Mercedes-Benz launches the E-Class facelift in India

If there is one model that is consistently doing good numbers all over the world and brings in fat profits for Mercedes-Benz, it has got to be the E-Class. All through its history, the E-Class has ensured that it stays on top despite stiff competition from the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and, of late, the Jaguar XF. The story is no different in India too, as it was the E-Class that kicked off the Mercedes-Benz innings in India. Just like it did elsewhere, the E-Class went on to become a big success story in our market with 23000 units sold till date, making it the highest-selling luxury sedan in India ever. That's what makes the launch of the new facelifted E-Class so important for Mercedes-Benz India.

Though this is just a mid-cycle facelift for the E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has made significant changes in the sheet-metal. This is quite obvious when we look at the front-end of the new E-Class. Gone are the trademark quad-headlight clusters that was a part of the E-Class legacy for the last three generations. Replacing them are two stretched units with thin streaks of Light Emitting Diodes on both sides that mimic the quad lighting setup. The hood, grille, bumper and fenders have all changed, giving the new E-Class a modern and youthful look. For the first time ever, the new E-Class comes with the three pointed star logo in the grille. The biggest change in profile is the absence of the 'retro' pontoons that was a talking point in the old model. The redesigned taillight lenses is the only noticeable change at the rear.

The E-Class has always had amongst the best interiors in its segment and the facelifted model is no different. A combination of ash wood trim, special-treated oak-wood finish and chrome inserts liven up the interiors that is dominated by shades of black. The COMMAND multimedia system now comes with a 17.8-cm high-resolution display, internet, USB and Bluetooth connectivity and navigation system. A host of Intelligence Assistance Systems are on offer including Eco Start Stop function, variable light distribution system with cornering function and a tyre pressure loss warning system.

A total of 8 Airbags including adaptive, dual-stage airbags for driver and front passenger, side-impact airbags for driver and front passenger and window airbags, Anti-Skid Resistance (ASR), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Brake Assist (BA) function, Attention Assist system that warns drivers about inattentiveness and drowsiness, Active Bonnet that enhances pedestrian safety and Adaptive High Beam with automatic switching between high and low beam along with the famed PRE-SAFE and NECK PRO technologies take care of the safety quotient in the new E-Class.

Two variants are on offer, the E 200 CGI (Petrol) with a retail price of INR 41.50 Lakhs and the E 250 CDI Avantgarde (Diesel) that retails for INR 44.48 Lakhs. The petrol variant is powered by a 1991-cc engine that produces 135 kW of maximum power at 5500 rpm and a peak torque of 300 Nm between 1200 to 4000 rpm. A 2143-cc V4 engine with a rated power output of 150 kW at 4200 rpm and a peak torque of 500 Nm between 1600 to 1800 rpm powers the diesel variant. Both the variants are mated to the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and are capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in under 8 seconds.

As a launch special, 100 units of 'limited edition' E 250 CDI with a panoramic sunroof, wider rear tires and an illuminated three pointed star logo up front is available, priced at INR 49.90 Lakhs. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom Delhi. With this launch, Mercedes-Benz would be hoping that the E-Class continues its dominance in the mid-size luxury segment against the growing threats from BMW and Audi.

Though the new E-Class is launched in India in just the standard 'sedan' trim, the international markets get to enjoy the complete line-up that includes Estate, Coupe, Cabriolet and the AMG-tuned variants of these body-styles. While we aren't sure which of those are headed our way, we have anyway added a picture of the complete line-up for you to have a quick glance.