Automotive

New Mercedes E-Class interior takes a swipe at business class

New Mercedes E-Class interior takes a swipe at business class
The instrument panel and central display are formed of two 12.3-in screens, horizontally merged and each with a resolution of 1920 x 720
The instrument panel and central display are formed of two 12.3-in screens, horizontally merged and each with a resolution of 1920 x 720
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The instrument panel and central display are formed of two 12.3-in screens, horizontally merged and each with a resolution of 1920 x 720
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The instrument panel and central display are formed of two 12.3-in screens, horizontally merged and each with a resolution of 1920 x 720
The E-Class is said to be the "first ever car to integrate touch control buttons in the spokes of the multifunction steering wheel"
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The E-Class is said to be the "first ever car to integrate touch control buttons in the spokes of the multifunction steering wheel"
Users are able to draw letters, numbers and special characters on the center console touchpad and have the system read the characters back so as to allow for eyes-free operation
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Users are able to draw letters, numbers and special characters on the center console touchpad and have the system read the characters back so as to allow for eyes-free operation
The seats have what is described as an ergonomic and sculptural form
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The seats have what is described as an ergonomic and sculptural form
View gallery - 4 images

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the interior design of its upcoming E-Class. The spacious and technologically innovative layout boasts 23 speakers, two 12.3-in screens merged into an ultra-wide display, touch control buttons that respond to finger swipes and customizable LED lighting.

The cabin itself uses a variety of materials to give a sense of luxury. Among those used are open-pore woods, a novel metal fabric, and leather for covering the doors and beltline. The seats have what is described as an ergonomic and sculptural form, and are designed to be comfortable for long journeys.

Vehicle occupants can enjoy a Frontbass audio system as standard, which uses the space in the cross-member and side member of the body structure as a resonance chamber for the bass speakers. Alternatively, there's an optional Burmester 3D surround sound system.

The seats have what is described as an ergonomic and sculptural form
The seats have what is described as an ergonomic and sculptural form

This latter system comprises 23 high-end speakers, a 25-l (5.5-gal) bass box with its own 400 W amplifier in the boot, two mid-range speakers in the front doors and seven mid-range speakers and tweeters. All of this, says Mercedes, is geared towards creating a listening experience that is "reminiscent of the acoustics in a concert hall."

Elsewhere, the E-Class interior features LED lighting, which can be upgraded to an enhanced version. This gives owners the choice of 64 colors for personalization and adds touches of light to the trim, central display, front stowage facility, handle recesses, door pockets, front and rear footwells and overhead console.

Perhaps the most exciting aspects, however, are related to the infotainment system. To begin, the instrument panel and central display are formed of two 12.3-in screens, horizontally merged and each with a resolution of 1920 x 720. This is aimed at giving the sense of a wide-screen cockpit.

Users are able to draw letters, numbers and special characters on the center console touchpad and have the system read the characters back so as to allow for eyes-free operation
Users are able to draw letters, numbers and special characters on the center console touchpad and have the system read the characters back so as to allow for eyes-free operation

The displays put virtual instruments in the direct field of vision of the driver, and the style of these can be switched between "Classic," "Sport" and "Progressive." It's also possible for the driver to change the content of the central display based on their preferences. Mercedes' optional COMAND Online can provide mobile internet, navigation and weather services.

There's a new approach to controlling the infotainment system, too. The E-Class integrates touch control buttons in the spokes of the multifunction steering wheel that respond to finger swipes, as well as standard presses. This enables the driver to control functions in the same way as they would a smartphone without having to take their hands off the wheel.

Functions can also be controlled via the center console using single or multi-finger gestures. Users are even able to draw letters, numbers and special characters on a touchpad and have the system read them back so as to allow for eyes-free operation. Voice control functionality is available too.

The new E-Class will be launched in the first half of 2016.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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3 comments
3 comments
gizmowiz
Where are the cup holders?
Daishi
The problem with putting 23 speakers in an automobile is usually none of them are loud. The amount of speakers in cars has become a pointless war like digital camera pixels. It's a lot easier and cheaper to drive a handful of good speakers with a 4 or 6 channel amp than it is to push a whole bunch of them with a massive amp and it also takes a ton of power.
Car Audio is one area where there is a huge difference between what a pair of $30 vs $70 speakers will do but despite the average car costing upwards of $30k companies still opt for junk in base models just to upsell people on upgraded packages.
The factory 6.5" speakers in a 2014 Kia Sorento are 20W RMS for instance: http://www.kia-forums.com/2014-2015-sorento-forum/141481-2014-sorento-speaker-sizes.html
They probably cost them less than $15 a pair to make. This is one thing I liked about my GF's Scion tC, it shipped with a factory system that was pretty good when most companies would charge $2,000 for a package with a better sound system even though going with slightly higher end system in the first place probably only costs the manufacturer about another $200.
If given the choice I don't think anyone would choose $15/pair speakers for their car yet here we are.
Bill Bennett
That orange brown interior color is absolutely horrible.