The instrument panel shapes the digital experience in the interior. If the E-Class is equipped with the optional front passenger screen, the large glass surface of the MBUX Superscreen extends to the central display. Visually detached from this is the high-resolution instrument cluster display in the driver's field of vision.
The contour of the cover glass is dynamic in design. For the central display, the glass surface is extended downwards accordingly. The profile becomes flat towards the outer edges. A narrow nozzle band nestles against the upper contour of the glass surface, connecting the central nozzle with the outer nozzles to form a single unit.
The models without a passenger display feature a large trim element that extends to the centre. Visually detached, the central display appears to float above the concave surface of this trim element.
The front section of the instrument panel is illuminated by the light strip of the Active Ambient Lighting. This runs in a wide arc from the windscreen, past the A-pillars and into the doors, so creating a spacious feeling in the way the door panels merge with the collar of the instrument panel to form a single unit. An apparently free-floating control island in the upper section of the door panels matches the look of the glass surfaces of the screens.
The centre console is designed as a homogeneous unit and merges in a straight line into the lower section of the instrument panel. At the front, a storage compartment with lid and cup holders is integrated into the three-dimensionally shaped trim element. There is a soft padded armrest in the rear part of the centre console. USB ports are located in the compartment below.
The door centre panel merges seamlessly into the armrest with a concave sweep. The front section here is designed as a metallic high-tech element. It serves as a grab and closing handle, and incorporates the switches for the power windows. Another highlight is the free-floating control island incorporating the door opener and the controls for the seat functions.
The contours of the seat surface and backrest flow elegantly from the inside to the outside and seem to float above the basic body of the seat thanks to their layer design. Indented vertical lines follow the outer contour, widening out towards the top. The association made here by the interior designers was with the organic beauty of shells. If the customer opts for leather upholstery, the seats are designed with elaborate longitudinal fluting, created in individual panels. The nappa leather seats feature quilted and perforated diamond patterns that follow the shape of the seat. The DINAMICA seat offered as part of the AMG Line interior is also perforated.
Extensive range of interior colours and trims
The colour & trim concept conveys a technoid character. E-Class buyers can choose between numerous interior colour combinations. The palette ranges from light beige combined with space grey, including a classy pearl effect, to the sophisticated, cinnamon-coloured tonka brown and the cool and technical-looking grey.
The interior surfaces have a new fine-grain finish from the base trim level upwards, underlining the contemporary character. The interplay between analogue and digital sensory experience is further exemplified by the wide range of trims with innovative, natural or technoid surfaces. Exclusive to the E-Class is interior trim of open-pore wood - dark ash - which is backlit by the Mercedes-Benz pattern.
In addition to other trim variants featuring open-pore woods, the "MANUFAKTUR black flowing lines piano lacquer" variant familiar from the S-Class is also available. Another highlight is interior trim in a silver-coloured metal-mix material. Its high-gloss finish gives it a very futuristic look.
Customisable UI design
The main icons on the central and optional passenger displays are now simpler, and also colour-coded to match smartphone tiles. This enables the driver to recognise them even more intuitively.
With two display styles (Classic and Sporty) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service), the graphics of the screens can be individualised. In the "Classic" style, the driver is greeted by the familiar display layout with the look of two dial instruments. Varying content with vehicle-related information is displayed between the two tubes.
The "Sporty" style is dominated by the colour red, with a dynamically designed central rev counter. A holistically impressive colour experience is created in the interior by the optional seven colour themes of the ambient lighting.
