What else can you buy for the price of a new Mercedes E-Class?

The new Mercedes E-Class has arrived and in style. That is because, just like the S-Class, even the E will now be offered only with the long wheelbase. With the added metal, there is much more tech that goes underneath and hence the new E does sit a bit higher as compared to the older car. While it does sound a bit pricey, when you go check the new E out, you wouldn’t need someone to convince you. But then, for the money that you would be spending, there are a bunch of options from the different strata of the automotive market waiting for you to have a look at them. We have driven the car and you can find a link to our review here.

The new E comes in two trims – the 200 petrol and the 350d diesel. The petrol comes in at Rs 56.15 lakh, ex-showroom, Mumbai while the 350d carries Rs 69.40 lakh price tag. To start with, you have to have a look at the new Volvo S90. While the sales and service reach is still nascent, the S90 as a product is very good. It is long, spacious, dynamic and safe and will stand out from the Germans. It will certainly be more economical to run than both the E trims and for Rs 54 lakh price tag, costs less as well to start with.

If exclusivity is your thing, then you can consider the Jaguars and Land Rovers as well. The Jaguar XF top-spec diesel will put you back by Rs 60.5 lakh and for the record, the XF is 4mm longer than the new E. But then, the cabin space and the creature comforts in the E are much more than the Jaguar. The XF also handles better and if you like driving, it is the better driving car of the lot. At Rs 68.4 lakh, just a couple of lakh more than the new E, you will get the F-Pace. You get an SUV and exclusivity but it will be an entry-level trim. Finally from the Land Rover stable, you have the Evoque or the Discovery Sport at around Rs 64 lakh. While the Evoque is the epitome of style, the Disco Sport will seat seven if you want to. And then, you need not worry if you run out of road on your holidays.

Coming to mainstream, the BMW 5 series is a direct rival of the Mercedes E-Class. But then the new E-Class almost outclasses the BMW in every aspect. The E350d is almost as powerful as the 530d and with the long wheelbase offers much more than the Beemer, except for the price tag of the BMW 530d M Sport which is Rs 62 lakh. On the other hand, the top-spec BMW X3 30d M Sport is an SUV with four-wheel drive and is better suited for the Indian roads if travelling across the country would be a part of your driving.

Amongst SUVs, even the top-spec Audi Q5 at Rs 55.44 lakh is cheaper then new E petrol and comes in with all the bells and whistles. But then the Q5 is due for an update which will arrive in 2017 itself. In case your monthly running is shy of 1000kms a month, a petrol SUV is also on the cards and that is where the Mercedes GLE petrol and the BMW X5 petrol come in.

And then you also have some unique propositions for the money you would want to spend on the new E. First up, you have the Ford Mustang – pure American muscle with a 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine and its classic lines. It just seats two and if you wanted a performance car that can seat four, you have the Audi S5. Another interesting option is the Mercedes C300 Cabriolet. The drop-top Mercedes grand tourer will ensure you always arrive in style no matter where you are.