Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the updated E-Class range for 2019 and until the next model facelift. The new locally-assembled range now consists the E 200 Sportstyle Avantgarde, E 300 Exclusive Line and the E 350 AMG Line. Images you’ll see here of the range will mostly be on the new E 350.
It looks very similar. What is new?
Largely the new range is just an update that includes new engines and a little to the interior following the trim for the specific variants. All variants now come with Mercedes’ 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbochargers. However, the top spec E 350 AMG adds on a 48-volt belt-driven alternator which provides an additional 14 hp and 150 Nm of boost.
What is power like for the range?
The E 200 outputs 197 hp and 320 Nm of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm and is able to achieve the century sprint in 7.5-seconds; while the E 300 produces 258 hp and 370 Nm from 1,800 to 4,000 rpm and gets to a hundred in 6.2-seconds. Overall, both the E 200 and E 300 now has a higher power output than before, thanks to the new engine.
As for the E 350 as mentioned earlier, it produces 299 hp and 400 Nm of torque from 3,000 to 4,000 rpm, but is further assisted by the alternator with an additional 14 hp and 150 Nm of boost. From a standstill, the E 350 goes from zero to hundred in 5.9-seconds. All variants are mated to the nine-speed 9G Tronic automatic transmission.
What are the exterior differences between the variants?
Bumper styles between the E 200 and E 300 are similar in design, but the distinguisher is the grille. While the former comes with the big Mercedes-Benz tri-star on the grille in line with Avantgarde models, the latter is more elegant with the classic radiator grille and iconic star on the bonnet.
As for the top range E 350, the bumper style follows the current AMG Line and is unchanged.
The easiest way to tell the range apart is from the new rim styles. Both the E 350 and E 300 run on 19-inch units with the AMG 5-twin-spoke alloys on the highest car and a 10-spoke version on the E 300. The E 200 features an 18-inch 5-spoke light alloys.
What about the interior?
Each variant follows the specific trim, and most noticeably within the E 200, the light carbon-grain aluminium trim with the black open-pored ash wood at the centre console will stand out. The E 300 will have the brown high gloss wood trim with the high gloss brown ash trim at the centre console, and the E 350 comes with the distinct metal-weave trim with the piano black-lacquer look.
In line with the update, these vehicles also come with the brand’s latest steering wheel design with easy access and touch sensitive controls. As for the driver instrument cluster and infotainment system, the displays are the same widescreen unit that consist of two 12.3-inch displays.
Are there interesting features that highlight each variant?
E 200 and E 300’s come standard with Agility Control suspension and Dynamic Select drive modes. But the E 350 takes this a step further by introducing Dynamic Body Control suspension with adjustable damping for sporty or comfort depending on the route profile and driving style.
Extending to safety and assistance as standard is Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist and Active Parking Assist for all, but the E 300 and E 350 adds on Surround View Camera, Keyless Go and Hands Free Access amongst others.
But most exciting that comes with the E 350 is the Driving Assistance Package that has Adaptive Cruise Control and Active Lane Keep Assist which in practice would allow semi-autonomous driving control.
As for the multimedia system, all cars now get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a Wireless Charging System for mobile phones. As for exclusions, the E 200 doesn’t come with Comand online and Burmester surround sound system.
Is this new range more expensive?
Yes and no. The new range is very aggressively priced with the E 200 starting at RM 329,888 (just RM 1,000 more than before), E 300 at RM 379,888 and E 350 at RM 399,888 on the road without insurance. Considering the added equipment levels and price of under RM 400,000 for the E 350, we think this update is very well priced.
Are there financing options available?
Yes! Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has the E-ssential financing that starts from RM 3,998 and comes with a variety of packages. For a limited time, all Agility financing contract comes with 2 complimentary comprehensive service package. The campaign for this ends on the 30th April 2019. Best to call the closest dealership and arrange something if you’re interested!
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