Mercedes-Benz E-Class
We drive the BS-VI compliant sedan
Mercedes-Benz changed the luxury segment game by going the long wheelbase way with the new E-Class that came out in February 2017. The focus of most buyers in this particular segment is on the rear seat and Mercedes put that knowledge to good use giving customers exactly what they wanted. For 2019, Mercedes-Benz has rolled
out an updated version of the E-Class with minor changes the features list but more importantly, the addition of a new 2.0-litre diesel engine that is BS-VI compliant much before the April 1, 2020 deadline.
Visually, there are no differences between the updated model versus the original. The story is a little different once you step inside, however. The interior appointments vis a vis seat upholstery, dashboard treatment and floor mats that were restricted to only the top-of-the-line E 350 d until now, are standard across all trims. Another prominent change is the steering wheel which gets an updated boss and revised button placement for the controls. With the launch of the BSVI compliant E-Class, Mercedes-Benz India announced a new range-topping ‘Exclusive’
MERCEDES-BENZ CHANGED THE LUXURY SEGMENT GAME BY GOING THE LONG WHEELBASE WAY WITH THE NEW E-CLASS
trim. In addition to all the features of the ‘Expresssion’ trim you see here, the ‘Exclusive’ trim gets a fully-digital 12.3-inch instrument display replacing the analogue dials, a 13-speaker Burmester audio setup and wireless charging for the rear seat occupants. Further highlighting the E-Class’ rear seat focus is the addition of a touchscreen integrated into the rear centre armrest giving access to media, climate and vehicle functionalities. All the additional goodies the ‘Exclusive’ trim brings with it come at a price through. It is dearer than the ‘Expression’ trim by Rs 4 lakh, which is quite high for what you get. At Rs 58.50 lakh (ex-showroom) the E 220 d Expression seems like better value.
The OM654 2.0-litre in-line 4-cylinder diesel has received updates to help comply with the more stringent BS-VI emission norms that will be enforced April 2020 onwards. Maximum power of 194bhp and peak torque of 400Nm remains unchanged. However, the 0-100kmph time has come down from 7.8s
to 7.3s. There is no discernible difference between the way the 2019 E-Class drives compared to the older one. This 2.0-litre diesel from Mercedes is among the most refined units in the business. To meet BS VI emission norms, the car is fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DCP) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). This exhaust treatment system introduces AdBlue into the exhaust gases helping convert most of the Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) to their environmentally friendly components – nitrogen and water. Owners will be required to top-up AdBlue, the filler for which is located next to the fuel filler. Mercedes says that AdBlue will be topped up at every service, but in case it is running low, there will be a notification to inform owners of the same on the instrument cluster. Without AdBlue, the car will not restart once the ignition is switched off.
It isn’t particularly exciting to drive and it doesn’t have to be. If you are buying an E-Class then you’ll almost never get behind the wheel yourself so performance and driving dynamics take a backseat (pun intended). Your primary concern will be the rear seat, which does not give any reason to complain. The E 220 d does not get air suspension like the E 350 d so comfort levels aren’t the same, but despite that the E has the best rear seat in the business. And that was and continues to be the clincher for the E-Class, especially when you compare it with its rivals. The only one that can hold a candle to the E-Class when it comes to rear seat space and comfort is probably the BMW 6-Series GT. But the BMW is more expensive by Rs 1.40 lakh and although that amount pales into insignificance when it comes to spending 70 odd lakhs on vehicle, the E still boasts are better rear seat experience and that is why it remains the best buy in this segment.
THE E-CLASS HAS THE BEST REAR SEAT IN THE BUSINESS AND THAT CONTINUES TO BE THE CLINCHER FOR THE CAR