Mercedes E-Class range updated – new 9G-Tronic, more power & lower emissions

The Mercedes E-Class range has been updated with a new 9G-Tronic gearbox, power increases, lower emissions, extra equipment and new Premium Packages.

The latest Mercedes E-Class started to arrive in the UK last year, and although it was a mid-life makeover rather than a new car, the changes were extensive. But now Mercedes is doing more to make the E-Class even more appealing.

That means the arrival of Mercedes’ new 9-G-Tronic auto ‘box for the E 350 BlueTEC – saloon, estate, coupe and cabriolet – which reduces Co2 emissions by up to 17g/km despite an increase of 5bhp in power.

The E 220 BlueTEC also sees a small rise in power – up by 7bhp to 175bhp – and a reduction in Co2 of 16g/km whilst still paired to the 7G-Tronic gearbox, which means the E 220 BlueTEC SE now boasts emissions of just 116g/km.

Even the potent E 400 AMG Sport gets a tweak, with its engine capacity increased from 2996cc to 3498cc in the coupe and cabriolet  – and to be know henceforth as the Mercedes E 400 AMG Line – and yet still gets 17g/km lower emissions. Mercedes hasn’t said how, or if, the increased capacity affects performance (current model 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds).

Other changes include the arrival of Collision Prevention Assist as standard across the E-Class range which reduces the impact of rear-end collisions through a series of visual and acoustic warnings and the arrival of additional option ‘Packages’.

The Premium and Premium Plus Packages offer extra equipment at savings of up to 27 per cent compared to ticking the individual option boxes, with the Premium Package adding Panoramic Roof, Memory Package, Rear Split Folding Seats and reversing camera for £2,695 and the Premium Plus Package adding Keyless Go, Comfort Pack and Harmon Kardon Sound for £3,895 (prices for the saloon – the Estate costs £2,395 and £3,495 respectively).

The new upgraded Mercedes E-Class models will be available in September.