Mercedes-Benz, India’s largest luxury car manufacturer has redefined the luxury executive sedan segment with the launch of the first-ever right-hand drive, long wheelbase version of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz E-class has been the company’s best-selling model. More than 13 million units from the E-class family have been sold all over the world. The new E-class LWB will be Made in India, for India. The only other country to get the new Mercedes-Benz E-class LWB version is China.
The long-wheelbase version of the new E-Class sedan brings with it the many technical innovations. It exceeds the E-Class sedan sold in the world where both the wheelbase and the length are increased by 140 mm.
The new E-class is dynamic and at the same time elegant in appearance. The long bonnet coupled with a coupé-esque roof that flows into the broad-shouldered tail end creates a unique silhouette. The favourable ratio of overhangs to wheelbase and large wheels, contributes to the harmonious proportions of the car.
The longer wheelbase is certainly clear from the stretched roofline and the extra triangular windows which are integrated into the C-pillar. The car looks like a smaller version of the gorgeous Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach.
The face of the vehicle is shaped by distinctive LED High-Performance headlamps. The lamps get double eyebrow for the daytime running lamps (DRLs). High-resolution MULTIBEAM LED headlamps are additionally available as an option. These headlamps come with 84 high-performance LEDs that automatically illuminate the road surface with perfection but without dazzling other road users.
At the rear, the broad shoulders above the wheel arches lend the saloon its powerful character. Furthermore, the single-piece LED tail lights feature a two-bar which clearly identifies the new E-class as a member of the Mercedes sedan family.
Other exterior design elements include a panoramic sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels and chrome trim. The rear bumper gets black inserts and two fixed tailpipes in chrome.
The highlight of the interior is the huge amount of space for the rear seat passengers. The rear compartment of the new E-Class offers an extra 134 mm of legroom for the passengers. The larger entrance clearance at foot level furthermore facilitates passenger entry and exit.
The LED ambient lighting with 64 colours offers a host of possibilities for personalisation. Electric sun blinds on the rear windows provide shade from strong sunlight. The backrest of the electric rear seats can be tilted up to 37 degrees, allowing passengers to take a more relaxed angle.
The seats come with a luxury headrest which elevates the comfort of the passenger. The switch on the door panel controls the seat positions and can store 3 seperate combinations in the memory function.
The new E-Class makes use of the highest quality materials for its stylish interiors. The Mercedes-Benz hallmark is evident in the look and feel which is created through meticulous attention to detail and high quality craftsmanship.
For the first time ever, Touch Control buttons have found their way into the steering wheel of a car. The touch reacts to left, right, up and down swiping movements. It allows the driver to control all the infotainment functions as well as access other information directly via the steering wheel.
Other key features included in the new Mercedes E-class are Linguatronic voice control, Burmester surround sound system, COMAND online and a high-resolution 12.3-inch screen. It also gets Smartphone Integration Package compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Thermotronic automatic climate control and Panoramic sliding sunroof.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-class comes in two variants – E350d and E200. Powering the E350d is a 3 litre, V6-cylinder diesel engine which generates 258 hp @ 3400 rpm and a torque of 620 Nm @ 1600-2400 rpm. On the other hand, a 2 litre, In-line 4-cylinder petrol engine propels the E200. This motor develops 184 hp @ 5500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 1200-4000 rpm.
Mercedes claims that the E350d can speed up from 0-100 km/h in seconds, while the E200 will take 8.5 seconds do the same. Both engines are coupled with the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. For the first, the new E-class will ride on the AIR BODY CONTROL suspension.
Using the DYNAMIC SELECT Controller in the centre console, the driving experience can be varied. The driver can select between the following modes – Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.
The new E-class includes Parking Pilot PARKTRONIC, 360-degree camera, ESP and PRE-SAFE. It also features Adaptive brake lights, Dual front airbags, Front side airbags, Curtain airbags, knee bag for driver and ATTENTION ASSIST.
2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB Price:
E 200 (Petrol) – Rs. 56.15 lakh
E 350 d (Diesel)- Rs. 69.47 lakh
Prices are ex-showroom, Mumbai (pre-octroi)
2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB Petrol Engine (E 200) Specifications:
No. of cylinders & arrangement: 4-cylinder, Inline
Total displacement: 1991 cc
Rated output: 184 hp
Rated torque: 300 Nm @1200-4000 rpm
Transmission: 9G-TRONIC
Acceleration (0 to 100 km): 8.5 seconds
Top speed: 240 km/h
2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB Diesel Engine (E 350d) Specifications:
No. of cylinders & arrangement: V6
Total displacement: 2987 cc
Rated output: 258 hp
Rated torque: 620 Nm @ 1600-2400 rpm
Transmission: 9G-TRONIC
Acceleration (0 to 100 km): 6.6 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h