LWB First Look Review, Features and Space

The E-Class is the best selling Mercedes-Benz in India and has been for quite some time now, and it is also their first model which was launched way back in 1994! The E-Class in its current guise was a huge success as it came in a long wheelbase which others followed suit. Now Mercedes-Benz has launched the new generation model which is even longer, has more technology and space. Here is our first look.

First up is the styling, because here the E-Class looks familiar at first glance, but there are changes. To us, it now looks more elegant and has a more flowing stance, with the rear door not looking too long. It is now longer though, at 5092mm, which is 14mm more, while the wheelbase has been stretched by 15mm to 3094mm. The front gets new headlights and a large new logo, along with a triple-pattern grille similar to other Mercs. Then you look at the new S-Class-style flush door handles and new 3D taillights. It now looks every bit as big as an S-Class and has plenty of presence.

But the real work is inside. Open the larger doors and the cabin is a tech-fest with lots of screens. While this may seem intimidating, it does appeal to the tech-savvy! There’s now a 12.3-inch passenger touchscreen along with a 14.4-inch touchscreen. Quality is what you’d expect from a Mercedes, but there’s now a bigger wow factor. That said, the touchscreen is now home to more controls, as is the case these days. The touchscreen has a beautiful display and the quality is top notch.

However, some functions are now in a touchscreen, including climate control, which is a pain! The same goes for the haptic feedback steering wheel buttons. However, you can customize the car yourself and also use the voice assistant. That brings us to the technology on offer, which is huge. There is AI on board and each passenger can customize the car to their preferences. AI learns about your car usage and pushes the icons you use regularly at the top or even learns how you adjust the car’s functions. There are separate driver profiles and much more personalization!

Then there’s a selfie camera and you can hold meetings too! On-board apps, streaming and whatnot means the E-Class is now a mobile meeting room. The Bade Saheb however will be sitting in the back and here it is luxurious. There’s ample legroom to lounge around and there are more gadgets. Electric thigh support, sunshades and a wireless charger to name a few. Then there’s separate dual-zone climate control in the back, plush cushions and a 17-speaker 4D Burmester sound system to listen to with speakers in the seats!

The new E-Class always has ambient lighting, but there’s now active ambient lighting that also warns you when a car is approaching and you’re about to get out. And while we’re on the subject, the E-Class also has soft-close doors. Engine options include four-cylinder petrol and diesel with a 48V mild hybrid technology offered with a nine-speed automatic.

With all this technology, you can expect the prices to go up. We can expect the prices to be around Rs 80-83 lakh. That is more expensive, but justified considering the increased luxury offered.