The E-Class is the highest selling Mercedes-Benz in the country, and by the long way. In fact, it has been the highest selling luxury car in the country. Mercedes-Benz India has sold more than 46,000 units of the car in India in the last 2-and-a-half decades. Now in a surprise move the German carmaker has launched a facelift of the car in the market earlier than expected. The new E-Class debuts with comprehensive changes on exterior styling and design, significant interior updates along with the integration of the latest new-generation MBUX infotainment system. Just like the pre-facelift model, the new car also comes in a long wheelbase form, something that attracts the Indian luxury buyer in a big way.
DESIGN
There are many changes that differentiate the new car from the earlier model. It’s longer than 5 metres which is the best in segment and owing the long wheelbase of 3,079 mms is also better than any other rival. It comes with an avantgarde exterior package and the new LED high performance headlamps with single DRLs stand out. The car now also gets newly designed split taillight along with redesigned bumpers. The quarter glass is an ode to the ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach, something that will make the rear seat occupants happy. This is the first time a series E-Class features an AMG Line exterior styling for India. What you get here is a diamond studded grill, AMG design bumpers, air body control suspension, sporty side skirts and 18” AMG alloys.
INTERIORS
The cabin experience has been enhanced with the integration of a new Mercedes-Benz user experience infotainment system or MBUX. Dual 12.3-inch display screens here are a highlight. For the first time in the E-Class, a special beige-Tropez blue interior upholstery has been introduced. Along with that you also get a 360 degrees camera, front seats with memory function wireless charging and Illuminated door seal panel. The cabin also gets Artico leather dashboard, capacitive touch controls on the steering wheel, rear reclining seats with memory functions, Chauffeur package, a Burmester surround sound system with 590W output, panoramic sunroof and a power close function for doors.
ENGINE
The new E-class is being offered with both Petrol and Diesel engine options. The E 200 Petrol comes with a 4-cylinder 1,991 cc engine that churns out 197 hp and 320 Nm. The E 220 D comes with a 4-cylinder 1,950 cc Diesel engine that makes a slightly lesser 194 hp but much higher 400 Nm. The most powerful of the lot is the E 350 d AMG Line that runs on a 2,925 cc 6-cylinder Diesel engine 210 hp and a massive 600 Nm. It is also the fastest as it accelerates from 0-100 kmph in just 6.1 seconds. All 3 are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and top speed ranges between 240 kmph and 250 kmph depending on the drivetrain.
SAFETY AND COLOURS
The new E-class is big on safety. Notable features on the sedan include active brake assist, active bonnet for pedestrian protection, Emergency call with Mercedes me connect, Pre-safe and 7 airbags including a knee airbag. The paint colours available on the car are polar white, obsidian black, high-tech silver and mojave silver. Additionally, two more colours would be available for a limited time—selenite grey and designo hyacinth red.
PRICES
The new E-class has been launched with a big price range. The E 200 starts at Rs 63.6 lakh (ex-showroom) while the E 220 d can be yours for Rs 64.8 lakh (ex-showroom). Both are available in 2 variants—Expression and Exclusive. The top-of-the-line E 350 d AMG Line will set you back by Rs 80.9 lakh (ex-showroom). Mercedes is offering competitive service packages that start from Rs 67,800 for 2 years. A standard warranty is being offered for 3 years which is currently the best in the segment.