2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: First Look

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Competes with: BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Cadillac CTS, Lexus GS

Looks like: A larger C-Class (or a smaller S-Class)

Drivetrain: 241-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine with nine-speed automatic transmission; rear- or all-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Summer 2016

The redesigned 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class luxury sedan that makes its debut at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit embodies trends that are reshaping the auto industry. A downsized turbocharged gas engine is the new base motor, and it pairs with a high-gear-count transmission for better gas mileage. The 2017 E-Class also offers technology features that advance its autonomous-driving capabilities. It arrives at dealerships this summer.

Related: More 2016 Detroit Auto Show Coverage

Exterior

With its softer-looking, smoother sheet metal, the new E-Class’ exterior styling follows the template of the brand’s C-Class compact sedan, which was redesigned for the 2015 model year. In many ways, the new E-Class looks like a larger version of the C-Class.

The 2017 E-Class is also nearly 2 inches longer overall than its predecessor and rides on a 2.6-inch longer wheelbase. The sedan’s front-end styling changes depending on the trim; Luxury models get a traditional Mercedes grille with the brand’s three-pointed-star hood ornament, and Sport versions wear a grille with a large version of the Mercedes star inserted in the middle.

Interior

The new E-Class cabin incorporates cues from both the C-Class and flagship S-Class sedans. The resulting design — particularly the dashboard — has flowing, organic shapes that distinguish it from luxury competitors.

A 12.3-inch screen sits atop the middle of the dashboard and is operated by Mercedes’ Comand controller on the center console. The E-Class also features touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel that let the driver use smartphone-style swiping motions to control the entertainment system. We haven’t been that impressed with touch-sensitive controls in other cars, but we’ll reserve judgment on these until we’ve had a chance to use them.

Available features include an ambient-lighting system that offers 64 different colors; a choice of two Burmester premium stereos, one of which includes roof-mounted speakers; heated door armrests; a heated steering wheel; and a 40/20/40-split folding backseat.

It won’t be available at launch, but Mercedes says the E-Class will eventually offer Remote Parking Pilot, which will let you remotely move the car into or out of a parking space or garage with a smartphone app.

Under the Hood

The E300 is powered by a 241-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine that drives the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available. Without offering specifics, Mercedes said additional engines will be added to the lineup after launch.

A steel-spring suspension is standard, and it can be fitted with Comfort- or Sport-oriented adaptive shocks. There’s also an available four-corner air suspension that features automatic load-leveling, adjustable ride height and adaptive damping.

Safety

Standard safety features include forward collision warning with an automatic emergency braking system that’s capable of detecting pedestrians as well as cars, the Attention Assist driver-drowsiness monitor and Pre-Safe Sound. If a crash appears imminent, Pre-Safe Sound will send an interference signal through the car’s sound system to trigger a reflex in passengers’ ears to help reduce hearing loss due to a crash.

The available Driver Assistance Package Plus adds a number of autonomous-driving features to the E-Class. The package’s Drive Pilot system can both maintain a preset following distance from the vehicle ahead and also track traffic at speeds up to 130 mph, thereby adding steering assistance to the mix. Mercedes says the system also uses surrounding cars and structures to help guide it, so it still works when lane markings are absent. Also included but available after launch is Active Lane-change Assist, which responds to an activated turn signal by helping steer the car into the indicated adjacent lane.

Additional features include enhanced collision warning and braking that can automatically brake for crossing traffic at intersections, lane-keeping assist, blind spot warning and Pre-Safe impulse side. Pre-Safe impulse side will inflate an air chamber in the side of the front seats to shift the driver and front passenger away from an impending side-impact collision.