Refreshing or Revolting: 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz has made a technological marvel of its 10^th-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?

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. While BradMcDDS says the new Pacifica “looks like a pregnant beached seal,” Planblove deemed it “refreshing – with a capital FRESH.” El Kabong Mk.II said, “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.”

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