With a category win under its belt awarded by our judging panel, it’s pleasing to see the views of our industry experts are in sync with fleet manager readers of Fleet News.

The E-Class is always an important car for Mercedes-Benz. It’s a technological showcase of all Mercedes-Benz can do in a car that’s intended to appeal to the driver as well as passengers.

As a company car, it’s a sign of the status of an employee, demonstrating the value of the driver to the company, but it must also be capable of thousands of trouble-free business miles every year in complete comfort.

The driving environment in the new E-Class takes a major step forward for the executive car sector, with two optional 12.3-inch screens. This ‘wide-screen cockpit’ contains a large display with virtual instruments in the direct field of vision of the driver as well as a central display above the centre console.

Touch-sensitive control buttons (‘Touch Controls’) on the steering wheel made their first appearance in a car in the E-Class.

Like a smartphone interface, they respond to horizontal and vertical swiping movements, allowing the driver to control the entire infotainment system using finger swipes without having to take their hands off the steering wheel.

An extended heated seat passage warms the centre armrest in addition to those on the doors.

New optional assistance systems set the E-Class on the path to autonomous driving, with assistance from the steering available, as well as camera-detected speed limits feeding into the cruise control.

Safety systems can also take evasive action in various situations to reduce the likelihood of crashes, or reduce the severity of impact.

Mercedes-Benz has set the bar exceptionally high for the company car market, and Fleet News readers agree.

Picture caption: Mercedes-Benz Cars UK head of fleet Rob East (left) collects the award from LeasePlan managing director Matt Dyer

Finalists

• Audi A3
• Audi A5 Coupe
• BMW 7 Series
• BMW i3
• Jaguar F-Pace
• Kia Sportage
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Toyota CH-R
• Volkswagen Tiguan
• Volvo S90/V90

Judges’ comments

The E-Class’s technology makes it one of the safest and greenest cars in its class. Refined drivetrains, comfortable seats and an enhanced chassis combine for a smooth ride with pinpoint.

AM Awards