Masterpiece of intelligence

Considered by many to the epitome of the Mercedes-Benz brand, the E-Class has repeatedly redefined standards in the business-class segment, and for 10 generations been an integral part of the German automaker's history.

More than 13 million customers have chosen the E-Class over the decades, making it Mercedes-Benz' most popular model and the core of the brand.

As the backbone of Mercedes-Benz in China, the E-Class was the first model to be locally produced in China.

In 2005, the first Chinese-produced E-Class model rolled off the assembly lines, earning the distinction as the first local model made by Beijing Benz Automotive, known as BBAC, the joint venture between Daimler AG and their Chinese partner, BAIC Group.

While this vehicle was still the standard-wheelbase E-Class, this model marked a new stage in the company's local production, ushering in the rapid development of BBAC, which has since become one of the largest Mercedes-Benz passenger car plants worldwide.

In 2010, the long-wheelbase E-Class was launched, better positioned to meet the requirements of the Chinese market.

The long-wheelbase model quickly became a key vehicle for Mercedes-Benz in China. "Built in China, for China", it was seen as proof of the company's unwavering commitment to China, tailored to suit the tastes of local consumers.

Now the third generation model to be locally produced at BBAC, the All New Long-Wheelbase E-Class, carries this heritage into the future.

Since its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in January, the standard-wheelbase version of the All New E-Class has effectively showcased its groundbreaking technology and won over the hearts of the global audience.

Now, its long-wheelbase counterpart has rolled into the China market. This vehicle is more than just a "stretched" version of the standard-wheelbase variant. With its extended design serving as a guiding principle from the start of the vehicle's developmental process, the All New Long-Wheelbase E-Class is not only "Made for China", but also "Designed for China".

The success of the company's All New Mercedes-Maybach S-Class provided further impetus for the development of models specifically tailored not only to China's market conditions, but also in accordance with Chinese cultural values. With the All New Long-Wheelbase E-Class, the automaker is again betting that its latest offering will resonate with Chinese customers and align with their values.

The car inherits the emotional heritage of Mercedes-Benz design, and while it retains Mercedes-Benz' overall design language of "sensual purity", it does so through a uniquely Chinese interpretation, with a wide array of features specifically tailored to local customers.

In China, people are deeply hospitable when it comes to their acquaintances and business partners, and while this is true around the world, in China this hospitality takes on unique forms.

The driver and every passenger are expected to enjoy an equally pleasant riding experience, and the unique nature of the E-Class ensures that every occupant will be immersed in a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere when they are inside the vehicle, regardless of whether they are behind the wheel or riding in the back.

Inspired by the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the All New E-Class' body concept has incorporated a third fixed window for extra quiet and privacy in the rear, and efforts have been made to provide an additional level of comfort for Chinese customers. The model features such China-specific additions as large armrests in the rear and electrically adjustable rear seats.

In terms of comfort, the vehicle's interior exudes unmatched comfort and quality. The interior of the E-Class employs the highest quality materials and the most modern technology, which will delight customers no matter whether they are sitting in the front or the rear of the vehicle.

Passengers in the back of the All New Long-Wheelbase E-Class will be able to enjoy ample legroom, and the seats' electronically-adjustable backrests offer personalized comfort. No other competitor in this segment can match this level of comfort.

Similarly, the exterior blends refined aesthetics with a contemporary, minimalist design, offering a stunning interpretation of Mercedes-Benz' design philosophy of "sensual purity".

In terms of driving experience, the All New E-Class' arsenal of cutting-edge technologies have earned it the title a "Masterpiece of Intelligence". For instance, the E-Class is the first series-production car that connects to the outside world using Car2X-Communication technology, which enhances occupants' ability to monitor road conditions and enables them to access even more safety and convenience features from within the cabin.

Furthermore, the 'Touch Control' touchpads embedded on both sides of the steering wheel respond to horizontal and vertical swiping to access dashbotechnologies have earned it the title a "Masterpiece of Intelligence". For instance, the E-Class is the first series-production car that connects to the outside world using Car2X-Communication technology, which enhances occupants' ability to monitor road conditions and enables them to access even more safety and convenience features from within the cabin.

Furthermore, the 'Touch Control' touchpads embedded on both sides of the steering wheel respond to horizontal and vertical swiping to access dashboard and infotainment settings. The driver can choose from three distinctive styles of dashboard layouts, and by embedding intuitive control functions in the steering wheel, the All New E-Class enhances drivers' ability to communicate with their vehicle and vice versa, freeing up their attention as they keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Occupants can also create their own personalized interior by selecting from an unrivaled selection of 64 different ambient lighting colors. Furthermore, the two 12.3-inch high-definition displays located at the front of the vehicle are the largest screens in the segment.

The All New Long-Wheelbase E-Class also takes a major step towards fully autonomous driving. The company's advancements in the field of autonomous driving go back three decades to 1986, with the beginning of the Pan-European Eureka PROMETHEUS Project. In the 30 years since, Mercedes-Benz has made major technological advancements, as can be seen in the All New Long-Wheelbase E-Class.The car's DRIVE PILOT system can automatically follow the vehicle ahead at speeds of up to 210 kilometers per hour, and even without visible road marks is capable of doing so at speeds up to 130 kilometers per hour.

Just as impressive is the vehicle's ability to automatically adjust its brakes in response to its automated pedestrian recognition system, as well as Remote Park Pilot, which allows drivers to orchestrate parking maneuvers in tight spaces and easily unlock their car using their smartphone.

The All New Long-Wheelbase E-Class marks a large step into the future by Mercedes-Benz. With this powerful vehicle forming the core and backbone of their brand, Mercedes-Benz is showing China and the world that it still abides by an untiring spirit in pursuit of the best.

(China Daily 04/25/2016 page18)