2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Petrol vs Diesel: Finer Differences

With a few key differences in features and aesthetics, there’s more to differentiate the petrol and diesel versions of the new E-Class than just the engine options. Spoiler alert – the latter is more lavishly equipped!

Mercedes-Benz has officially launched the tenth-generation E-Class in India at a price of Rs 56.15 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). Regular readers may be aware of this, but for the uninitiated, Mercedes has done something unusual by offering only the long-wheelbase version of the new E-Class in the country, which was China-exclusive until now.

The E-Class has been one of the best selling nameplates in its segment, having been on sale in India for over two decades. Most buyers of luxury cars in this segment are chauffeur-driven, and it is the prime reason why Merc has offered the extended-wheelbase version of the all-new sedan. 

• Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Extended Wheelbase): Old Vs New - Spec Comparison

Interestingly, the German automaker has distinguished the petrol and diesel versions of the sedan with some changes to their respective feature lists and aesthetic tweaks. The diesel, which is the more powerful offering of the two, comes with extra goodies over the petrol and costs over Rs 13 lakh more! Let us see what the diesel E is packing extra over its petrol counterpart.   

Prices (Ex-Showroom, Mumbai) 

• E 200 (petrol): Rs 56.15 lakh 
• E 350 d (diesel): Rs 69. 47 lakh 

Aesthetics

Both versions are near identical when it comes to their looks, but there are subtle differences. To begin with, the diesel E gets 10-spoke alloy wheels, which are finished in ‘Himalayas Grey’, while the petrol model rides on five-spoke alloys finished in ‘Tremolite Grey’. However, 17-inch wheels with 225/55-section tyres are standard with both models. 

On the inside, the diesel E gets an ‘open-pore black ashwood’ dashboard applique, while the petrol version comes with the ‘open-pore light-brown ashwood’ trim. Speaking of the upholstery, both versions are offered with ‘Artico’ leather (faux leather) upholstery available in macchiato beige or black, but the quilting pattern is different. Also, the carpeting in the petrol is black, while the diesel offers an option of beige or black. 

Features 

This is the area where the diesel E really shines in contrast to its petrol counterpart. Starting with the USP of the E 350 d, Air Body Control (air suspension), which is not offered with the more affordable E 200. It claims to offer an even plusher ride than the steel spring suspension you get in the petrol. The air suspension also comes with a Lift mode that increases ground clearance by 15mm, which will really come handy for our road conditions. 

Mercedes’ Comand Online infotainment system with a 12.3-inch display is standard in both the models. However, the diesel version is equipped with a premium Burmester surround sound system. The audio is relayed through 13 high-performance loudspeakers along with a 9-channel amplifier with a total output of 590 watts!

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Though Mercedes-Benz’s Parking Pilot with ParkTronic (automatically steers the vehicle into parallel or end-on parking spaces with self-steering and braking inputs) is standard in both, only the diesel version offers a 360-degree camera system. The camera usually switches itself on when the reverse gear is selected, but can be activated by the driver whenever required. It provides a realistic image via the head unit.

Lastly, unlike the diesel, the petrol does not offer the memory function for the driver’s seat. But at the back, both models offer the memory function for the segment-first reclining rear seats (the backrest can be tilted up to 37 degrees).

Evidently, Mercedes-Benz is expecting the diesel E-Class to be the main attraction, but the petrol still offers good value for a LOT less money.

Recommended Read: 2017 Mercedes E-Class LWB First Drive

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