of next-gen cars: a completely new mid-size E-Class sedan, plus two versions of an all-new CLE, a coupe and a convertible.
Each of those machines are part of Mercedes’ next-generation lineup — which already includes the S- and C-Class — and they’ll arrive with all the technical bells and whistles you expect (plus some you really don’t).
Before we dive into the details, it’s worth pointing out that none of these new models are fully-electric. But, if that’s what you’re looking for, Benz has you covered there too with a rapidly expanding lineup of EVs.
The 2024 Mercedes E-Class
Here at SHARP, we’ve long believed that a good, mid-size German sedan is all the car anyone really needs. You know them: the BMW 5 Series, the Audi A6, and the Merc E-Class. They are the benchmarks for space, comfort, tech and understated brilliance.
For 2024, however, the all-new E-Class doesn’t just have to compete with the all-new BMW 5 Series and the venerable Audi A6, it’ll be fighting in-house competition from Merc’s own all-electric EQE sedan.
What’s New on the 2024 E-Class?
Everything is new. Compared to the electric EQE, you’ll notice the E-Class has a classic cab-backward design with a long hood. (This approach stands in contrast to BMW, where the gas-burning 5 Series and the electric i5 look nearly identical.) The Merc design is full of modern details, like the pop-out doorhandles and digital headlights. Overall the new car is slightly more spacious — both for passengers and cargo — than the previous model.
Under the long hood you can have a choice of engines: a 2.0-litre turbo four in the E 350, or 3.0-litre turbo inline-six in the E 450. Both engines are joined by a small electric motor (ISG, or integrated starter generator, if you want to get geeky) that adds up to 23 hp and a hefty 148 lb-ft of torque. The top-spec E 450 makes 375 hp. Still, we can’t wait to see what AMG can do with a next-gen E 63. Except 700 horsepower or thereabouts.
The new E-Class should float over the road in proper luxury car fashion, with four-wheel AIRMATIC air suspension, plus continuously adjustable damping and optional rear-wheel steering. Tight condo parking garage? No worries here.
Inside you’ll find a gorgeous new cabin, built around the latest MBUX infotainment system. It’s all glass, wall-to-wall, as we’ve come to expect from Benz. There are just too many clever new features to list here. Among them, however, is a passenger screen that automatically activates or deactivates depending on whether the car senses someone sitting shotgun. And, the interior lighting can go club mode, automatically reacting to whatever music is playing.
For those that experience car sickness, Mercedes has got you too. “The new anti-travel sickness program of ENERGIZING COMFORT can help alleviate the front passenger’s symptoms or delay their onset, reduce the perceived severity and generally increase well-being,” according to the company.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class arrives in Canadian dealerships starting late this year.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe and Cabriolet
What is the new 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE? It’s two models rolled into one, a replacement to both the outgoing C-Class and E-Class coupes and cabriolets.
The CLE Coupe will arrive in Canada late this year, while the CLE Cabriolet lands in early 2024.
In terms of size, the CLE is slightly larger than the current E-Class coupe, and much bigger than the two-door C-Class. Benz boasts that you can fit three golf bags in the trunk — it’s cavernous — but more importantly there should now also be space to fit real, adult people in the back seats. (With the old C-Class coupe, the back seats were best used for kids or cargo or contortionists.)
Initially, the only engine option will be a 255 hp turbocharged four-cylinder, which includes the electric ISG hybrid system that’s said to reduce fuel consumption and add oomph.
The dashboard layout resembles the new C-Class, in which the main MBUX screen rises up from the centre console. Need to pull over to do a quick Zoom meeting? Waiting in the car and want to scroll TikTok? Want to stream Spotify or Apple Music? MBUX can do all that. The top-of-the-line Burmester 3D surround sound system boasts 16 channels including two “near ear” speakers in each front headrest. It works with Apple’s Spatial Audio too.
Mercedes CLE
Mercedes CLE
Mercedes CLE
Mercedes CLE
Mercedes CLE
Mercedes CLE
The best bit of the new CLE? Honestly, just look at it. The design team nailed this one. Mercedes is keeping the hits flowing this year and we love to see it.
