Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the India-specific E-Class which is expected to be launched next month.
Published on Sep 10, 2024 11:00:00 AM
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The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the longest running brand in India, having been around for over three decades now. But sales really skyrocketed (by luxury car standards) with the introduction of the V213 long-wheelbase version, introduced in 2017, and from thereon, the E-Class became the best-selling model for the German car maker. Now, the all-new V214 E-Class, takes the same winning formula and promises to be more tech-laden and more comfortable than its predecessor. Here’s all that you should know about the all-new Mercedes E-Class that will likely be launched next month.
The new E-Class is easily distinguishable from its predecessor thanks to its front styling that draws inspiration from modern Mercedes EQ models. Its large chrome grille sporting an oversized 3D logo surrounded by multiple smaller three-pointed stars sets the tone, and makes a statement that you’ve arrived. The gloss black panel surrounding the grille might not have a universal appeal and it is bound to stand out on a lighter body colour.
The long bonnet continues to feature power domes, and like its side profile is quite similar to its predecessor. New are the S-Class-type flush type door handles, as well as the 18-inch wheels. Incidentally, the 225/55 R18 tyre profile is identical to the new BMW 5-series, however the design as well as the wheel-to-body ratio makes the Mercedes look far more proportionate than its competitor.
At the rear it features new LED tail lamps with a tri-arrow pattern embedded within. Chrome has been generously used at the rear as well as on the sides (around the window line), which has been very tastefully executed, and nicely complements the display car’s Nautic Blue paint shade.
In terms of dimensions, it is 13mm taller and 14mm longer than the outgoing V213 version, and its wheelbase is 15mm longer too.
The interior changes seem revolutionary due to its ‘Superscreen’ setup which includes a 14.4- inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch passenger touchscreen, in addition to the digital instrument cluster. These screens are outstanding in terms of usability, functionality as well as display, and the audio quality from its Burmester 4D surround sound system is simply outstanding.
The cabin’s touch and feel seems even better than the previous generation and it reeks of quality from every pore. Mercedes offers a choice of three interior colours - Cinnamon Brown, Macchiato Beige and Black. Irrespective of the choice, the dashboard is black, which is neatly contrasted with silver touches as well as horizontally-oriented air vents (which operate electrically).
What isn’t nice are its steering touch controls which are fiddly to use; the seat adjustment controller lacks feedback; and the general move towards touch controls will make some miss the satisfying click and tactile feel of high quality buttons as found in yesteryear models. That said, the front seats are very comfortable; these get thigh support adjustment as well as new neck pillows, which truly elevate seat comfort. The driver’s seat gets a memory option, however the passenger’s seat doesn’t and neither do the front seats get a ventilation function.
The highlight of this E-Class is undeniably its backseat experience. The backrest reclines from 26-36 degrees (that’s one degree more than its predecessor) and like the front, it gets adjustable thigh support that extends by 40mm. Further the neck pillows only add to the supreme levels of comfort. It also gets a ‘Chauffeur Package’ as standard, wherein the rear (left) passenger can electrically move the front seat forward in the absence of a passenger, to free up more space. Like before, this place is best for two adults due to the seat contouring, high central floor hump and protruding air-con console which will make it uncomfortable for an adult to sit in the middle.
What’s nice is that the 510L, although not very tall, is very deep, and the space saver tyre is neatly tucked beneath the boot floor.
Features of interest include the new Superscreen (14.4-inch central screen and 12.3-inch passenger touchscreen), Burmester 4D surround sound, ambient lights, a selfie camera, electric seat adjustment (all four), wireless charging (front and rear), soft-close doors, panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control and an electric boot. There’s also a new front central airbag, taking the total airbag tally to 8. Like other models it gets Active Brake Assist, however a welcome change is that if the driver opts to turn off this feature, it remains off till it isn’t manually turned back on again.
To start with, Mercedes will introduce a pair of four cylinder engines. There’s a 204hp 2-litre turbo-petrol engine that generates 320Nm of torque. The other engine is a 197hp 2-litre turbo-diesel unit which produces 440Nm of torque. Both are paired with 48V mild hybrid systems that lend an additional 23hp and 205Nm of torque. The petrol and diesel are mated to a 9-speed torque converter, transmitting power to the rear wheels. A point to note is that none of the variants get air-suspension, for the time being.
The current Mercedes E-Class petrol range starts at Rs 76 lakhs while the diesel starts at Rs 77 lakh ex-showroom. With more kit and more tech, the new E-Class is likely to be a bit pricier, and we expect its starting prices to be Rs 82-83 lakh, which is likely to make it about Rs 10 lakh pricier than the recently launched new-gen BMW 5-Series.
Also see:
New Mercedes E-Class LWB India walkaround video
2024 Mercedes E Class review: Smooth and Easy
2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB video review
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