2017 E-Class Adds Turbo 4, Driver Assistance Tech

The Mercedes-Benz 2017 E-Class will enter its next generation with increased size, a new turbocharged four-cylinder, and an array of new driver assistance systems, the automaker announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The 2017 E-Class increases its overall length by 1.7 inches to 193.8 inches and its wheelbase by 2.6 inches to 115.7 inches. The vehicle follows the C-Class before it with a new, more sporty and muscular design.

The 2017 E-Class will be powered by a new turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that makes 241 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. Mercedes-Benz will offer additional models after launching the vehicle in the summer. The 2016 E-Class engine lineup includes a 2.1L 4-cylinder diesel, 3.0L V-6 twin-turbo, 3.5L V-6, and 4.7L V-8. The base 3.5L V-6 makes 302 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 2017 E-Class will deliver its power via a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission that provides fast gear shifts and low engine revs while cruising, according to the automaker.

The E-Class arrives with standard steel-spring suspension and two available air suspension systems with selective damping tuned to "comfort" or "sport" driving styles. The body will include a higher proportion of aluminum and ultra-high-strength steel components than its predecessor, including front fenders, hood, trunk lid and large sections of the front and rear ends made of sheet or cast aluminum to reduce fuel consumption.

New driver assistance features include Drive Pilot that can follow traffic at speeds up to 130 mph, Active Brake Assist that detects crossing traffic and applies braking if the driver doesn't respond, Evasive Steering Assist that helps a driver avoid a pedestrian, advanced assistance systems for lane keeping and blind-spot monitoring, and Remote Parking Pilot that allows a smartphone user to move the vehicle in and out of parking spaces.

Mercedes-Benz is also giving the interior a major update that includes a high-resolution display that appears to hover in space, finger-swipe controls for the infotainment system, and touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons, the automaker announced in December.

The 2017 E-Class will arrive at dealers in the summer.