Five things to expect in the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class L

The new generation E-Class has been on sale internationally for almost a year now. It is due for its Indian debut this year, but there is a slight twist in the tale. Mercedes-Benz along with the standard W213 E-Class will also introduce the long-wheel-base (V213) E-Class. This is the longer, more spacious version of the E is also exclusively sold in China in LHD form, where there is a huge demand for long wheelbase luxury models. Mercedes-Benz is upping the ante of the mid-size luxury sedan segment with the new E-Class L expecting volume sales since it will be the only car in its class available in LWB trim. Here are five things we could expect from it:

1. New-generation E-Class

The long-wheelbase guise of the new E-Class will replace the current E-Class sold in India right now. Based on the new W213 E-Class which was internationally launched in March last year, the E-Class L wears the same characteristic Mercedes-Benz family face. The roofline, however, slopes at a lesser angle than the standard E-Class, giving rear passengers more headroom and an easier ingress. It looks like a proper E-Class in appearance; design character includes short fro and aft overhangs, LED DRLs, “stardust’ finished tail lights, larger exhaust tip and an S-Class like stance.

2. First in Segment

The E-Class L will be the first model to be offered with an extended wheelbase outfit in the mid-size luxury sedan segment. None of its rivals has a long wheelbase version of their vehicles in the mid-size luxury sedan segment. Mercedes-Benz with its high level of localisation in India can afford to put a wager on the market with this car, engineering an LHD version from the Chinese spec to an RHD. The market demands for a mid-size luxury sedan with bigger legroom which rationalises such a move by Mercedes-Benz. 

3. Largest legroom

The E-Class L has an impressive 140mm longer wheelbase than the standard E-Class and it measures just over 5metres in length. This extra space has all gone into the rear passenger cabin for the customers longing for more legroom. And since these cars are mostly chauffeur driven, the room at the back is one of the primary demands amongst the Indian car buyers. So when Mercedes-Benz will provide the E-Class L, it will cater the demand for larger cabin space which translates to more luxury and comfort. 

4. Powertrain

The engine options to be offered in the E-Class L would include a 2.0-litre petrol making 245bhp as in the C-Class Cabriolet and CLC. The diesel variant will continue to be powered by the 3.0-litre 258bhp V6, whereas the base engines would be replaced with a newly developed 2.0-and 3.0-litre diesel engines. Expect the same nine-speed transmission sending power to the rear wheels instead of four as in the international spec. The E-Class L will also have all the driving aids from Mercedes-Benz. The Indian version E-Class L will lose out on the entire autonomous tech offered in the international spec car.

4. Features and Price

The new E-Class will come with all the bells and whistles expected from a mid-size luxury sedan. The S-Class inspired dashboard with two large 12.3-inch displays conjoined by a glass screen. There are essences from the bigger Maybach all around like the LED ambient lighting with 64 different colour options, multipurpose centre armrest, Artico finished upholstery, Burmester 3D surround sound system and Mercedes-Benz’s very own COMMAND infotainment system. Customers can even opt for a touchscreen tablet controller to handle infotainment, climate control and interior lighting functions. 

And as with the wheelbase, the price will stretch as well. So the new E-Class L would demand around Rs 10 -15 lakh premium over the standard E-Class pricing in India. This is fitting since the E-Class L will occupy an uncharted sedan space between the big Luxo-barge at the top and mid-size luxury sedan segment. This would make it a better proposition for a customer who’d usually opt an unwanted SUV in that price bracket because the Luxo-Barge proves to be an expensive proposition. It would also help the E-Class to distance itself from the similar looking C-Class as well.