Mercedes Benz has launched the next-generation E-Class in India which features not just an improved luxury quotient, but also its strong focus on technology. The new E-Class will come in three variants – 200 (Rs 78.5 lakh, petrol), 220d (Rs 81.5 lakh, diesel) and 450 (Rs 92.5 lakh, petrol, all prices are ex-showroom).
The new generation change brings in an all-new design language. For the Indian market, we get a sportier Avant Garde style grille, which uses black surrounds for the chrome. As part of the generation change the E-Class has gotten longer, and that includes a longer wheelbase and Maybach-style doors with the rear quarter glass on the C-pillar. At the rear, the new tail lamp design now integrates three-pointed stars too, which makes for a very distinctive look. The new E-Class uses 99kg of recycled materials inside out.
The luxury sedan now gets a more youthful cabin, a highlight of which is the massive glass panel on the dashboard called the Superscreen. It is derived from the 56-inch hyperscreen seen in the EQS. It integrates a massive 14.4-inch touchscreen and a dedicated screen for the front passenger besides this instrument cluster display. This new E-Class is one of the most tech-laden EVs on sale in India. It has a dedicated app suite that lets you use music apps like Spotify natively. The infotainment system runs on the highly advanced MBUX 3 or the third-generation version of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience system.
It now has face recognition and your preferred settings, because even air conditioning vents and even the rearview mirror position are all stored in the Mercedes Me app. A new selfie camera allows you to conduct Webex and Zoom meetings through the new Vivaldi browser, which can also be used for internet surfing and watching videos. It gets a 730-watt Burmester music system, with as many as 17 speakers, including the ones in the backrest. The rear seat back reclines even more now, the seats are plusher and more comfortable. It has a wireless charging pad on the rear armrest besides a tiny sunblind even for the rear quarter glass.
The new E-Class will be offered with petrol and diesel engines in India, as the E 200 and E 220d, with an integrated starter generator as standard. The petrol version delivers 205PS and 320Nm, besides an additional 23PS and 205Nm from the ISG. The diesel version delivers 200PS and 440Nm, besides the additional 23PS and 205Nm from the ISG.
We will be driving this new E-Class soon and that’s when we will be able to tell you about the driving experience and its ride quality, something that’s always been one of the biggest highlights about the E-Class. Stay tuned.
