Mercedes Benz E-Class Archives

Innovation in the steering wheel coming in mid-2020 in Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Since the first motorcar appeared in 1886, its overall shape and many individual elements have evolved over the decades, changing as new technology or new design philosophy was adopted. The steering wheel is one example and though it may seem as if this ‘device’ for controlling the car’s movements has never changed, the degree of change is actually quite significant.

The first step towards the modern steering wheel was taken by the then Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft 120 years ago. The first car in the world, invented by Carl Benz, had managed without a steering wheel. The driver used a simple steering lever or steering crank because at the time, carriage drivers were used to pulling on the right or left to direct the horses in the desired direction.

The first steering wheel as we know it today appeared in 1894 at the world’s first automobile race. A French engineer, Alfred Vacheron, is considered the inventor of the steering wheel. For the race – from Paris to Rouen in July 1894 – he installed a steering wheel instead of the usual steering lever in his Panhard & Levassor, which was powered by a Daimler engine.

Benz Patent-Motorwagen, 1886Benz Patent-Motorwagen, 1886 — *The first motorcar by Carl Benz had no steering wheel at all. But within 8 years, the control device would appear in a car for racing purposes (below).*

This wheel gave him better control because the steering movement of the front wheels could be distributed over several turns of the steering column from a neutral central position until it stopped. This enabled more precise steering and thus higher driving speeds. Although the Frenchman placed only 11th, the steering wheel prevailed.

From then on, the growing number of carmakers would adopt the steering wheel. And while, for many decades, the steering wheel had only a pad or button to activate the horn, it eventually gained buttons to give the driver more functionality. It has become something of a ‘high-tech command centre’ which enables the driver to steer precisely and, at the same time, comfortably and safely operate numerous comfort and assistance systems.

An innovation in steering wheels
In mid-2020, Mercedes-Benz will introduce in its E-Class (W213) a new, comprehensively digitalized generation of steering wheels. Known as the capacitive steering wheel, its rim contains a two-zone sensor mat that detects whether the driver’s hands are gripping the steering wheel. The touch control buttons placed in the spokes also work with digital signals.

Developers and designers have worked closely on this innovative steering wheel. For example, every millimetre of a circuit board determines how elegantly the surface can be designed. It’s all about looks and, above all, haptics (the science of applying touch sensation and control to interact).

“Steering-wheel design is a world of its own and a very special challenge that is often underestimated,” explains Hans-Peter Wunderlich, Creative Director Interior Design at Mercedes-Benz, who has been designing steering wheels for around 20 years.

Mercedes-Benz steering wheel — *How steering wheels have evolved over the decades.*

Physical contact
“Besides the seat, the steering wheel is the only component in the vehicle with which we have intensive physical contact. The fingertips feel little things that we normally don’t notice. If an unevenness is disturbing or the steering wheel does not fit snugly in our hands, we don’t like it. This haptic sensation is sent to the brain as feedback and determines whether or not we like the car. The emotional connection to a car is thus created through the sense of touch,” he says.

With the new generation of steering wheels with capacitive hands-off detection, the sensors on the front and back of the rim register whether the steering wheel is being held. No more steering movement is required to signal the assistance systems that the vehicle is under control.

Touch Control buttons integrated into the steering wheel spokes will also function capacitively. This reduces the mechanical operating surfaces to a maximum. The seamless control panels, which are divided into several functional areas, are precisely integrated flush with the spokes. As with a smartphone, touches are recorded and evaluated via capacitive sensor technology, which enables intuitive operation via swiping gestures and pressing of familiar symbols.

The high-quality materials have been selected in such a way that operation is possible even in an interior heated up by sunlight. The system automatically recognises where the finger is at any given moment.

Perfect proportions
The steering wheel is available in three versions: Sport, Luxury and Supersport. “It is the most beautiful steering wheel we have ever built,” says Hans-Peter Wunderlich. “The proportions of the airbag, spokes and rim are absolutely harmonious. The airbag is not concealed but staged as a flattering sphere.”

In the Luxury version, the spokes form a chalice inspired by elegant Callas flowers in a black panel look, in which the sphere floats. For the “Supersport version, it is held by two double-decker spokes in black panel design, reminiscent of the wheel wing nuts of sportscars. The size of the steering wheel has remained the same compared to the previous generation.

Mercedes-Benz owners in Malaysia can now enjoy Mercedes me connect

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Launches New CKD E-Class Range, With 3 Variants!

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has unveiled three new variants of the E-Class, which includes the all-new Mercedes-Benz E 350 AMG Line as well as the Mercedes-Benz E 200 SPORTSTYLE Avantgarde and the Mercedes-Benz E 300 Exclusive Line – exemplifying the automobile’s brand ethos, coupled with added state-of-the-art performance and safety features. The E-Class portrays style, status and exclusivity with class and progression.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class range showcases a proud heritage in the premium luxury vehicles segment carrying the modern luxury hallmark and exclusivity with its suite of luxurious features and stylish highlights with distinctive emotive design and high-grade interior. With the launch of the Mercedes-Benz E 350 AMG Line, it expands the range with a luxury performance variant with the new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine under the hood.

Introducing the new E-Class range, Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales and Marketing of MBM (above, right) said, “As the vehicle of choice in the premium executive limousine segment, we are proud to introduce the all-new Mercedes-Benz E 350 AMG Line to now lead the E-Class range. The locally-assembled car also comes with a four-cylinder 2.0 engine equipped with a belt-driven starter generator and the Driving Assistance Package with state-of-the-art safety technologies”.

Raine added, “Alongside the E 350 AMG Line debut, we are also proud to introduce two new variants − the Mercedes-Benz E 200 SPORTSTYLE (below) Avantgarde and the Mercedes-Benz E 300 Exclusive (above) – to further complete the existing lineup. New in the E 200 and the E 300 is the Blind Spot Assist and the Lane Tracking Package, respectively”.

According to Raine, the E-Class is the core of the Mercedes-Benz brand and has gone through several stages of redefinition to continue carrying the wealth of top-class innovations, stylish highlights and an impeccable interior with high-value perception.

The new range of locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz E-Class takes a step further in the evolution of safety, comfort and performance while upholding the standard of design and luxury. With the latest Mercedes-Benz E 350 AMG Line (above), the Mercedes-Benz E 200 SPORTSTYLE Avantgarde and the Mercedes-Benz E 300 Exclusive customers will get to experience best-in-class luxury and performance.

“The E-Class, is a class of its own. It carries the modern luxury hallmark and exclusivity that is only made possible through Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship. Riding into its latest generation of its long and successful heritage, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class continues to deliver stylish highlights with its distinct, emotive design and an impeccable interior with high value perception,” said President and CEO of MBM Dr Claus Weidner (above, left) in his welcome speech at the media launch.

Locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz E-Class range and data at a glance:

Model	E 200 SPORTSTYLE Avantgarde	E 300 Exclusive	E 350 AMG Line
Number of cyl./ arrangement	4/in-line, 4 valves per cylinder	4/in-line, 4 valves per cylinder	4/in-line, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement (cc)	1991	1991	1991
Rated output (kW/hp at rpm)	145/197 at 5,500	190/258 at 5,800	220/299 at 5,800
Rated torque (Nm at rpm)	320/1,650 – 4,000	370/1,800 – 4,000	400/3,000 – 4,000
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)	7.5	6.2	5.9
Top speed (km/h)	240	250	250
Price (OTR w/o Insurance)	RM 329,888.00 (estimated)	RM 379,888.00 (estimated)	RM 399,888.00

BONUS! Own your masterpiece of intelligence…

The E-Class certainly portrays class and progression. So does its financing, a class act of its own, designed with your lifestyle in mind. Enjoy affordable monthly instalments, flexible end of agreement options, a guaranteed future value of your car and a wide range of insurance products.

The E-ssential financing starts from RM3,998 and comes with a variety of packages. Just choose a financing package that suits your need and we will take care of the rest. Now for a limited time, all Agility financing contract comes with 2 Complimentary Comprehensive Service Package. Perfectly tailored for the individual who seeks value, unrivalled benefits and peace of mind at the wheel.

Indulge in the advantages of Agility Financing offerings while the performance of your prized investment is well taken care of by Mercedes-Benz certified and trained technicians with genuine spare parts at their disposal. Campaign ends on April 30^th, 2019. For more details call 1-800-88-1133 or speak to a Finance and Insurance Executive at your nearest Mercedes-Benz Autohaus.

Monthly instalment above is calculated based on a 5 years tenure and downpayment of approximately 30% for the E350 AMG Line. Terms and conditions apply. Mercedes-Benz Financial – A Daimler Financial Services Brand. The financial services provided by Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd are regulated by the provisions of the Financial Services Act 2013. Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia’s operations are not within the regulatory purview of Bank Negara Malaysia.

Mercedes-Benz picks up two awards

Mercedes-Benz has won two awards at the inaugural Auto Trader New Car Awards. The first award was for the “Best car for Long Distances”, which was picked up by the C-Class and the second, was for the E-Class by winning the ‘Best Car for Families’ award.

Unlike most motoring related awards, the Auto Trader one is a bit different. Winners aren’t chosen by a panel of judges, instead, decisions are based on the opinion of 10,000 consumers who have bought, driven and lived with these vehicles – they provide unbiased and valued insight of the ownership experience.

Krishan Bodhani, Head of smart and Product Management, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK, said: “It’s a huge honour for us to win two awards at the first ever Auto Trader awards, especially as the votes are cast by customers.”

Currently, the E-Class line-up is as diverse as it has ever been thanks to the recent addition of the E-Class Cabriolet and E-Class All-Terrain as well as several petrol and diesel engines to the line up. How well Mercedes-Benz does this year remains to be seen. But if they keep churning out cars like the current E-Class, 2017 should be a good year for them.

Mercedes-Benz posts record sales for 2017

Mercedes-Benz has had an extraordinay start to the year by posting record sales figures for the first quarter of 2017. March was the strongest month for the automaker in terms of sales figures, as it posted a growth of 14.8% with 228,296 vehicles being delivered globally.

Overall, Mercedes-Benz sales increased to 16% in total for this quarter by selling 560,625 vehicles so far. So strong was the demand for its vehicles that the company has even gone so far as to say that during the same period, the company was considered the premium-segment market leader in a number of countries including Germany, UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada and Mexico.

“The E-Class Saloon and Estate continued along their successful path in March with growth of around 65 percent. The bestselling model series of Mercedes-Benz has now been completed with the new E-Class Cabriolet, which we presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show, right on time for the start of spring,” stated Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales.

In Europe, the Stuttgart based automaker posted a 10.8% growth for the quarter with 233,329 vehicles sold. For the Asia-Pacific region, a sales growth of 27.4% was seen with 219,418 vehicles sold. In China alone, Mercedes-Benz managed to shift 49,871 vehicles in March which is about a 30% increase in sales. Though it didn’t disclose any specific figures, the company also said that it posed best ever sales figures for the month of March in a number of other countries such as South Korea, Australia and Malaysia.

In North America, things were just as rosy for the automaker with sales reaching 94,142 vehicles amounting to a 7.1% increase. In fact, Mercedes-Benz even achieved record sales in the three countries which make up the region (USA, Canada and Mexico).

It looks like 2017 has been very good to Mercedes-Benz with its E-Class and GLS being among the most popular models. This news should come as no surprise to most people because over the past few years, the German auto giant has been churning out some of the best looking and best performing premium vehicles in the market. But we shall have to wait and see if the interest in the brand manages to gather more momentum for the remaining quarters of it’s fiscal year.

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