In India, the Mercedes-Benz E-class has been around for almost three decades. During this time, the German luxury car manufacturer has sold over 46,000 units in India, making the E-class the most common luxury vehicle in the world. The car’s facelift has just arrived in India, a few months ahead of time, and it is still available in long wheelbase form. Mercedes-Benz also launched the E-Class in an AMG line edition for the first time, which is available with the range-topping E 350 d.
Design
A diamond studded grille with a single horizontal chrome slat running across it especially stands out on the AMG side. In the other models, you’ll get two of these slats but a lot less chrome. The bumpers have also been modified, with the AMG line getting sportier bumpers. The updated LED headlamps, which have single DRLs instead of the dual DRLs used previously, are the main attraction. This sedan is distinguished by the two spots inside the headlamp cluster.
The E 350 d has larger 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, while the rest of the models have 17-inch wheels. It is the longest car in the class, with a length of 5075 mm, and a wheelbase of 3079 mm, which is also the longest as compared to its competitors. The rear quarter window, which is reminiscent of the ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach, is a fascinating upgrade. Sporty side skirts and an illuminated door seal panel are also available on the AMG line. The car’s rear end receives new LED tail lamps that have been cut in half. There are six colour choices in all, with Selenite Grey and Designo Hyacinth Red only available for a short time only.
Tech and Interior
The facelift’s cabin has undergone several changes as well. The front and rear open pore wood trims, as well as the plush Artico leather dashboard, really stand out. Two 12.3-inch displays are available, one for the instrument cluster and the other for the touchscreen infotainment device. The Mercedes-Benz User Interface, or MBUX, will be available on the 2021 E-class, providing the driver with a range of networking options. And the ‘MERCEDES ME’ link includes Alexa and Google Home support. The new capacitive touch control buttons on the steering wheel, as well as the new beige-Tropez blue interior upholstery reserved for the top model, are also appealing. It seems to be quite exclusive though still being quite upmarket.
The second row is all about warmth and space. After all, this is a LWB model. However, if you need additional room, you can use the chauffeur kit and move the front passenger seat forward. The rear seats can also be reclined to a comfortable 37 degrees. The armrest has a removable tablet from which you can monitor a variety of features, as well as a wireless charger, all of which are standard on the vehicle. There are as many as 5 C-type charging points on the second row alone. A 590W Burmester surround sound system, Panoramic sunroof, and 3-zone climate control are among the sedan’s optional luxury features.
Dynamics
The engine choices are the same as before, with one petrol and two diesel engines available. The 3.0 litre 6-cylinder engine I got to drive produces 282 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque, which is available as early as 1,200 rpm. It’s also the fastest out of the starting blocks, hitting 100 kmph in just 6.1 seconds. It also has the fastest top speed of all the models, at 250 kmph. Since this is a petrol, the NVH levels are very high. If you plan to purchase the new E-class, you can expect a smooth and quiet journey. The E-200 Petrol produces 194 bhp and 320 Nm, while the 220 d produces 191 bhp and 400 Nm.
The Air body control, which changes the suspension for all four wheels independently, is only possible on the E 350 d. The machine recognises the road conditions quickly and adjusts the settings on all four wheels accordingly. For rocky roads, you should increase the ground clearance by 25 mm, and it immediately lowers at high speeds to improve aerodynamics and stability.
Safety
The E-class is fitted with Active Brake Assist, an Active Bonnet for pedestrian safety, and seven airbags, including a knee airbag. The list of safety features also includes an emergency call with Mercedes me attach, a 360-degree camera, and Pre-safe.
Price And Verdict
The Petrol starts at 63.6 lakh and goes up to 80.9 lakh for this E 350 d AMG Section (all prices ex-showroom). Some versions have only had a minor price boost, whilst others have been cheaper than before. The BMW 5 Series is a typical competitor for the E-class. The Audi A6 and the Volvo S90 both launch at a lower price than the E-class, but it’s not for nothing that the E-class is India’s best-selling premium sedan, and it looks likely to keep its lead.