Mercedes-Benz E-Class Expert Review

Class Topper

The E-Class has been the best selling vehicle for Mercedes-Benz, and the Stuttgart-based manufacturer could not have delayed the launch of the facelift version especially when it has gone all aggressive with its new product strategy.

The company recently introduced the G-Wagen, A-Class, B-Class diesel and the titivated version of the E and the E63 AMG this year. We definitely liked the E-Class a lot, and it was a sedan with pure luxury. We get our hands on the upgraded model and find out whether it opens the door for you?

Design:

This new design of the E-Class will be carried forward to the other MB products too. This means that the most of the styling on all the new vehicles will make them resemble each other. The twin rectangular headlamps are gone and instead it’s a single headlamp unit now. The grille has been redesigned with even thicker horizontal slats, with the central star. This is the first E without the three-pointed star that can be seen from the bonnet. The concept of Travel with Star seems to have been forgotten. As a old school Merc fan, we would have appreciated the old styling. 

The side profile remains the same, but there are these new set of alloys that resemble the one on the A-Class. The rear also resembles the old E, however it has some changes for instance the tail lamp design and the bumper. 

Interiors:

The interiors of the E-Class have always been classy. They aren’t about how technologically advanced the world is. It doesn’t have too many gadgets to fiddle with, but just optimum luxury.

The previous E (W211) carried forward the same principles, however it was a lot more contemporary to its predecessor.

The W212 has done the same thing. However, there are some changes. The analog clock in the instrument cluster has been moved to the centre console like the S-Class, the screen is larger and even the styling is more modern. 

The quality of materials is still first rate and the fit and finish of the materials is premium. The W212 has Park Assist— a feature that auto parks your E in parallel parking—, satellite navigation, reverse parking camera and TV is optional. 

The seats in the front and rear are large and extremely comfy. The reason is clear to why this sedan sells. It is definitely spacious and comfortable.

The rear seats might not have adjustable recliners, but they are still cosy. The boot is also large to gobble luggage for four for a weekend getaway. 

Engine and Transmission:

The E-Class is being offered with two engine variants at the moment. One is the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and the other is the 2.2-litre diesel. The 2.2-litre engine produces 204bhp of power and 500Nm of torque, while the petrol mill produces 184bhp and 300Nm. Both these engines come mated to 7G-TRONIC transmission. The power produced by the diesel engine is good, and this is the same oil burner that also powers the C250 CDI. Being a self-shifting transmission, one doesn’t feel the turbo lag. Plant your right foot and the transmission hesitates for a second before engaging the correct gear. A dual-clutch transmission would have shifted faster, but the result would have been jerky too.

To maximise the fuel efficiency, this engine comes mated to an ECO start-stop, which can switch off your engine when you are standing at a signal. This feature can be turned off with a push of a button. Then you also have the paddle shifts that you can turn into racer boy. 

Driving Dynamics:

The ride of the E-Class has always been supple and as the underpinnings for the W212 hasn’t changed, it retains the same pliant ride. The ride suppleness is excellent, as the suspension soaks most of the road shocks giving a smooth ride to the occupants. 

The handling of the E-Class is decent. It has a long wheelbase and a softer suspension set-up, still the E-Class take the bends without any issues. You can become a racer boy too by using the paddle shifts. The steering wheel is light and easy to drive even in city. The insulation of the cabin is phenomenal and you step into a different world once you get inside and shut the doors. The only thing we dislike is the tyre noise at high speeds.

Verdict:

The E-Class has always been a great sedan, especially when it is chauffeur driven. The upgrades on the W212 are more on the driver’s compartment. At the rear it is still the optimum luxury and it has same comfort that the E-Class offered for decades. If you need a chauffeur driven sedan or an extremely reliable German sedan, we recommend the E-Class to you.