2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class : Old vs New

Mercedes-Benz has wowed everyone with the launch of the new E-Class. It comes less than four years after the previous model was launched in India and boasts of many segment first features. We have compared the E-Class with its rivals, but how much better is it compared to the model it replaces?

Design

The angular design of the older model has made way for a more rounded one. The E-Class is now in sync with the new design philosophy adopted by the company when the new S-Class was showcased way back in 2013.

The curvy design is found inside too - the use of large digital screens and new COMAND interface means fewer buttons on the centre-console. The new design also reduces the clutter inside - making the E-Class feel more luxurious than before.

Dimensions

Overall, the new E-Class is 184mm longer, 6mm wider and 20mm taller than the older model. The wheelbase is a whopping 205mm longer than before, freeing up a lot of space for what could be one of the best cars to be chauffeured in, in its class. The longer wheelbase has also resulted in the turning radius increasing by 0.7 metres, making manoeuvring the car in tight spaces more difficult.

Petrol Engine and Transmission

While the petrol engine remains the same in terms of displacement, maximum power and peak torque, the E-Class is now equipped with a 9-speed transmission. The older model was offered with a 7-speed unit. There is an increase in weight (Mercedes-Benz has not revealed how much). As a result, the 0-100kmph acceleration time has increased by 0.6 seconds and now stands at 8.5 seconds.

Diesel Engine and Transmission

Mercedes-Benz is not offering the E250 CDI variant, powered by the 2.1-litre, in-line 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel motor in the new E-Class. Instead, it has decided to carry over the E350 CDI variant which continues to be powered by a V6 turbocharged engine. Power and torque figures remain the same and the transmission is a new 9-speed automatic. Surprisingly, the increase in weight (from 1915 kg to 1940 kg, a difference of 25kg) has not resulted in an increase in the claimed 0-100kmph acceleration times which stands at 6.6 seconds.

Variant wise comparison

2017 E200 Avantgarde vs 2016 E200 Avantgarde

Price: Rs. 56.15 lakh, increase of 3.09 lakh

Features gained: 12.3-inch multimedia screen as compared to the 8-inch unit before, 64-colour ambient lighting, steering mounted touchpad, dynamic select function, touchpad controller for COMAND system, memory function for rear seats, reclining rear seats with adjustable headrests, chauffeur package (pushes forward front passenger seat for extra rear passenger space), 3-zone climate control (2-zone earlier), keyless entry-and-go, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, 9-speed automatic transmission (7-speed earlier), air suspension, illuminated rear door sill.

Features missed: Parking assist, front seat memory function, 7 airbags instead of 8 earlier, thinner tyres (225mm section as compared 245mm section earlier)

2017 E350 d Avantgarde vs 2016 E350 CDI Avantgarde

Price: Rs. 69.47 lakh, increase of 4.42 lakh

Features gained: 12.3-inch multimedia screen as compared to 8-inch unit before, 64-colour ambient lighting, steering mounted touchpad, dynamic select function, touchpad controller for COMAND system, memory function for rear seats, reclining rear seats with adjustable headrests, chauffeur package (pushes forward front passenger seat for extra rear passenger space), 3-zone climate control (2-zone earlier), keyless entry-and-go, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, 9-speed automatic transmission (7-speed earlier), air suspension, 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system (previous version had 14-speaker Harman Kardon Logic 7 system), illuminated front and rear door sill.

Features missed: 7 airbags instead of 8 earlier, thinner tyres (225mm section as compared 245mm section earlier)

All prices are ex-showroom Mumbai

The new E-Class is now certainly a better deal than before; the E350 d is more so. But there are at least five features that should have made it to the new E-Class. Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the older E-Class line is no longer in production, the E Cabriolet and E63 AMG models are not being imported too. The new E63 AMG and E43 AMG have been revealed for international markets, it is not certain when they will be launched in India though.