The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been the most popular and longest-running name for the German carmaker in India. It has been here for decades, establishing a strong legacy as a status symbol for executives and businessmen. Now, the baton has been handed over to the V214, the sixth-generation model of the E-Class. India is the first market in the world to get the long-wheelbase version of the car in a right-hand drive configuration. How cool is it?
Exterior and Dimensions
The V214 E-Class looks quite sporty and more aggressive than before. It measures 5,092 mm in length (14 mm longer than the V213) and has a wheelbase of 3,094 mm (15 mm longer than the V213).
It gets digital LED headlights on either side of the massive grille, with the Mercedes logo in the centre. It sits on 18-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels that look proportionate to the car’s stance. It also comes with flush door handles and soft-closing function for all doors.
At the rear, there are LED tail lamps, which now have more prominent interiors. The boot lid is controlled by foot gestures and offers ample space for luggage, although it can be cramped for long-distance trips.
Interior and Features
The interior has been completely overhauled with a new dashboard layout, similar to the more expensive and newer models of the EQS range. The central display is a 14.4-inch unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 12.3-inch driver display and a 12.3-inch unit for the passenger. A 17-speaker Burmester audio system handles audio duties. There is a voice-controlled, split panoramic sunroof to make the cabin feel airy.
The rear seats offer a recline angle of 26 degrees to 36 degrees, with the seat base allowing 40 mm of extra thigh support. Powered sun blinds (manual blinds for the rear quarter glass) aid privacy. However, the rear tablet from the V213, which allowed passengers to control several functions from the rear, has been deleted. There is ample space even for 6-footers, with excellent headroom and knee room.
Driving Experience
We drove the E 200, which is powered by a 2.0-litre inline-4-cylinder petrol engine that churns out 201 hp and 320 Nm of peak torque. There is also a 48V mild hybrid system that offers an additional 23 hp and 205 Nm of boost. Transmission duties are managed by a tried-and-tested 9-speed automatic torque converter.
The E 200 feels quick off the line, and the EQ Boost helps with low-speed performance. It can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and feels calm while doing so. Overtakes—whether in the city or on the highway—can be done with minimal planning, which helps reduce fatigue on long journeys.
The gearbox works smoothly and rarely gets confusing, except when you push it hard. It is only during kickdown that you can feel a brief pause before shifting into the right gear. Paddle shifters are also available. At a cruising speed of 100 km/h, the engine stays below 2,000 rpm, making it an efficient mile muncher.
Ride and handling
The E-Class really shines in ride quality. The suspension glides over rough surfaces and stays balanced most of the time. However, you can hear the suspension when crossing large potholes at speed. Additionally, there is a bit of inherent stiffness, which results in vertical movement over rumble strips. It can corner well but cannot hide its weight. So, it is better to drive it slowly on bends.
Verdict
The new E-Class is priced at ₹ 78.5 lakh (E 200) and ₹ 81.5 lakh (E 220d), while the more powerful E 450 4MATIC is priced at ₹ 92.5 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). At this price, it is more expensive than the 2024 BMW 5 Series (₹ 72.90 lakh) and the Audi A6 (up to ₹ 70.79 lakh). Given its excellent reputation as a chauffeur-driven car and the overall package on offer, it will be an attractive option for many potential owners.
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