The Fifth-Gen E-Class Will Set High Standards For Cabin Room And Equipment In The Mid-Size Luxury Segment
Mercedes-Benz is set to launch the new E-Class in India on 28th Feb 2017. The fifth-generation E-Class coming to India was introduced in 2016 at the North American International Motor Show in Detroit. In China, the fifth-gen E-Class is available in a long wheelbase format, wherein the car is stretched to make more room for the rear passengers to sit comfortably. As reported by us before, India will become the second market after China to get the long wheelbase E-Class.
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Before we delve into the official technical details of the upcoming long-wheelbase E-Class (pssst.. we know the engine-transmission options on offer), let's see how big (or long) the new E-Class actually is.
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The long wheelbase E-Class coming to India is 5,065mm long. Compared to the outgoing model, which measures 4,879mm, the new E-Class is 186mm longer. Once launched, the new E-Class will be the longest car in the mid-size luxury segment, which comprises of cars like BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Volvo S90 and Jaguar XF.
Compared to the regular fifth-gen E-Class, the long wheelbase E-Class is 142mm long, and all that extra space is utilised to improve legroom for the rear passengers.
The focus on the comfort of passengers is not limited to the extra legroom at the rear. Features like 64-colour ambient lighting, front and rear memory seats, rear reclining seats, Burmester Surround Sound system, AIR BODY CONTROL suspension, etc. ensure that every long or short trip in the E-Class is business class.
Some of the features Mercedes-Benz has confirmed for the fifth-gen E-Class for India are:
1. Steering-mounted touchpad
2. COMAND Online with 12.3-inch display
3. 64 colour ambient lighting
4. Memory function for front and rear
5. Reclining rear seats with comfort headrests
6. Burmester Surround Sound
7. Panoramic sliding sunroof
8. LED headlamps and tail-lamps
9. AIR BODY CONTROL suspension
10. Smartphone integration package
11. 7 Airbags
12. Active Parking Assist
13. Parking package with visual aid
But the most important bit is, what engines will power the new E-Class in India?
Engines & Transmission – Official specifications
The new E-Class will be available in India in two forms – E 200 and E 350 d.
Let's talk about the bigger engined E-Class first. The 3.0-litre, V6 diesel engine will make 262PS of maximum power at 3,400rpm and 620Nm of maximum torque between 1,600-2,400rpm. The new E 350 d powered by this diesel engine will sprint from 0-100kmph in 6.6s and will touch a max speed of 250kmph. Mercedes-Benz had the same diesel engine powering the outgoing E-Class tuned to deliver the same power and torque output. Previously, it was paired to a 7G-TRONIC transmission; however, it is mated to a 9G-TRONIC transmission in the upcoming E-Class. The 9-speed transmission aids fuel efficiency but not at the cost of performance, and therefore, it is better than the outgoing 7-speed transmission. However, comparing the two cars on the grounds of performance will be unfair since the new E-Class is bigger and should be heavier of the two.
The 2.0-litre, four cylinder petrol engine that powers the new E-Class in India is also the same that we had on the outgoing model. It makes a maximum power of 187PS@5,500rpm and produces a max torque of 300Nm between 1,200-4,000rpm, same as before. However, the petrol powered fifth-gen E-Class is slower than the outgoing model to 100kmph from standstill. Earlier, the petrol E-Class managed the 0-100kmph sprint in 7.9s. The new E-Class, which is longer (and expectedly heavier) will, however, accomplish the same feat in 8.5s.
For both petrol and diesel E-Class, the transmission will be the 9G-TRONIC unit, which replaces the earlier 7G-TRONIC transmission.
Expected Prices – The upcoming long-wheelbase E-Class will alter the segment metrics altogether. Previously, the regular wheelbase E-Class was one of the highest selling mid-size luxury cars. It was price competitive and had a great brand recall.
With the introduction of the long wheelbase E-Class, its sticker value is set to increase, but it'll promise to beat the competition black and blue for outright splendour. The features, which are now officially coming, are going to set high standards too. And therefore, the asking prices will go high.
We'll put our money on the Rs 60-75 lakh bracket and wait till Feb-end to let you know how close or far we were. Don't forget to like, subscribe, share and comment. We love to hear you.
Related - Mercedes-Benz E-Class - New vs Old Spec Comparo
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