2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Since Mercedes markets a myriad of models in the U.S. and elsewhere, the first thing you should know about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is that it’s the German luxury marque’s mid-size, mid-priced series of sedans, wagons, coupes and cabriolets. Sitting between the compact C-Class and full-size luxury S-Class in size, price and prestige, the E-Class competes primarily against Teutonic rivals like the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and Cadillac’s soon-to-come larger, pricier, all-new CTS. Ten variants of 2014 E-Class sedans and wagons debuted in the spring of 2013, while coupe and cabriolet models will arrive mid-summer. Second, while they are not all-new, these 2014 E-Class entries are extensively updated with styling enhancements, more efficient engines and 11 new or improved driving assistance systems, which M-B groups as "intelligent drive." Among these are technologies that can help avoid collisions with vehicles to the sides or crossing in front of your car, and with pedestrians.

Designer’s Touch

The styling update begins with two new faces. Luxury versions wear a classic three-louver Mercedes grille and three-pointed stars on their hoods; Sport models get the MB “sport” grille with a large star centered in it. The hood and front bumper are redesigned, the latter with a new aerofoil shape along its lower edge, and Sport models get a high-performance AMG look with larger air intakes and an aluminum trim line along the bumper’s lower edge.

A new feature line running from the rear door to the taillamp, and a lower three-dimensional trim line, add visual length. New headlamps carry on the E-Class signature "four-eyed" look with partial-LED daytime running lamps and low-beams, and full-LED headlamps are available. Around back, new horizontal LED taillamps give a distinctive nighttime signature, and Sport models have dual exhaust pipes.