WeeklySA_Admin2024 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS: Offered in mind-blowing tech which includes 5G connectivity and the ability to join Zoom meetings using a built-in camera
By Ali Mphak
a modified version of the Hyperscreen
that was first seen in the EQS EV; and a
third screen is available for the entertainment
of the front-seat passenger.
The imminent launch of the 2024 MercedesBenz E-Class somewhat conjures up images of the chariot race from the movie BEN-HUR (1959). No matter how many times you watch the 11-minutes scene, one is inclined to say nothing has even come close to the brilliance of this spectacular sequence in the history of movie-making.
As they enter their racing positions, Messala warns: “This is the day Judah. It’s between us now.” To show his deadly intent, Messala has outfitted his chariot with revolving blades at the end of each axle, effective in chewing the spokes of the wheels of other chariots. The focus of the race is on the two chariots of Ben Hur and Messala – with white and black horses respectively. Ben-Hur’s (Judah) chariot is pulled by beautiful white horses, Messala’s by four, glistening black steeds.
Why black and why white, is a story for another day. Before the memorable race scene,however, the charioteers parade around the ring in a display of pageantry. The throng of people gathered to see the race is huge, cheering drivers from Alexandria, Messina, Carthage, Cyprus, Rome, Corinth, Athens, Phrygia, and Judea (read Audi A6, Jaguar XF, among others). The plot, as eloquently described in the movie sleeve stipulates crown of victory will be given to the victor – the chariot that first completes nine rounds. Fast forward to 2024 this time around the protagonists are modern chariots the likes of BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, and Jaguar XF. Whereas the chariot race was witnessed by the new Judean governor, Pontius Pilate in that Colousseum, in this game we all the spectators.
The world is a stage, to steal from the Bard. And if the focus in BEN-HUR was between Messala and Judah, it could be said, without diminishing the importance of other role players, that in this case the “war’ is between the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5 Series.
For decades the two brands have been competing with each other, especially in the mid-size luxury saloon car segment. The two brands are also born in Germany, which makes for interesting rivalry.
Both products enjoyed a mild-makeover during 2020, but even then their engine output still bore some similarities. Under the BMW’s bonnet is the 8-speed torque converter automatic, while the outgoing MercedesBenz E-Class a 9-speed hydrodynamic torque converter. In diesel format and with and in four-cylinder configuration both produce similar outputs. Both also boast a rear-wheel drive set-up.
True, Mercedes head honchos may be playing their cards close to the chest, officially making available only a silhoutte of the newcomer, but this has done nothing to halt speculations that the allnew E-class lineup will see the current convertible and coupe models discontinued, leaving only a fourdoor sedan and a station wagon, the latter unlikely to come down Mzansi. As expected, an EV and hybrid version will follow shortly. We also glimpsed that the new E-class will offer plenty of new tech, including 5G connectivity, something called artificialintelligence assistance, and wait for it, the ability to join Zoom meetings using a built-in camera.
Noticeably, the screen in the new E-Class is bigger and more smartphone-like utilizing tiles and icons. What makes the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EClass a carnival on wheels is its 17-speaker Burmester 4D surround system as standard, which comes with a fascinating feature called Active Ambient Lighting that can adjust the interior lighting to what the system perceives as the mood of the music.
The newcomer represents the overall revamp for the sixth generation model of the E-Class, which gets its ‘E’ from Einspritzmotor – German for ‘fuelinjected engine’. When it comes to both marques, however, it obviously boils down to consumer choice, but from my biased position it would seem the letter ‘E” is as per the alphabets a few three kilometres ahead of the letter “B”.
Mark the date April 25 when the Mercedes-Benz is launched internationally. This is the day.
Burmester 4D surround system is
standard, and an Active Ambient Lighting
feature is available that can adjust
the interior lighting to what the system
perceives as the mood of the music.
motoring:
Briefs
FESTIVAL OF MOTORING REVVS UP
The Festival of Motoring is revving up for its sixth edition at the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from August 25 -27. Leading car manufacturers will showcase their impressive range of cars on various tracks, including the main circuit, the self-handling track, and the 4×4 course.
Brands already signed on for the 2023 line-up include BMW, Mini, BMW Motorrad, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Fiat, Jeep, Mopar, Opel, Peugeot, Suzuki, Haval, BAIC and Isuzu. Early bird ticket sales go live from today until 30 April at R220 per ticket. Visit howler.co.za to purchase your ticket. From 1 May onwards, general access tickets cost R265 per adult and R70 for children between 4 and 12 years old. Children 0-3 attend for free. The ticket price includes a complimentary shuttle service to the Festival of Motoring from the Mall of Africa, making it even easier to join in the fun. Premium Suite Michelin VIP Hospitality Experience packages go on sale from June 2023.
MG SPORTS BUTTERFLY DOORS
First official pictures of the new electric MG Cyberster have surfaced, marking the return of the MG sports car. The brand officially confirmed the Cyberster will make production at the 2023 Auto Shanghai show, announcing that the new model will go on sale in the UK and Europe in the summer of 2024.
‘This is the perfect time to introduce an MG that completely reconnects with our performance DNA, and is designed to enthral the driver on every level,’ says MG Motor UK’s commercial director, Guy Pigounakis
The first images confirm a few of the car’s details – namely butterfly doors, arrow-like rear light clusters and a soft-top roof. Official performance specs are still TBC.
LEXUS LM GOES WORLDWIDE
The second-generation 2024 Lexus LM – rival to the Mercedes-Benz V-Class – has debuted with a global focus – which should include South Africa. Previously limited to China, the vehicle will be “launched in more than 60 countries” with two hybrid powertrains shared with the latest RX large SUV.
It is believed to be underpinned by the same GA-K platform as the NX and RX, also found underneath the latest Toyota vehicles, including the RAV4 and Kluger. The new LM will be offered in a two-row, four-seat VIP format, or a three-row setup with six or seven seats in Australia.
BMW’S MOST POWERFUL SEDAN EVER
BMW has unveiled its most powerful sedan ever at Auto Shanghai, the i7 M70. The new variant headlines the i7 luxury electric sedan range boasting 485kW/1100Nm outputs. The i7 M70’s twin electric motors bestow it a 0-100km/h sprint of 3.7 seconds and an electronically-limited 250km/h top speed. Using a 101.7kWh battery pack, the M70’s driving range is 560km in WLTP combined testing.
Full grunt is accessed in ‘M Sport Boost’ mode; to activate this you hold the left paddle until the digital driver’s display changes graphics and the Hans Zimmer-composed sound track kicks in.
The M70 badge is new for BMW (though the numbers have previously referred to a single overhead cam V12), and eclipses the iX M60’s outputs by 30kW. It also represents an 85kW boost over the existing i7 xDrive60. Compared to rivals, the M70’s numbers are impressive without setting a new benchmark, measuring up against the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 which develops 560kW/1020Nm, and the Tesla Model S Plaid (not sold in SA) at an estimated 760kW.-WHICHCAR
Published on the 95th Edition
