The Mercedes E-Class – the best automatic on the market?

Let’s face it, when it comes to automatic transmission, Mercedes is pretty tough to beat. The German manufacturer is renowned for producing some of the most luxurious models in the world and the E-Class is no exception. With a new model expected to be released in 2018, here we’ll take a look at the current E-Class and why it’s credited as one of the best automatics on the market.

Featuring a sensually purified design and a high-tech interior

The E-Class has become the most iconic model for Mercedes and its most recent 2017 edition has wowed fans across the globe. Although it underwent a major restyle in 2014, fans of the E-Class, like myself, had grown frustrated the model hadn’t been treated to the new Sensual Purity design that’s been seen on the S-Class and the C-Class models for quite some time.

So, when the 2017 E-Class was revealed to have finally undergone the Sensual Purity design philosophy, it brought a wave of joy and relief. Most impressive for me, is the futuristic, matrix LED headlamps; a feature said to be exclusively available to European customers. This, combined with the subtle sloping tail and beautifully fluted sides, help to provide an exquisite, relaxed elegant design.

However, it’s the tech which really sets this model apart. Semi-autonomous driving, Smartphone unlocking, auto-braking and autonomous lane changing are just some of its cool and essential features.

You’d expect the 2017 E-Class to come with a pretty high price tag. However, it’s possible to pick up this luxurious model for less than £15,000 if you buy used. Thanks to high depreciation, you can pick up a practically new Mercedes 2017 E-Class from a respectable dealer such as AA Cars for a fraction of the price.

What can we expect from the 2018 E-Class?

The 2018 Mercedes E-Class is being dubbed by the brand as the “Masterpiece of Intelligence”. Being the 10th generation model, it’s been expected Mercedes would roll out something pretty special and from the initial reveal you won’t be disappointed.

Like the 2017 model, the engines are going to be connected to a nine-gear automatic transmission. However, once again it’s the technology which sets the E-Class apart. You can expect to find enhanced safety tech, making it one of the safest cars on the road.

Style wise, the E-Class has only just undergone a major revamp so don’t expect too much change in its overall design.

Is automatic the way forward?

The Mercedes Benz E-Class is one of the few models to offer exclusively automatic transmission. While older models offer a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes, the newer models have switched to automatic only. This follows the prediction that over the next decade, the majority of cars on the road will feature automatic transmission.

The number of automatic cars which were been registered in 2016 has increased by 50% compared to 2013. Part of the reason automatics have become the “go to” option, is because compared to manual, they’re better for fuel economy – something all of us cares about thanks to the ever-increasing price of fuel. Another reason for their newfound popularity is their intelligence. The nine-speed transmission such as the one featured on the E-Class is the most sophisticated and quietest on offer.

As buyers look towards electrical and hybrid models, automatic transmission is set to become the norm. Classed as a greener alternative, the government has been pushing to get more electric vehicles on the road by 2020. So, those looking to get ahead of the trend may want to invest in a model like the Mercedes Benz E-Class today.

** This is a collaborative post