It’s a long story – The world premiere of the long-wheelbase E-Class

140 extra millimeters of length and wheelbase. Extra space. Extra comfort. Extra intelligence. The long-wheelbase version of the E-Class has been presented in China, at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show. The limousine built in China for China is a stylish reinterpretation of superiority.

The long-wheelbase version of the recently launched in Europe E-Class brings the first-class character and exceeds the dimensions of the european E-Class Saloon, featuring a wheelbase of 3,079 millimeters and a 5,063 millimeters length.

The rear passengers shall be spoiled with an extra 134 millimeters of legroom and shall benefit from an easier access and exit. Two versions of the limousine, the saloon (with the classic radiator grille and star on the hood, similar to the Exclusive version in Europe) and the sports saloon (with the star logo in the center of the grille, similar to the Avantgarde version in Europe), shall be available on the Chinese market.

An extra triangular window has been added in the C-pillar, together with a stretch roof profile. The elongated hood, the coupe-like roof flowing into the broad-shouldered tail end give the limousine an elegant yet exciting silhouette.

The solution of the third triangular window was also used in case of the S-Class Maybach to differentiate it from the regular S-Class. We are curious to see how will look the future E-Class Maybach after Mercedes has used already the Maybach “signature” for the chinese long wheelbase E-Class.

Distinctive headlamps with a clear-lens design and a double eyebrow for the daytime running lamps also offer the LED High Performance system as on option. The new lights layout, each including 84 individually activated LEDs automatically illuminate the road surface with an exceptionally bright beam, without dazzling the incoming drivers. The explanation is in the grid allowing the light distribution of the left and right headlamps to be controlled separately and adapted to the changing situation in a quick dynamic manner.

At the opposite end, broad shoulders guarantee the powerfully sculpted silhouette. The rear and brake lamps in the tail lights standardly feature the LED technology.

Onboard the E-Class, two 12.3-inch high-resolution displays (one for the instrument cluster and one for the COMAND multimedia system, standard from the E 200 L) seemingly blend into a wide screen beneath a joint glass cover, putting the virtual controls in the driver’s immediate visual field. He can select from three different styles for the look of the wide-screen: “Classic”, “Sport” or “Progressive”.

The long-wheelbase E-Class features the smartphone-like touch-sensitive controls in the steering wheel just like its shorter top-of-the-line sibling. The interface responds precisely to horizontal and vertical swiping movements, allowing the driver the control the infotainment system just by using his fingers, without having to take his hands off the wheel.

In the executive seats, the passengers benefit from all the comfort offered by the typical craftsmanship of the brand, with fine materials like ARTICO leather and a selection of fine wood types.

The personalization goes further, with 64-color ambient lighting supplied by the energy-saving LED technology, highlighting the contours of the trim, central display, front stowage facility in the center console, handle recesses, door pockets, front and rear footwells, overhead console and tweeters, in case the vehicle is fitted with the optionally offere Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system.

The multiple-purpose center armrests bring extra comfort features such as:

• an illuminated stowage compartment
• a USB port
• an integral touchscreen (optional)
• wireless charging system of the mobile phone (optional)
• heated pad (optional)
• a cup holder with temperature control (optional)

The rear area meets the requirements of a mobile office as well as those of a lounge. The passengers can control certain functions of the car and of the COMAND unit from the rear seats, via a built-in touchscreen display or by the help of an app downloaded in a tablet or smartphone.

The long-wheelbase E-Class benefits from the company’s new assistance and safety systems. Active Brake Assist is standardly fit in the car, reducing rear-end collision hazards by warning the driver, both visually and acoustically, or if there is no reaction, braking autonomously at speeds up to 200 km/h. It reacts to stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians at speeds up to 60 km/h.

The Attention Assist warns the driver on inattentiveness and drowsiness. Meanwhile, the optional Driving Assistance package is also available, taking the E-Class one step closer to the autonomous driving with its DRIVE PILOT and Remote Parking Pilot.

• DRIVE PILOT – the system helps the car keep the correct distance to vehicles in front and follow them at speeds up to 210 km/h, also actively assisting the driver with steering up to 130 km/h.
• Remote Parking Pilot – the system enables the vehicle to move into and out of tight parking spaces with the driver outside the vehicle, simply operating a smartphone app.