Amidst all the hype and hoopla over the official launch of the KTM 390 Duke a couple of days earlier and EcoSport yesterday, there was another scintillating launch event that we almost missed reporting about. However, here it is and it came from none other than the German Three-Pointed-Star!!
Continuing its product offensive, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new E-Class range. It will be available in three variants, with the starting price of 41.5 lakhs INR for the E200 CGI (Petrol) version. The E250 CDI Avantgarde (Diesel) version will retail at a slightly higher 44.48 lakhs INR. There’s also a Special Edition model which will set you back by 49.9 lakhs.
The E-Class is one of the workhorses for the Stuttgart-based luxury automaker, comprising a significant chunk of the sales pie. It is infact the largest selling luxury car model in India. Upgrading this model has been no easy task for Merc, with about 2000 parts differing from the previous model. Another notable and praiseworthy fact has been the keenness with which Merc has introduced this model in India. It was showcased at the Detroit Auto Show in January, followed by a commercial launch in Europe by May. By July, it has made its way across to India. Wow !!
We bring you a quick impression of the All new E-Class.
STYLING:-
As an unwritten norm, this facelifted version is given a more sculpted and toned look by the design team. The creases are now sharper, the front bumper being quite the exemplary one. But the headlamps aren’t far behind !! Now with each cluster posing as a pair instead of one, they exude oomph with the addition of the DRL strips. The tail lamps are built completely using LEDs, featuring bits and pieces of integrated fibre optic technology, and yeah, they look cool after nightfall !!
The New E-Class provides a grille with the Central Star Design for the first time. The interiors are more spruced up now, with the addition of ARTICO Leather upholstery. A panoramic sunroof provides a breathtaking view, and a trapezoidal information display (COMAND Multimedia Interface) provides a better look to the reworked central console. And there’s more too !! The steering wheel on the new E-Class is different from that on the older one, and it boasts of paddle shifts, all as a standard option.
UNDER THE HOOD:-
The E250 CDI Avantgarde (Diesel) is powered by a 2143 cc V4 which belts out 500 Nm of torque @1600-1800 rpm and a power of 150 kW@4200 rpm. The E200 CGI has a capacity of 1991 cc, churning out 300 Nm of torque @1200-4000 rpm, and a power of 135 kW@5500 rpm.
The E250 CDI does a 0-100 sprint within 7.2 seconds, and the E200 CGI doesn’t lag behind with a 0-100 timing of 7.9 seconds.
However, these cars are fuel-efficient too. The fuel-efficiency of the E200 CGI has gone up by 8% to 13.8 kmpl. Reduced engine weights and lowered internal friction has resulted in the boost in fuel-efficiency figures. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission as well as the torsion dampers results in the E-Class models being comfortable to drive, and fuel-efficient as well.
A fact worthy of mention is that the E-Class models are now much more aerodynamic, possessing Cd values in the range of 0.26-0.28. All these features go a long way in placing the E-Class cars among the most eco-friendly ones.
SAFETY AND INTELLIGENT ASSISTANCE:-
A slew of exciting features are incorporated, with the Eco Start Stop function as a standard, which is claimed to improve fuel efficiency. Other ones include the COMAND Online with remote control, Attention Assist, Intelligent lighting systems featuring variable light distribution with cornering function and adaptive headlamp system as well as a reverse parking camera and a tyre pressure loss warning system.
Not quite at par with the Volvos, but very much there!! Mercedes-Benz is providing an adaptive dual stage airbag system at the front for both the driver as well as the passenger. There also exist side-impact airbags for the driver and the front passenger, and window airbags will cushion the impact for the rear passengers.
Other safety features like Anti-Skid Resistance (ASR), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Brake Assist increase the control of the driver over the vehicle in critical road situations. There’s also an active bonnet system which protects pedestrians in an event of a crash.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:-
E 200 CGI
- Arrangement/No of cylinders – L/4
- Transmission – 7G TRONIC Plus automatic
- Total displacement (cc) – 1991
- Rated Output (kW/hp @ rpm) – 135/184 @ 4200
- Rated Torque (Nm @ rpm) – 300 @ 1600-1800
- Acceleration (0-100, km/h, s) – 7.9
- Top speed (km/h) – 233
- Tank Capacity (l)/incl reserve – 80
- Turning circle diameter (m) – 10.6
- Kerb weight (kg) – 1720
- Permissible gross vehicle weight (kg) – 2200
- L x W x H (mm) – 4879 x 1854 x 1474
- Wheelbase (mm) – 2874
- Tyre size, front/rear – 245/45 R17
E 250 CDI AVA
- Arrangement / No of cylinders – L/4
- Transmission – 7G TRONIC Plus automatic
- Total displacement (cc) – 2143
- Rated Output (kW/hp @ rpm) – 150/204 @ 4200
- Rated Torque (Nm @ rpm) – 500@1600-1800
- Top speed (km/h) – 242
- Tank Capacity (l)/incl reserve – 80
- Turning circle diameter (m) – 10.6
- Kerb weight (kg) – 1800
- Permissible gross vehicle weight (kg) – 2280
- L x W x H (mm) – 4879 x 1854 x 1474
- Wheelbase (mm) – 2874
- Tyre size, front/rear – 245/45 R17
– Bishakh
