Mercedes has launched the sixth-gen E-Class (V214) in India at an introductory starting price of Rs 78.5 lakh for the E 200 petrol. The E 220d diesel and range-topping E 450 4Matic are priced at Rs 81.5 lakh and Rs 92.5 lakh, respectively. Deliveries will commence from this week for the E 200, the E 220d will be delivered from Diwali onwards, and deliveries of the E 450 will start by mid-November. India is the only right-hand-drive market the E-Class LWB is sold in, and this is the second generation of the LWB version they’ve brought here. Production of the new E-Class LWB commenced at Mercedes-Benz’s Chakan plant a few weeks ago.
Considering its Rs 78.5 lakh starting price, the new E-Class’ starting price is almost Rs 2.5 lakh more than its predecessor. It also costs a significant Rs 5.6 lakh more than its direct rival, the BMW 5 Series (Rs 72.9 lakh), which is the only other long-wheelbase model in this segment. The BMW comes with a petrol engine and in a sole, top-spec M Sport variant.
New Mercedes E-Class LWB engine details
The big news under the bonnet is that Mecedes provides the range-topping E 450 with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol that makes 381hp and 500Nm. Mercedes claims a 0-100kph time of 4.5 seconds for the E 450. Two 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines are also on offer with the new E-Class: a 204hp turbo-petrol (E 200) and a 197hp diesel (E 220d). All three engines are paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system that provides an additional 23hp and 205Nm, and come with mated to a 9-speed torque converter automatic. However, only the E 450 gets Merc’s 4Matic AWD system.
New Mercedes E-Class LWB exterior highlights
Compared to its predecessor, the new E-Class is 13mm taller, 14mm longer and gets a 15mm longer wheelbase. As far as looks go, the latest-gen E-Class is easily distinguishable from its predecessor thanks to its front-end styling, which draws inspiration from Mercedes’ EQ models. It gets a large chrome grille, which sports an oversized 3D logo surrounded by multiple smaller three-pointed stars. And there’s a gloss black panel surrounding the grille.
On the sides, there are new S-Class-type flush door handles, as well as 18-inch wheels. It features new LED tail-lamps with a tri-arrow pattern. There’s also generous and tasteful use of chrome on the front and rear bumpers and on the sides.
Mercedes India says some highlights of the E-Class specific for our country include the spare wheel being placed below the boot floor, and the locally made side and quarter glasses.
New Mercedes E-Class LWB interior highlights
Naturally, the rear seat of the E-Class long-wheelbase is a highlight. Rear passengers get seats that recline up to 36 degrees (slightly more than the outgoing model), extendable thigh support, comfort neck pillows, quarter glass sun blinds and electrically operated sun blinds that can be operated via the infotainment. Like some new models from the German brand, the E-Class gets Mercedes’ Superscreen layout – consisting of a 14.4-inch central screen and a 12.3-inch passenger screen along with a 12.3-inch instrument panel.
Other features include a 730W, 17-speaker and 4-exciter 4D surround sound system by Burmester, and an optional Chauffer package.
In terms of safety kit, besides the usual features such as Level 2 ADAS, the new E-Class LWB is the first and only made-in-India Mercedes-Benz to have a front centre airbag; the sedan has a total of 8 airbags. The company also says that the Active Brake Assist system is now standard and can be modified to maintain the customer’s preference, rather than go back to default mode on every start.
In addition, Merc claims that the steel spring suspension with selective damping system has been “specially tuned keeping in mind the rear seat passengers and driving conditions in India.” The brand adds that this is the first time the India-specific LWB E-Class has been tested in markets like Spain and Germany for emissions and crash test purposes.