For 2014, the E-Class exudes what might just be the most robust facelift in its history. It boasts myriad changes, most noticeably being on the front fascia where a new nose with more refined headlights has been employed, with its signature quad-lamps now merged into two, the sort of facelift revamped on the Lexus LX570. One E-Class is not another E-Class, well, empirically speaking. This is because there is an E-Class at almost every point of the performance curve, starting from E250 to the E63 AMG. The most common engine is the base gas-powered 3.5-litre producing 211 kW (302 hp) and accelerates from 0 - 100 km/h in about 7 seconds. This engine is very efficient, with its fuel economy ranging at 5.5 - 6.0 litres per 100 km on a broad range. The hybrid version is more economical for it sips a meagre 4 litres for the same distance.
The E63 AMG has a 385 kW (550 hp) bi-turbo V8 engine which does 0 - 100 km/h in 4 seconds. Available transmissions for the E-Class include a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed automatic referred to as the 7G-TRONIC, which is similar to VW's DSG that made the CC a remarkably fuel efficient car. An interesting innovation here is the M mode which allows some thrill since the driver can shift gears like in a manual for a pre-defined time after which the system reverts to the default automatic mode. Also standard is the ECO start/stop mode similar to Mazda's i-STOP. This switches off the engine when you stop during traffic jams and restarts when you open the throttle. This function can however be disengaged at the press of a button for the individuals who will find the switching on-and-off disconcerting. Change is as good as rest, and in the business world organizations that keep up with the changing world always have a competitive advantage over their competitors.
But while drivers of change busied themselves on the exterior panels, few of them saw their way to the inside of the 2014 Mercedes E-Class. There is still plenty of space for five adults to sit in comfort and the front seats are among the most comfortable in its segment, with the interior fit and finish in general being without reproach. I however found it as a let down by Mercedes to use vinyl seating upholstery in the base model while lesser cars like Kia entail leather seats with heated options. For models beginning with the ELEGANCE trim a choice of aluminium or carbon-look trim is available. In the base and ELEGANCE trims the instrument cluster features a black outline on each dial while AVANTGARDE versions have a silver lining about the instrument panels. The most visible change here is that the gear shift lever is nowhere to be seen. And if you think it employs the telescopic function of Jaguar's shift knob then that's not the case.
Instead, gear operations are handled at the multi-functional steering wheel through the DIRECT-SHIFT lever with paddle shifters. The shifters are firm and responsive, but the COMAND system can get a bit fizzy. Rear view camera is optional on the base models but Bluetooth streaming and power sunroof are standard. Other luxurious appointments include adaptive sport seats, surround-view camera, voice-controlled navigation and a larger-than-life 1200-watt, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. Key updates to the 2014 E-Class come on the electronics side, enhancing safety through an array of sensors and algorithms. It offers a blind-spot information system to monitor cars driving in the blind area of the car and a front-mounted stereo camera to monitor obstacles and traffic. Mercedes' PRE-SAFE technology is standard with an add-on: DISTRONIC-PLUS. This is essentially a system that 'detects' an oncoming accident and automatically closes windows and sunroof, tightens seatbelts, fills up air cushions and moves the seats to a safer position for example if you were reclining. Another safety innovation that was in the S-Class but is now included in the 2014 E-Class is the ATTENTION ASSIST. This system monitors your driving for the first twenty minutes so that should you start to show drowsiness or signs of fatigue it will beep alarmingly and if your attention doesn't meet required standards then it will stop. The car can also maintain a set following distance to avoid hitting the car in front and helps you keep in lane by indicating if a car is in a lane you want to change to. Together with these and other sensors the 2014 E-Class can even steer itself in limited circumstances and at a low speed.
Many cars from yesteryears are now being brought up to speed by new technologies. Old versions are now reinvented into something for the modern day buyer. Not to be one-upped, Mercedes-Benz and AMG have teamed-up to create a car which would embody the strengths both companies offer to the world market. Their creation: the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG boasts of having the ultimate in sports cars. From a distance, the car has a distinctive aluminum body with gullwing doors that could open up to a maximum of 70 degrees. The car recreates one of the iconic designs of Mercedes-Benz. The spoiler of the car is installed in the boot lid and is automatically sets out at 120 kilometers per hour speed to stabilize the car at high speeds. The interior design is much like an aircraft cockpit. The console and the dashboard both have the Silver Shadow surface. The controls are made out of metal.
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