2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Launched

With over 23,000 units already sold, Mercedes-Benz has really banked on its E-Class in laying the foundations of what is today one of the country’s top luxury car makers. A special car for the company not just here in India, but in markets overseas, upgrading the E-Class meant changing over 2,000 components on the outgoing version, and what we have before us looks sensational to say the least.

There is nothing quite subtle about the design evolution of the E-Class, and this becomes evident right up front. The aggressively styled front bumper, a softer nose and that split headlamp design now dotted with daytime running LED lamps now adds further flair to this mainstream luxury sedan. For the first time E-Class buyers can opt for a grille with the Central Star design. At the rear, the LED tail lights with fibre optics integration are a significant improvement from the earlier version. Related: 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class First Drive

The interiors have been further refined. Nappa leather upholstery, a trapezoid-shaped high-gloss information display as part of its re-designed centre console, a panoramic sunroof and even a new multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles has made the revised E-Class cabin one to envy even amidst its core competitors. 

Overall safety standards have been raised a fair bit on the newer E-Class model offering a combination of 8 airbags, Brake Assist system, standard Pre Safe technologies, an Active Bonnet mechanism, Acceleration skid control (ASR) and Electronic Stability Program. The active parking assist feature however is significant new addition to the E-Class in 2013 and this will certainly improve the overall convenience factor, especially within city limits.

What does remain largely untouched on the new E is the standard 2.2 litre 4 cylinder diesel engine producing 204PS @4,200 rpm and 500Nm torque @ 1,600-1,800 rpm. A top speed of 242 km/h (acclaimed) and 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds means its 1,800 kg kerb weight isn’t exactly slowing it down. The E 200 CGI petrol has a displacement of 1991cc which generates 300 Nm of torque at 1200-4000 rpm and can go from 0-100 km/h in a mere 7.9 seconds. The rated output for the E-Class 200 CGI is 184PS @ 5500 rpm.

Underscoring the importance of the new E-Class in Mercedes-Benz India’s product portfolio, Mr. Eberhard Kern further elaborated, “The E-Class has been the most successful vehicle for Mercedes-Benz globally with more than 11 million units sold. 2013 is the year of offensive for Mercedes-Benz India and the launch of the new E-Class further reiterates our promise of bringing fascinating cars, presenting unparalleled luxury retail network, providing memorable brand experience and optimized cost of ownership, for the valued customers of the Three Pointed Star in India.”

The launch of the Mercedes-Benz E200 CGI model at a price of Rs 41.5 lakh and E250 CDI Rs 44.48 lakh should help the German car maker further improve its domestic sales and in doing so perhaps even provide the necessary boost for it to reclaim the No. 1 spot in India's burgeoning luxury car space.

Also Read: 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class : First Drive