2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB has finally been launched in India at a price of Rs 56.15 lakh for the E200 variant and Rs 69.47 lakh for the E350d variant (both prices are ex-showroom Delhi). The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB takes the luxury sedan into its 10th Generation and India is now the second country to get a Long Wheelbase Model and the first to have the same in Right-Hand Drive option.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been the highest selling offering from the German Automobile giant in Indian. 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB represents a segment that is considered very crucial for all premium players and as for Mercedez, the E-Class has so far accounted for 34% of sales in India in over 2-decade history. Now, with the new generation long-wheelbase model, the Indian arm is looking to take the E-Class experience to the next level.
However, the class leading space, great road presence and futuristic design come at a great price too, Rs 69.47 lakh to be exact for the top of the line E350d variant. But does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB (completely made-in-India) has all the right weapons to go against the competition like BMW 5 Series, which is also in for a revamp later this year and the Audi A6. Directly imported Volvo S90 and the locally produced Jaguar XF also go head-to-head with the Merc and let’s see what we are getting for the premium that the company is asking for.
Design
The E-Class shares its overall design with the S-Class and C-Class, rightly put, it’s the best of both worlds. While it gives the luxury of an S-Class model, the sportiness of a C-class is also present. The wheelbase of 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB is 140mm longer than the current E-class that has been available worldwide and 180mm longer than the outgoing Indian version. Despite its similarities with the other two segments, it looks distinctive, thanks to the sheer size, which is bigger than that of an S-Class with a 3,079mm wheelbase. However, its 2,065mm is only second slimmest to that of Volvo S90.
With a length of 5,065mm and height measuring at 1,494mm, it is also the longest and tallest car in the segment. The E-Class also gets the signature twin LED daytime running lights, differentiating it from the bigger S, or smaller C-Class. The electrical ORVMs with integrated turn lights and the LED taillamps, and new alloy wheels further add to the car’s elegance and style.
However, the Avant Garde exterior trim line, which was introduced to add sportiness to the Mercedes range, that does not fit well with the stately and elongated luxury look of the new LWB E-class. But, that’s the taste which differs from person to person. For those who will love to have or already have an E63 for its sheer power, it goes from 0-60 in just 3.5 sec, and want a lower end version without compromising on the luxury, 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB is the car for you.
Powertrains
The E350d variant of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB comes with a familiar 3.0-litre, V6 diesel engine churning out 262PS of power and 620Nm of maximum torque, and since it’s naturally aspirated, turbo lag won’t leave you asking for more power in tight situations. 0-100 kmph or 0-60 mph comes up in 6.6 seconds with the top speed being rated at 250kmph.
E200, the drive for the elegant persona, is powered by the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder unit, producing 187 PS of maximum power and 300Nm of peak torque. 0-100 kmph comes in 8.5 seconds which 0.6 seconds slower than the outgoing E-Class. But that’s because there were no changes done to the engine in the outgoing version and 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB since larger as well as heavier, when compared to the car it replaces.
Both engines come with the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to the rear wheels.
Interiors (Where The Luxury Actually Matters)
While the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB’s biggest selling point is the segment-leading rear legroom, however, there is more to the car than just space. Sitting at the centre of the dashboard is S-Class derived 12.3-inch infotainment screen (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ) that can be operated via a nicely detailed touchpad and for entertainment, the Burmester 13-speaker sound system makes you feel its presence.
While the car is essentially meant to be a chauffeur-driven one, the driving comfort and ride quality at even the driver’s seat will make you feel at home. The steering has a new touchpad control for the multimedia and car settings which touch-sensitive, making the driver’s experience as better than ever in an E-Class.
There is a self-parking option, 360 surround aerial view cameras, driver assist and alert features, parking sensors at the front and back, 7 airbags, 64 set of shades for ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, and motorized sunblinds.
The company is also offering a host of customization option for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class along with various interior trim options like full-LED headlights, electrically adjustable rear seats, air-suspension (E350d only) and among several others.
Features We Miss
Although 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB is a nice car to own and drive around but considering the asking price, there should have been the following features that could have made the experience more pleasant.
Ventilated Seats: Even with one-third of the price, cars like Hyundai Elantra and Skoda Octavia has this feature.
No Rear Infotainment Controls: With the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB marketed as a chauffeur driven car, this feature should have been there.
Rear Cup Holders and Trays: Again, how will a luxury sedan owner enjoy his drink at the back?
Footrest: Considering the USP being the leg room, a nicely fitted footrest could have made the rear passenger’s experience more luxurious.
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