Mercedes-Benz has updated its E-Class Sedan and Wagon models for the 2014 model-year, adding a new four-cylinder diesel engine, design updates, and new standard and optional safety technologies.

The new vehicles will be available during spring 2013.

Performance

The 2014-MY E-Class offers four powertrain options, the V-6-powered E350 and V-8-powered E550, the E400 hybrid model (24 city, 30 highway mpg), and the new four-cylinder diesel. The new diesel engine powers the E250 BlueTEC with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive model.

The hybrid system is matched with Mercedes’ 3.5L V-6 engine. The E250 BlueTEC diesel generates 190 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It replaces the V-6-powered E350 BlueTEC, which was only available with rear-wheel drive, according to Mercedes.

All engines in the all-new E-Class come with Eco Start/Stop, which helps maximize fuel efficiency.

The transmission that’s matched with each engine is a seven-speed automatic with a “Direct Select” lever and “Direct Select” shift paddles. The vehicle also features an “M” driving mode, which switches back to a fuel-efficient automatic shift mode after a set duration.

Mercedes also plans to show the E63 AMG sedan and wagon, which are set to launch in the fall of 2013, and come with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT seven-speed MCT and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system in the U.S.

Exterior

Mercedes re-designed the 2014 E-Class’ front end, restyling the headlamps, adding full-LED headlamps as an optional feature, and offering two different front end designs, a Luxury version with Mercedes’ classic sedan grille and a Sport version.

The automaker also re-designed the hood and front bumper, adding a new aerofoil shape to the bumper. Sport models receive styling that uses the AMG styling package, which features larger air intakes and an aluminum trim line along the lower rim of the front bumper.

The E-Class models also have lower side trim and a new feature line, which makes the vehicle look longer and more elegant, according to Mercedes. In the back, Mercedes modified the lights and the bumper of the 2014-MY E-Class.

Interior

The E-Class’ interior features a two-part trim piece that extends across the dashboard. This piece comes into two wood finishes, walnut burl or black ash. Mercedes also added a new three-tube instrument cluster, a trapezoidal head unit display, a new air vent design, and an analog clock between the two center vents.

Safety

Safety is an area where Mercedes added a substantial number of standard and optional features.

New standard features on the 2014-MY E-Class include collision prevention assist and attention assist, which alert the driver to a potential collision with a vehicle up ahead and warns the driver if he or she stops paying attention to the road, respectively. Attention assist also tells the driver when he or she last took a break. The driver can adjust the system’s sensitivity, Mercedes said.

Optional safety features include a surround-sound-view camera, which provides a 360-degree picture of the vehicle; a parking assist package; and the next generation of the driver assistance package. The driver assistance package features a number of systems, including the following.

Mercedes’ Distronic Plus with steering assist can detect cross traffic and pedestrians. The Pre-Safe Brake can detect pedestrians and trigger autonomous braking, and can spot an imminent rear-end collision and trigger measures to protect vehicle occupants. Active lane-keeping assist can now detect when a lane next to the vehicle isn’t empty and prevent the vehicle from leaving its lane if it detects a possible collision. This system works with Mercedes’ active blind spot assist system.

Adaptive Highbeam Plus is another system and allows the vehicle’s high beams to stay on without blinding other drivers.

Options

For the 2014 model-year, Mercedes is offering eight packages. The Premium package features rear-view camera, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Harman/ kardon Logic 7 surround sound, a power rear window sunshade, heated front seats (standard in the E550), active ventilated front seats and a garage-door opener.

Other packages available at launch include the Lighting package, the Parking Assist package, the Lane Tracking package, the Wood Trim package and the Wheel package.

The Keyless-Go package, available after launch, features an electronic trunk closer and hands-free access, which allows an individual to open or close the trunk by simply holding his or her foot under the bumper. The “COMAND” system features an AM/FM/WB radio, an in-dash DVD/CD player, an in-dash memory card slot, and a Bluetooth interface for hands-free phone calls.

Other standard equipment includes a central controller with a 7-inch display and a color display in the instrument cluster.