Traditionally, new technology filters down an automaker's range. And, in the case of Mercedes-Benz, that technology invariably starts with the venerable S-Class.

But the latest version of the E-Class sedan disrupts this otherwise orderly flow of innovation down the German model ladder. You see, this executive saloon can be had with a handful of innovations currently unavailable in even the poshest of S-Class examples.

Yes, in some areas, the new E-Class outshines even the S, despite the latter – which is admittedly a couple of years old now – customarily serving as the Stuttgart automaker’s (and, in some ways, even the industry’s) technological showcase.

In fact, with the right options boxes ticked, the fifth-generation – or 10th, if you include the models under the previous naming strategy – E-Class is arguably as close to a self-driving car as you can currently buy in South Africa.

Almost self-driving
Many of the brand’s various optional driver assistance features have been further refined for the W213 generation, such as those that allow it to maintain a set following distance (now up to autobahn speeds of 210 km/h) and automatically make adjustments to the steering. And, naturally, yet more complex systems have been added to the semi-autonomous mix. In short, then, the new E-Class will happily waft down a highway with virtually no input from its driver.

Besides this multitude of further-fettled functions, the executive saloon now also boasts a remote parking feature that allows it to be moved – without anyone in the driver’s seat – using a smartphone application. Furthermore, the driver’s smartphone can double as a digital key (both of these features, however, will only become available locally some time in 2017).

The list goes on. There are all manner of clever automatic braking systems. The optional headlamps (R24 500) each employ 84 individually controlled LEDs, intelligently adjusting themselves according to the surroundings and the position of other road-users. And there’s even a system that protects the occupants’ eardrums from the sound of an impact should a crash occur.

But, as easy as it is to become overwhelmed by all of this next-generation technology, one wonders just how much of it will be used by the average driver, and just how often. And, indeed, whether it’ll be available all of the time (some of our semi-autonomous feature testing was stymied when the words “radar sensors dirty” popped up in the instrument cluster).

In the real world
Regardless, it’s important to note that the new E-Class is about more than mere new-fangled tech that works flawlessly in “ideal conditions”. Yes, in the real world, the business saloon is nothing short of utterly accomplished. Particularly with the new four-cylinder diesel mill fitted, which allows it to major in both oomph and efficiency.

This 1950 cm3 turbo-diesel mill – doing duty in the E220d – is the first in a new family of all-aluminium engines, and replaces the somewhat clattery 2,1-litre unit. The oil-burner provides the rear wheels with a healthy 143 kW and 400 N.m (the latter spread thickly from 1600 to 2800 r/min), all while sipping at a claimed 3,9 litres per 100 km.

Married to a slick new nine-speed automatic transmission, the Mercedes-Benz E220d has sufficient grunt to see off the obligatory sprint to three figures in a claimed 7,3 seconds. Most striking, though, is the fact that it does this with barely a whisper, flitting through its abundance of cogs smoothly and quietly, with virtually zero discernable diesel rattle. Refined it most certainly is.

There are also two other engines available locally at launch: the 2,0-litre turbo-petrol four-pot in the E200 (135 kW/300 N.m) and the 3,0-litre turbo-diesel six-cylinder in the E350d (190 kW/620 N.m). After sampling the livelier E350d, though, we came to the conclusion that the E220d provides all most diesel drivers will require, at a far more palatable price.

More models on the way
In October 2016, we can expect the E250 and E400 to join the local range, while two AMG-badged E-Class sedans will follow (the E43 at the end of 2016 and the E63 around the middle of 2017). The coupe and cabriolet body-styles, meanwhile, are scheduled to arrive in mid-2017.

Despite the fact that none of the vehicles we drove were fitted with the optional multi-chamber air suspension system (R29 000) – and all three featured 17-inch alloys wrapped in run-flat rubber – the ride quality really was quite impressive, even over rough surfaces. And, while it may not quite suit the E’s personality, the sedan nevertheless felt composed when pushing on.

Space inside, too, is much improved (particularly on the rear bench), thanks largely to a 65 mm increase in wheelbase and a 43 mm jump in overall length. The luggage compartment, meanwhile, can handle a claimed (and unchanged) 540 dm3.

The cabin, naturally, is another highlight. The quality of materials used is exemplary, even if many design cues are borrowed from other models in the Mercedes line-up. The touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel work better than expected, while the optional pair of 12,3-inch high-resolution displays combine to create a wide-screen effect that is both functional and rather pleasing to the eye.

Costly box-ticking
Of course, specifying all of this tasty equipment comes at a cost. Enjoying the dual-screen cockpit (R14 500), for instance, forces the selection of the full-fat navigation system (R27 900). And a high-end surround sound system adds as much as R95 000 to the bill. And then, of course, there are the numerous driver assistance systems.

Still, with the best of the latter specified (even if you’ll likely not use the tech every day), this business sedan firmly assumes the role of technology pioneer. In fact, the local arm of the German automaker goes as far as to describe the new E-Class as “the most technologically advanced model from Mercedes-Benz ever”.

What does that mean for the S-Class? Well, it must be pointed out that the new E-Class doesn’t feel quite as special as its bigger brother. Put bluntly, driving it (or, indeed, merely sitting in) is not as much of an occasion.

But, while the subject of this driving impression may well be positioned between the C-Class and S-Class in the areas of dimensions, styling and price, the Mercedes E-Class doesn't just match the S for tech, it outclasses it.

Sonderklasse? Perhaps not anymore. Well, not until the S-Class next receives an update, anyway.

Original article from Car