The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is renowned for its exceptional comfort, setting the standard in the luxury sedan category. The latest E-Class continues to be a long-wheelbase sedan like in China, with India receiving the first ever right-hand drive model. The 2024 E-Class comes loaded with technological and comfort enhancements, boasting a larger size and increased power compared to its predecessor. A brief test drive of the new-generation E200 reveals whether it has managed to move the goalposts.
The new E-Class has a colossal road presence due to a wheelbase of 3,094 mm and an overall length of 5,092 mm. What this means is the new-gen E-Class has a 15 mm longer wheelbase and 14 mm longer than the V213 version. The overall design language remains pretty much the same as the previous model, but sports a new all-black grille with a cluster of three-pointed stars around the iconic Mercedes-Benz insignia.
The front fascia gets a chrome frame and the LED headlights are angular and sleeker than the earlier edition. The front bumper does not get fog lamps, hence, that area is all blacked out and the lower lip gets a thin silver line. The silhouette of the E-Class resembles the Maybach S-Class, especially with the swooping roofline and the rear quarter glass. It comes standard with 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and with a touch, the smart flush door handles pop out with soft close doors.
Mercedes-Benz gets new three-pointed star LED tail lamps with a sleek chrome strip running above it. What is a bit of an eyesore are the dummy twin exhausts.
The cabin is dominated by Mercedes-Benz’s Superscreen, which consists of a 14.4-inch central infotainment system, a 12.3-inch display touchscreen for the front passenger and a 12.3-inch floating all-digital instrument console screen. The controls for the four-zone climate control are now touch buttons, which was earlier seen in the S-Class and the C-Class. The dashboard gets multiple layers of premium quality soft plastic, metal and wooden touches.
In addition to the expected luxurious features of a Mercedes-Benz, the new E-Class is equipped with a selfie camera. Indeed, you read that correctly. The company explains that this feature serves a purpose: it enables one to participate in online meetings when the car is safely parked. The camera’s resolution is of the high quality, allowing for the capture of moments in both video and still formats. To save the data, one simply needs to insert a pen drive. The luxury sedan also boasts digital air conditioning vents that can be adjusted and personalized, or if preferred, set manually in a more traditional manner.
Enter the rear cabin and the E-Class pampers you like a king with extended seat squab that offers best-in-class tight support, soft headrests with neck cushions and the lounge like seat as it reclines between 26 degrees to 36 degrees. The smart rear armrest has a wireless phone charger and cup holders. Three adults can sit comfortably at the rear but the middle passenger has to be aware of the tall transmission tunnel. The car is equipped with a dual-panel sunroof.
The E-Class comes with three powertrain options: a 2-litre turbo petrol, a 2-litre diesel, and a 3-litre six-cylinder turbo petrol with an all-wheel-drive system. We drove the 2-litre variant, which delivers 200 bhp and 320 Nm of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This engine is equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that provides an extra 23 bhp power boost, offering additional acceleration in slow-moving traffic.
The E-Class isn’t designed for scorching speeds but for refined and smooth linear acceleration, which becomes more spirited in Sport mode. It features four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual. While the sedan isn’t fond of being rushed, it accelerates smoothly with its torque. Despite its plush ride quality, at lower speeds, one can feel the potholes and ditches on the road, particularly in Sport mode.
Starting at Rs 78.5 lakh, the E-Class remains the most expensive luxury sedan in its segment, yet it boasts an array of segment-first features and plush seating, particularly for those seated in the rear. The 2-litre turbo petrol engine is smooth and delivers ample power, complemented by seamless gear transitions from the automatic transmission. Rear passengers are indulged with features like reclining and extended seats, along with several motorized sunshades. Opting for the new E-Class is a choice that epitomizes unmatched elegance and comfort.
