The engines in the MY14 E-Class are mated to the seven-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever and DIRECT SELECT shift paddles. This latest evolution of the seven-speed transmission offers benefits in terms of efficiency and ease of maintenance.

A new feature is the short-term M mode. If the driver shifts up or down manually, the transmission independently switches back to the fuel-efficient automatic shift mode after a pre-determined period of time elapses.

Traction and stability can also be enhanced across the MY14 E-Class lineup with the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system.

A further feature of the MY14 E-Class range is the E400 HYBRID. Supplemented by an electric motor (27hp, 184 lb-ft), the E400 HYBRID offers the powerful and refined performance of the Mercedes-Benz 3.5-liter V6—302 hp (225 kW), 273 lb-ft (370 N·m ) paired with fuel economy of 24/30 mpg US (est. city/highway).

BlueDirect 4-cylinder gasoline direct injection engine. In other markets, Mercedes-Benz is expanding the MY14 E-Class range with a new BlueDIRECT four-cylinder gasoline engine with spray-guided direct injection, based on the same technology used in the latest generation of six and eight-cylinder engines from Mercedes-Benz. Its technology package includes fast-acting piezo injectors for multiple injection, quick multi-spark ignition, turbocharging, fully variable camshaft adjustment on the inlet and exhaust side, as well as a controlled oil pump.

The engine delivers up to 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 N·m (258 lb-ft) of torque.

New developments for the four-cylinder engine include the first dynamic balancer with full anti-friction bearings to be used in a gasoline engine as well as a switchable water pump.

The engine also sees the world’s first use of the stratified lean burn process in combination with exhaust-gas turbocharging and external high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation.

As a result the E-Class achieves a combined optimum consumption figure of 5.8 liters per 100 km (40.6 mpg US) corresponding to 135 g/km CO₂, and is therefore the only vehicle in this class to achieve efficiency class A. In addition, the new BlueDIRECT four-cylinder gasoline engines already meet the EU6 standard which will apply from 2015.

Also making up the BlueDIRECT petrol engine range are the familiar V6 and V8 engines. A new addition is the six-cylinder engine, which is being offered for the first time as the E 400 with biturbo drive. With its performance potential and enormously high levels of torque at low engine speeds, this engine sets new standards in the six-cylinder sector and also meets the EU6 emissions level. All BlueDIRECT petrol engines of the new E-Class combine a spontaneous response and exemplary power delivery with the highest levels of efficiency and best-in-class emissions performance.

Intelligent drive. The driver assistance systems combine a number of comfort and safety features, referred to by Mercedes-Benz as “intelligent drive.” These systems include technologies that can help prevent accidents with pedestrians or vehicles crossing in front; Active Lane Keeping Assist for avoiding collisions with oncoming traffic; and anti-glare continuous high-beam headlamps.

The basis for the expansion of assistance systems is new state-of-the-art sensors and their associated algorithms. Mercedes-Benz has taken a major step forward with the introduction of the Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera. Just like the previous Mono Multi-Purpose Camera, it is located on the windshield near the rearview mirror. However, this camera features two “eyes,” set at an angle of 45 degrees to produce a three-dimensional view of the area up to 55 yards in front of the vehicle and with an overall range of up to 550 yards.

The stereo camera gathers data for processing by various systems using intelligent algorithms. The systems can detect vehicles driving in front, oncoming or crossing and evaluate this three-dimensional visual information to determine their speed and position. They can also identify pedestrians within a large field of vision.

Along with the Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera, Mercedes-Benz is also introducing enhanced versions of the Multi-Mode Radar sensor system. Collision Prevention Assist, a radar-based collision warning system with Adaptive Brake Assist is standard equipment on both the sedan and wagon. It helps to reduce significantly the risk of a rear-end collision. Also part of standard equipment is Attention Assist, which now warns of inattentiveness and drowsiness across a wider range, and provides visual information on attention level and time driven since the last break. The sensitivity of the new generation Attention Assist can be adjusted by the driver.

Also available are a number of assistance systems that are either new or now feature significantly enhanced functionality. In overview:

• DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist can help the driver keep the vehicle centered in its lane and can semi-autonomously follow in-line traffic.

• For the first time, the Brake Assist system BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist is able to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians, and boost the braking power applied by the driver accordingly.

• The PRE-SAFE Brake can now detect pedestrians as well and initiate autonomous braking.

• PRE-SAFE PLUS can identify an imminent rear-end collision and then prompt the PRE-SAFE system to trigger occupant protection measures that reduce the forces exerted on passengers. If the vehicle is stationary, it can also prevent secondary accidents in the event of a rear-end collision by applying the brakes.

• Active Lane Keeping Assist can now detect when the adjacent lane is not clear, including the presence of oncoming traffic, overtaking vehicles, crash barriers etc. Under threat of a collision, even if the lane marking is not a solid line, the system can prevent the vehicle from leaving its lane unintentionally by applying the brakes on one side. This system pairs with Active Blind Spot Assist.

• Adaptive Highbeam Assist PLUS allows high beam to remain permanently switched on without dazzling traffic by masking out other vehicles in the beams' cone of light.

• Active Parking Assist enables automated parking with active steering and brake control in both parallel and perpendicular spaces.

• The Surround View Camera will cover all four sides of the vehicle and enable a 360-degree view including virtual bird’s-eye perspective—a top view of the vehicle and its immediate surroundings. Dynamic guide lines help during parking and maneuvering.