Mercedes Benz E Class

The E-Class is the base of the Mercedes Benz lune-up and has been the best-seller for Mercedes in India. In the three-point star, the E-Class carries some design highlights from the bigger S-Class. It has crisp lines and seems to be crafted like a business suit. It is ageing gracefully and still manages to hold your attention. In dimension, the E-Class is the tallest at 1,471 mm, but remains smaller in terms of length and breadth. This also translates into smaller cabin space. The 245/45 R17 tyres give it a nice proportion, but at the cost of the supple ride quality Mercedes-Benz are know for. The all-black dashboard on the Mercedes is very neatly stacked and allows extra elbow room because the gear-shift is placed on the steering column.

The Mercedes’ build quality is unquestionable and in no way behind its rivals. The E-Class interior, until a couple of years ago, was the best in the segment. With time, however, it has started looking a bit dated. Even the equipment level is comparatively low with no reverse camera or no satellite navigation and limited controls on the Command system. Under the three-point star hood is a 2,987-cc, 229 PS, 540 Nm mill, which, on higher revolutions, can be heard inside the cabin. The Mercedes’ seven-speed gearbox also takes a fraction longer to react, but the gear shifts are smooth, though not as slick as DSG. The E250 CDI has a 203 bhp diesel. The E-Class features coil springs with variable dampers.

The E-Class rides on low-profile tyres and, though not exactly unsettling, it is on the stiffer side, which is very unlike Mercedes. When you do the pedal-to-metal, the ride improves as the conventional frequency selective damper stiffens up to absorb the road irregularities, giving it an ideal high-speed ride quality. The steering is light and, like the car. The E250 CDI gives 14 kmpl, the E200 CGI gives 12 kmpl and the E350 petrol gives 8-10 kmpl. The E-Class is equipped with tried-and-trusted technology in the shape of ABS, ESP® and Brake Assist as well as around a dozen new or modified driver assistance systems which are specially configured to help prevent frequent causes of accidents. The E-Class is priced from Rs 39 lakhs to Rs 1.2 cr ex-showroom. For a detailed analysis read below...

The all-black dashboard on the Mercedes is very neatly stacked and allows extra elbow room because the gear-shift is placed on the steering column. The Mercedes’ build quality is unquestionable and in no way behind its rivals. The E-Class interior, until a couple of years ago, was the best in the segment. With time, however, it has started looking a bit dated. Even the equipment level is comparatively low with no reverse camera or no satellite navigation and limited controls on the Command system.