Mercedes-Benz has made a technological marvel of its 10th-generation E-Class. And although the exterior styling changes aren't as revolutionary, some significant design updates make the midsize sedan a little sportier than before. What do you think: Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class refreshing or revolting?
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Here's the big picture. Up front, the middling Benz grows 1.7 inches in length and 2.6 inches in its wheelbase. Although its dimensions have grown, the model looks smaller because of its coupe-like silhouette. The roof slopes down more dramatically, making the rear end look shorter.
Speaking of the car's rear end, the taillights have been redesigned to lose their previous rectangular shape. The taillights also feature a new "stardust effect," which creates a unique twinkle-y look when lit. Mercedes describes this as "reminiscent of the Milky Way or the glow of a jet engine."
The front end, however, remains quite true to the previous E-Class. The Luxury model has the classic radiator grille with the Mercedes star perched on the hood, while Sport models show the star embedded inside a special sport-oriented grille. A long hood emphasizes the new model's athletic character.
Arguably, the most impressive design changes on the E-Class happen inside the cabin. Like we've seen on the S-Class, a new 12.3-inch central display blends together with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster to create one large, seamless screen. LED light strips run along the dashboard and all of the doors to gently illuminate the cabin, and drivers can choose between 64 different colors. A new menu layout and touch control buttons on the steering wheel make the infotainment system easier to use.
Do you think the new E-Class is innovatively designed or too similar to the previous model? Let us know in your comments below whether you think it is refreshing or revolting.
Last week's edition of Refreshing or Revolting looked at the newly renamed Chrysler Pacifica, and proved people are still very much interested in talking about minivans. We received plenty of spirited responses from both sides of opinion on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. WhileBradMcDDSsays the new Pacifica "looks like a pregnant beached seal,"Planblovedeemed it "refreshing - with a capital FRESH."El Kabong Mk.IIsaid, "The plug-in hybrid alone would make it refreshing, but the styling puts it over the top. It's so refreshing that it might keep the segment from contracting any more."
When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
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