There’s a new E-Class coming our way and Mercedes-Benz just dropped the first official interior shots ahead of the car’s world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show.

Stuttgart is raising the bar in the hotly contested mid-size luxury segment with an elegant looking and high-tech cabin that draws inspiration (mostly) from the luxurious S-Class with some hints from the sportier C-Class when your eyes move down from the massive twin digital screens.

The wide-screen instrument cluster featured here is optionally available with COMAND Online and sports two displays, each with a 12.3-inch screen diagonal and a resolution of 1920 x 720 pixels. The driver can choose between three different styles named “Classic”, “Sport” and “Progressive”.

Entry-level models will get a more traditional setup with two analogue dials separated by a 7-inch screen, and an 8.4-inch central display, as we saw on the prototypes we spied earlier this year.

While not seen in these pictures, Mercedes said that the new E-Class will come with two differently designed center consoles, one for models fitted with automatic transmissions that have a straight design, and another for manual gearbox versions with a split design for the trim parts.

In a world first, Mercedes rival to the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, Jaguar XF and Cadillac CTS, integrates touch control buttons in the spokes of the multifunction steering wheel, enabling the driver to perform swipe movements to control every function of the infotainment system.

Other tech features include the exclusive use of energy-saving LEDs throughout the cabin with a choice of 64 colors for personalization of the lighting accents. Speaking of lights, the new E-Class will be available with an optional MULTIBEAM LED headlamp system and LED taillights with a “stardust” effect that Mercedes says is “reminiscent the Milky Way or the glow of a jet engine”

Elsewhere, there’s an optional Burmester 3D surround sound system, with Benz also highlighting the new seat designs that are offered in three different versions, depending on the trim line (BASE, AVANTGARDE, EXCLUSIVE and AMG), and the availability of high-grade materials such as open-poor wood trims.

“With the interior of the new E-Class, we are giving a new interpretation to the concept of contemporary luxury,” said Hartmut Sinkwitz, Head of Interior Design at Mercedes. “We have designed a spacious and intelligent interior. True to Mercedes-Benz’s design philosophy of sensual purity, it employs technological innovation and high-grade equipment to create an exceptionally emotive experience for driver and front passenger. The E-Class thus not only sets a new standard in the business class. Alongside a workplace and private environment, it also becomes a third place – a living area in which passengers are able to enjoy contemporary luxury.”

In the coming weeks leading to the full unveiling of the new E-Class at the Detroit motor show in January, Mercedes should release more information about the rest of the car, possibly even, the first pictures of the exterior.

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