2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class review – W214 E200, E350e tested ahead of Malaysian launch

It’s been over a year since the W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was revealed to the world, but the sixth-generation executive sedan is finally coming to Malaysia, with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) hinting that the car is “coming soon.” Ahead of the local launch, the company sent our man Hafriz Shah to Vienna, Austria to drive the new model in both mild and plug-in hybrid forms.

As the successor to the hugely popular W213 model, the new W214 gets a significant redesign (including some garish Three-pointed Star taillights) and a completely revamped interior. The latter introduces the MBUX Superscreen, which consists of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen and a second 12.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. There’s even a “webcam” on the top of the dashboard that can be used for video conferencing services such as Zoom and Webex.

Globally, the W214 will be offered with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, all of which feature some form of electrification. For the first time, Malaysia will have a fully electrified E-Class line-up, starting with the mild hybrid E200, which uses a 204 PS/320 Nm 2.0-litre M254 turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated to a 23 PS/220 Nm electric motor.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Limousine (BR 214), 2023

Returning to the line-up is the E350e plug-in hybrid (E300e in other markets), which ups the electric motor to 129 PS and 440 Nm of torque, giving a total system output of 313 PS and 550 Nm. A 25.4 kWh battery pack delivers an all-electric range of between 97 and 115 km (60-71 miles) on a single charge.

With the W214 now taking on the equally new G60 BMW 5 Series in Malaysia, has Mercedes gone far enough to breathe new life into perhaps its most important model? And does the car have enough substance to offset the slightly vain Tristar-heavy design? Check out Hafriz’s review below.