Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The bestselling mid-size luxury sedan rolled on the Indian roads in the year 2000. Completely re-designed in 1996, the Mercedes Benz E-Class went on to become the highest selling imported luxury car in the US. A new generation E-Class took a bow in 2003 with electronic braking and a new set of engines. This series was introduced to the Indian market as well.

The new version is rigged out with three new engines: 3.0L V-6 diesels, 3.0L V-6 petrol, and 2.5L V-6 petrol. The E-Class is perfectly tuned for comfort and luxury. This luxury sedan is loaded with safety features such as airbags, soft stop, and brake drying devices.

It competes with the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6.

The E-Class variants receive three engines - 2.5L petrol, 3L petrol V-6 and a 3L diesel V-6. The E230 has a 2.5L V6 engine, which is equipped with a 201 bhp of power at 6,100 rpm and maximum torque of 245 Nm is produced between 5,500 rpm.

The E280 gets energy from electronically controlled petrol injected 3.0L V-6 that pumps out 228 bhp @ 6,300 rpm and a maximum torque of 282 Nm is derived at 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. The heady diesel variant E280 CDI is a low revving 3.0L V-6 that makes 196 bhp at 4,000 rpm and a peak torque of 456 Nm at 1,400 to 2,800 rpm.

Mercedes-Benz has set a benchmark in engine and structural technology. The Mercedes Benz E-Series gets a 7-speed automatic transmission as standard. The engines are quick and smooth.

The E-Class sedan has a smooth suspension that glides over uneven terrain due to the front four-link suspension with McPherson Struts, an anti-dive stabiliser, and gas dampers. The rear suspension assembly is a multi-link independent suspension that gives good stability to this rear-wheel-drive sedan.

The E-Class sedan has a poised fascia with two oval-shaped headlights, which are followed by a bold crease on the hood. Its profile moves in fluid motion towards a low, swept-back front end. It is embellished with a pointed hood and bumper. The tyres look glued due to the cars planted ground clearance. Halogen front fog lamps nestle in the front apron. A single red rear fog lamp integrates into the left taillamp cluster. The E-Class has a sleek-elegant contour with a tear-drop swooping rear roof. The body-coloured sculpted side skirts, front bumper, and rear apron give the car a look that is timeless and classic.

The E-Class's cabin epitomises understated luxury. The E280 sedan has a leather-trimmed steering wheel, leather seating inserts, Burl Walnut wood interior trim, a dual-zone climate control, and a 9-speaker audio system with automatic speed-sensitive volume. The backseat offers comfortable seating for three adults. However, tall passengers may fall short of thigh room and leg room.

The E-Class is equipped with all the standard features that are required such as central locking, anti-lock braking system, engine immobilizer, airbags in various areas, remote keyless entry, child-safety door locks, seatbelts, collapsible steering, and well-placed crumple zones.