Production of this new model recently kicked off at Mercedes-Benz’s Chakan plant.(Photo: Shahrukh Shah/News18.com)
For India, the E-Class includes practical features like a spare wheel beneath the boot floor and locally manufactured side and quarter glasses.
Mercedes-Benz has officially launched the sixth-generation E-Class (V214) in India, starting at Rs 78.5 lakh (ex-showroom) for the E 200 petrol model.
The E 220d diesel and top-of-the-line E 450 4Matic are priced at Rs 81.5 lakh and Rs 92.5 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom), respectively. Deliveries for the E 200 will begin this week, while the E 220d will be delivered after Diwali, and the E 450 is set to arrive by mid-November.
Notably, India is the only right-hand-drive market to offer the E-Class Long Wheelbase (LWB), making this the second generation of this model available here. Production began recently at Mercedes-Benz’s Chakan plant.
The starting price of Rs 78.5 lakh is about Rs 2.5 lakh higher than its predecessor and costs Rs 5.6 lakh more than its closest competitor, the BMW 5 Series, priced at Rs 72.9 lakh. The BMW offers a petrol engine in a single top-spec M Sport variant.
Under the hood, the standout feature of the E 450 is its powerful 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing 381 bhp and 500 Nm of torque. Mercedes claims this model can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.
The lineup also includes two 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines: a 204 hp turbo-petrol (E 200) and a 197 bhp diesel (E 220d). All three engines are paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system that adds an extra 23 hp and 205 Nm, along with a 9-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The E 450 is the only model equipped with Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
Compared to its predecessor, the new E-Class is 13 mm taller, 14 mm longer, and boasts a 15 mm longer wheelbase. The design sets it apart, with front-end styling influenced by Mercedes’ EQ models. It features a large chrome grille with a prominent 3D logo and multiple smaller three-pointed stars, as well as a glossy black panel surrounding the grille.
On the sides, the E-Class showcases new S-Class-style flush door handles and 18-inch wheels, along with new LED tail-lamps featuring a tri-arrow pattern. Generous chrome accents adorn the front and rear bumpers.
For Indian customers, specific highlights include a spare wheel placed beneath the boot floor and locally made side and quarter glasses.
A major highlight of the E-Class LWB is the rear seating experience. Passengers can enjoy reclining seats that tilt up to 36 degrees, extendable thigh support, comfort neck pillows, and electrically operated sun blinds. The vehicle features Mercedes’ Superscreen layout with a 14.4-inch central screen, a 12.3-inch passenger screen, and a 12.3-inch instrument panel.
Additional features include a premium 730W, 17-speaker Burmester surround sound system with 4D capabilities and an optional Chauffeur package.
In terms of safety, the new E-Class LWB is equipped with Level 2 ADAS and features a front center airbag, making it the first made-in-India Mercedes-Benz with this feature. The sedan has a total of 8 airbags, and the Active Brake Assist system is now standard, allowing customers to set their preferences.
