The car is as satisfying from behind the wheel, as it’s from the again seat, with little to complain concerning the general package deal
Mercedes has rolled out the facelift for its fifth-gen E-Class in India, with the E-Class in its long-wheelbase avatar and the choices of four-cylinder petrol (E 200) and diesel engines (E 220d), and a six-cylinder diesel (E 350d). So, what’s it like?
The E-Class’ visible makeover is not any mere nip and tuck job. Mercedes has grafted in a brand new grille, headlights and slimmer tail-lights to align styling with the very newest fashions, and the visible impact is spectacular. The 5m-plus E-Class appears to be like as regal as ever however there’s a trace of sportiness too now. Offered completely in a brand new AMG Line trim, the E 350d is identifiable by its bolder grille, sportier bumpers and engaging 18-inch AMG rims.
The high-quality E-Class cabin continues to superbly mix old-world heat with new-age tech, with surfaces completed in open pore wooden and digital screens sitting in visible concord.
Among the updates inside is the brand new three-spoke steering wheel with upgraded contact panels to function the central infotainment display screen and digital dials. The contact sensitivity is improved over the older E’s steering buttons, however some controls nonetheless appear a bit fiddly.
The E 350d is exclusive for its Cream and Tropez Blue inside theme, with the higher sprint and door pads completed in the identical blue shade. While it appears to be like distinctive, it won’t be to everybody’s style, and should not work nicely with some exterior colors.
If there may be an space that the E-Class continues to ace, it’s consolation. The entrance seats are wonderful, although it’s the rear seat that may curiosity most patrons. There is large legroom, due to the lengthy wheelbase. The seat again is reclinable by 37 levels and the pillow-like head restraints add to the consolation issue. While there may be area for a center passenger, the rear seat is finest skilled by two occupants, with the huge centre armrest folded down.
Curiously, there is just one rear cupholder positioned on the centre console. Another downer is the efficacy of the air-con system on the again, which doesn’t cool the cabin rapidly sufficient. However, you do get the choice of pre-cooling your automotive upfront utilizing the Mercedes app in your cellphone. The up to date pill within the rear armrest additionally permits you to function sure capabilities of the touchscreen up entrance.
There is lots by the use of equipment too, however what’s lacking is powered operation for the boot lid, and whereas the spare wheel sits beneath the boot flooring, the baggage area itself is kind of restricted.
As talked about, there are three engines on provide, although with us right here is the six-cylinder E 350d diesel. The mill is similar in-line six that additionally powers the S-Class, GLE and GLS, however that is the primary time one can expertise it on the E-Class.
The unit develops 286hp and 600Nm of max torque, however it’s the engine’s refinement that will get you first. It may be very quiet at idle and even on the go, the marginally grainy sound from the engine bay is unobtrusive. Performance is expectedly brisk, with quick access to energy all by means of the rev. Playing its supporting function extremely nicely is the 9-speed computerized gearbox that works with honeydew smoothness.
The steering is well-weighted and exact, and for a automotive so massive, the Merc is kind of simple to drive. The 350d’s air suspension is absorbent and soft at city speeds in Comfort mode, however up the tempo and it feels floaty. Sport is your go-to suspension setting for quicker journeys. It arrests pointless up and down actions and usually makes the massive E really feel extra tied down.
Also to be stored in thoughts is that the air-suspension-equipped E 350d can be vulnerable to touching its stomach on massive pace breakers, so it’s prudent to boost the suspension peak by way of a button on the centre console upfront.
When it comes to purchasing the up to date luxurious sedan, typical E-Class patrons who’re shopping for one for the rear-seat expertise might be glad with the E 200 (₹ 63.6-67.2 lakh, ex-showroom) or the E 220d (₹ 64.8-68.3 lakh).
This range-topping E 350d (₹₹ 80.9 lakh) is a stretch, however the added outlay additionally will get you a correctly robust engine and the improved consolation of air suspension. This is a automotive that’s as satisfying from behind the wheel, as it’s on the again seat. The new look can be impactful and there may be merely little to complain about the remainder of the package deal.
The E-Class has lengthy been the default alternative for big luxurious sedan patrons in India. With the most recent updates, the proposition has gotten stronger nonetheless.
