Mercedes-Benz has launched the facelifted 2013 E-class in India.
The new E-class (codename W212) gets a refreshed design with this mid-life update. The most obvious change is with the headlamps that are now encased in a single flowing lens with LED elements for the low beam and daytime running lamps. Mercedes is also offering the E-class with the option of full LED headlamps. There’s also a more aggressive grille that flows into a re-profiled bonnet and a new front bumper devoid of fog lamps.
The cabin gets a new sportier steering wheel, the air-con vents have been redesigned and the controls beneath the audio system's head unit are new as well. The dials are new, the COMAND system gets a new screen and Merc is bringing in a sat-nav and a DVD player as well.
The E-class for our market comes with two engine options - the petrol is a 2.0-litre, direct injection motor making 184bhp and the diesel, a 2.1-litre, 204bhp motor. Both engines are four-cylinder units mated to Merc's 7G-tronic automatic transmission.
However, unlike the previous generation E-class, both versions are available only in the top-spec Avantgarde trim. Mercedes has done away with the cheaper Classic and Elegance variants for the new E-class.
Additionally, the carmaker has also introduced a 'launch edition' spec of the E 250 CDI, of which only 100 units will be sold.
The launch edition E 250 CDI gets a panoramic sunroof, rear tyres that are wider than the front (245/40 R18 (F), 265/35 R18 (R)), a space saver and Merc’s illuminated central star.
New Mercedes E-Class Prices (ex-showroom, Delh)
E200 Petrol: Rs 41.50 lakh
E250 CDI: Rs 44.8 lakh
E250 CDI launch edition: Rs 49.90 lakh
BMW 5-series prices (ex-showroom, Delhi)
520i Rs 41.50 lakh
520d Rs 42.0 lakh
525d Rs 45.5 lakh
Audi A6 prices (ex-showroom, Delhi).
A6 2.0 petrol Rs 40.23 lakh (Premium edition)
A6 2.0 diesel Rs 40.86 lakh (Premium edition)
More on the new Mercedes E-Class