The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is slated to get a few updates, including added technology and cabin enhancements, but what has us excited are the changes coming under the hood for the coupe and cabriolet versions of the mid-size luxury car.
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The 2018 E-Class was only offered in E300 or E400 variants, but the new version will get three new models with three new engines: E220 d, E200 and E350. Both the E220 d and E200 come with 4Matic all-wheel drive, while the E350 is rear-wheel drive.
The big story here is the new engine dropping into the E350 variants. Mercedes' stated development goal for this engine (as it seems to have been for many automakers over the past several years) is to produce V-6 power with something akin to four-cylinder efficiency. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder uses twin-scroll turbochargers for better power production at low rpm, and the engine has an output of 299 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque. It will be mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
What makes the engine interesting, however, is not its output; while this is impressive power out of a four-cylinder engine, it doesn't make it unique in today's environment. Mercedes-Benz has added a 48-volt electrical system, which is four times more powerful than the usual 12-volt systems found in most cars. This system powers a more robust, belt-driven starter-alternator and the electric water pump.
Mercedes says the addition of a more robust starter system smooths out the engine restart process enough that it can function as a very mild hybrid. It can provide boost to the engine at lower rpm, and it allows the engine to shut off while gliding or coasting down the road (which also improves fuel economy) with a near-seamless restart.
The E350 is also outfitted with regenerative braking to help recharge the system, and Mercedes says that the more powerful electrical system could potentially power further expansions of infotainment and driver-assistance systems. Estimated fuel economy for the E350 is roughly 35 mpg combined for both coupe and cabriolet models.
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class
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The other two new engines and trims are more straightforward. The E220 d gets a 194-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel that makes 295 pounds-feet of torque, and it has an estimated fuel economy of about 48 mpg combined for coupe models and 46 mpg combined for the cabriolet.
The final engine, found in E200 variants, is a 184-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 221 pounds-feet of torque, and it offers 34 mpg combined for the coupe and 32 mpg combined for the cabriolet.
Now is the time where we note that this announcement applies for the European-spec versions of the E-Class, and we cannot yet confirm which powertrains will be bound for American shores. If I had to hazard a guess, it would be that the two gas engines will make it here, while the diesel is a 50/50 proposition at best.
