What's the news?
Time was when five-speed gearboxes used to be special enough that cars would wear badging on the back to signify the fact they had so many ratios. But we're moving ever nearer the day when a road car ends up with ten forward gears, as Mercedes-Benz has announced the introduction of a nine-speed automatic called 9G-Tronic for its E-Class range, which is getting a few other upgrades too.
The 9G-Tronic will be fitted to the E 350 BlueTec model, in any of the four body styles the car comes in, and promises reductions of up to 17g/km CO2 across the line-up - with the relevant figures at 136g/km for the Coupé, 139g/km for the Saloon, 142g/km for the Estate and 143g/km for the Cabriolet. Peak power has also increased by 6hp to 258hp.
Meanwhile, the E 220 BlueTec has also seen a power hike, up 7hp to 177hp, but it has to make do with the 7G-Tronic transmission. However, CO2 is again reduced by up to 16g/km, with the E 220 BlueTec SE Saloon having the lowest emissions of the range, at 116g/km. Meanwhile, the E 400 AMG Sport will now be known as the E 400 AMG Line, with the V6's capacity increasing to 3,498cc from its old 2,996cc configuration. Emissions have again reduced by up to 17g/km.
Anything else?
Collision Prevention Assist Plus will be fitted as standard to every E-Class, which is a system designed to reduce the impact of rear-end collisions. It can provide autonomous braking assistance at speeds up to 62mph, with harder braking available in response to stationary vehicles ahead at up to 30mph - it is said to be able to prevent rear-end collisions if you're travelling any slower than 24mph.
Two new options packs, called Premium and Premium Plus, are also on offer. The former includes a panoramic sunroof, memory package, split folding rear seats and a reversing camera for £2,695 on the Saloon, £2,395 on the Estate. Premium Plus adds keyless go and a Harman Kardon sound system for £3,895 or £3,495 on the Saloon and Estate respectively; the higher pack prices on the Saloon are because the Estate already comes with split folding rear seats and an automatic tailgate as standard.
Matt Robinson - 5 Aug 2014