The Mercedes-Benz new E-Class AMG E43 sedan was quite easily one of the most highly-anticipated reveals at this year's New York International Auto Show.
Sleek, sophisticated and catered to the driver in a multitude of ways, that's the AMG E43. To the latter point, we found out hands-on that one of those ways is through the vehicle's all-encompassing dashboard display. In fact, the E43's interface is a chameleon that offers users the ability to switch seamlessly through three different looks — Classic, Sport and Progressive — depending on his or her mood at the time.
It makes sense, considering that the same vehicle gives drivers the flexibility to choose up to five different AMG Dynamic Select transmission modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual, each giving them a completely different experience behind the wheel.
So, as drivers switch between those transmission modes, their mood has to match while they tear up the roads, and that's the real-time personalization that the three different dashboard skins hope to provide.
We found the entire dash system of the E43 to be as seamless with touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel for infotainment system control. The system resembles that of a smartphone's interface, as it responds to vertical and horizontal swiping movements.
Additionally, drivers or their front seat passenger can manipulate features and functions on the high-resolution 12.3-inch infotainment display using their fingers on the screen itself or via a touchpad that rests between the driver and his or her passenger.
Altogether, the AMG digital instrument cluster delivers information about the seats, climate control, the Dynamic Select transmission modes, assistance, vehicle's consumption and light settings, with all the functions able to be controlled on the infotainment screen itself and also via the touchpad.
The whole point of the digital dash system is for drivers to be fully in tune with their vehicle at all times — something that this system on the E43 more than accomplishes. The added option to change dashboard skins goes the extra mile in allowing them to change with time, depending on how they're feeling at that moment.
It's the little things that go a long way.
