Mercedes-Benz 10th Generation E-Class Facelift: What Has Changed Compared to the Previous Model?

[Asia Economy Reporter Su-yeon Woo] The facelifted model of the 10th generation Mercedes-Benz premium sedan E-Class has returned to the domestic market with upgraded features. Released after four years, the facelifted model features a significantly redesigned rear with a new style compared to the previous model, and adds advanced safety and convenience technologies to enhance driving safety and comfort.

The most noticeable change is the more dynamic exterior design. Among these, the newly designed split taillights that extend into the trunk give a sportier feel than the previous model. The trunk lid and rear bumper have also been updated with a new style.

The front design also shows clear changes in the headlights. While the previous model emphasized two lines, the new model features a neatly arranged single-line Multibeam LED headlamp. The Avantgarde and AMG line models have a power dome formed by two creases on the hood, and the Exclusive model adds a luxurious touch with an extended chrome trim on the front bumper.

The New Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Rear View

The interior environment has also become more luxurious. The next-generation intelligent steering wheel, applied for the first time in the brand, can more sensitively detect whether the driver’s hands are on the steering wheel when using the driving assistance system. Previously, if the driver held the steering wheel still for a long time, a warning would appear, requiring frequent hand movements; now, the system can subtly recognize the driver’s status even if the hands remain still on the wheel.

The new E-Class facelift model is equipped with the latest infotainment system, MBUX, and a multimedia display that can be operated by touch. For the first time in the model, augmented reality (AR) navigation has been applied, along with voice control and the 'What3words' feature. The 'What3words' system divides the world into a grid of 3m by 3m squares and assigns each square a unique combination of three words, allowing precise location identification that is difficult with traditional addresses.

The New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Interior

Additionally, the new E-Class comes standard with the advanced driver assistance system 'Driving Assist Package' on all models. This includes technology that recognizes speed limit signs installed on roads and adjusts speed accordingly, as well as a 'route-based speed adjustment function' that automatically controls speed based on map data by understanding road terrain.

There is also technology specially applied for Korea, where fine dust is a serious issue. The 'Air Quality Package,' which monitors ultra-fine dust concentration inside and outside the vehicle and manages air quality by blocking air inflow through recirculation mode, is applied only to models released in Korea and China.

The new E-Class offers a diverse lineup of six engine options, including gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and high-performance AMG models. Starting in October, the E 220d, E 250, and E 350 4MATIC models will be released first in Korea, with plans to gradually expand the lineup to include plug-in hybrid and high-performance AMG models. Prices range from 64.5 million KRW to 119.4 million KRW depending on the engine model.