Mercedes-Benz has introduced the new generation E-Class in India in the long wheel base version and has left its competitors looking outdated in comparison. The German manufacturer is upping the ante with the executive sedan-turned-limo in the mid-size luxury sedan segment with the new E-Class, expecting volume sales since it will be the only car in its class available in long wheel base variant. We have driven the new E-Class and you can find a link to our review here.
As far as the competition is concerned, the E-Class will now attract a wide array of customers. However, it still slots in the mid-size executive sedan segment, so here is competition check to see how it fairs with its usual adversaries.
The BMW 5 Series is also due for an update in India as the all-new 5 Series car has already debuted in international markets. It will make its way to India late this year. A long wheelbase 5 Series has also been spotted in China lately, and it is unsure whether BMW will bring in the new 5 Series LWB in India to rival the new E-Class. As for now, the E-Class clearly offers more space than the Beemer and is more expensive even.
The power outputs of the new E-Class is similar to one offered by BMW, but BMW offers two diesel engine option as compared to one in the Mercedes. The current-gen 5 Series looks a little outdated compared to the fresh E-Class. The cabin is modern and classy with a plush ride in E-Class thanks to air suspension, as compared to stiff and driving-focused BMW.
The updated A6 now comes with characteristic Matrix headlamps as standard. The new A6 is offered in one petrol and one diesel engine option similar to the new E-Class, however, the petrol engine in the A6 is smaller yet more powerful than the E-Class’ petrol unit. The oil burner in Audi is smaller at 2.0-litre compared to 3.0-litre offered in Mercedes-Benz. The prices of the A6 also undercuts the E-Class by a huge margin.
The A6 sends all the power to the front wheels only, while the E-Class is a rear wheel driven saloon. Audi will bring in the new A6 later this year as well, and will sport a revised design and engine options; the Virtual Cockpit will make its debut as well.
Moving on from the German trio to the British brute, the Jaguar XF just went on sale in India as a CKD unit. This makes the Jaguar a lot more affordable and better value for money compared to the E-Class. Also worth mentioning is the fact that the XF with its 5,067mm overall length is actually longer than the long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz by a whisker 4mm. But Mercedes’ wheelbase is longer and hence the cabin space is still the best in the class. The XF is powered by 2.0-litre petrol and diesel units, 237bhp and 177bhp respectively. The eight-speed automatic sends power to rear wheel similar to the nine-speed in the E-Class.
The Swedish entrant in the executive saloon is the striking S90. The flagship saloon from Volvo is near five meters in length as well and offer a spacious cabin in a premium package. Offered only in a single variant, the S90 is powered by a 2.0-litre four cylinder diesel engine making 187bhp and 400Nm. Being a Volvo, there is no shortage of the safety equipment and at a price tag of Rs 53.50 lakh (Delhi) it looks like a bargain as compared to the long wheel base E-Class. Yet the option of the petrol powerplant helps the E-Class’ proposition compared to the S90.