New-Look Front End E-Class Competing In A5, 5 Series-Populated Pack
Author: dwallace
The coupe and cabriolet have been completely revised, with some meaningful changes employed in the latest model. In the cabin, a new 3-dial instrument cluster adds visual interest while the gear on two-door models has moved from the centre console to the steering.
This E-Class introduces the next generation of Mercedes safety technologies, which include a revised driver-drowsiness monitor, an updated adaptive cruise control, a surround view camera and an automated parking system.
While this growing array of electronic driver aids certainly means well, it may have the potential to interfere with driving enjoyment. Fortunately, some of the aids can be turned off if they do become overly intrusive.
The 2014 E-Class – with its various styling changes including a more streamlined nose to tail flow, some interior tweaks and the new safety technologies – is probably one of the best all-around automobiles yet produced by the German automaker.
Having said that, bear in mind the E-Class and cabriolet are competing with some pretty formidable rivals in the midsize luxury class. A class that also sees the likes of the Audi A5 and BMW 5 Series all vying for dominance.
All of them have much to offer. Exactly who occupies pole position depends much on whether it's aesthetic appeal, interior comfort, safety or just pure grunt that is being considered and compared among the vehicles running in the pack.
The 2014 E-Class seems to stake out a sublime middle ground between comfort and sport; the midsize luxury pack has both cushier cars and more athletic cars but it's the Benz that marries these traits most harmoniously… and which also has that characteristic sense of solidity.
The 5 Series is BMW's longest-running current production model and for 2014 sees some styling changes; a front fascia with a new lower front air intake design and more pronounced nose embracing the signature kidney grilles, and a revised tail lamp design that punctuates changes to the rear end.
BMW also says the trunk in the new model is larger. The Audi A5's trunk, in comparison, is just slightly larger than that of the BMW 3-Series but can be boosted by the folding rear seats.
The A5's assets surely include its top notch interior, with design detail that is more indulgent in feel than in many other Audis. There's the Audi MMI Navigation plus with voice control system, yet many drivers will likely still prefer BMW's iDrive or Mercedes' COMAND for overall ease of use.
The 2014 BMW 5 Series has a new optional rear entertainment system and Harman Kardon surround-sound audio, together with a full suite of connected services that includes text message/e-mail dictation and personal concierge. The Audi A5 also woos with technology, with Google Earth 3D satellite imagery and a WiFi hotspot.
Driving-wise, the A5 delivers an improved ride quality over some recent Audis. The long wheelbase and improved weight distribution gives it an impressive secondary ride quality, and in terms of agility the vehicle is eager to change direction. The 2014 BMW 5 Series - with so many performance-related technologies acting on the steering and suspension - might have the driver a bit worried about driving enjoyment being kept intact, but with some time on a curvy, dynamically demanding road and the driving experience feels connected and direct.
The 2014 E-Class and cabriolet, while also not perfect, is a vehicle that can fly and offers classic Mercedes-Benz performance with a little extra attitude than previous models.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/new-look-front-end-e-class-competing-in-a5-5-series-populated-pack-6737431.html
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