This latest E-Class arrives over here in MHEV E200 Avantgarde and PHEV E350 e AMG Line guises.
Nearly a year since it first made its international debut, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has finally debuted locally the latest W214-generation of its E-Class. To be assembled right here in its Pekan plant from the start, this new executive saloon from the three-pointed star marque will initially be arriving in mild-hybrid E200 Avantgarde and plug-in hybrid E350 e AMG Line guises.
And while having already mentioned its local assembly, it would be remissed not to promptly follow up with the prices of these new executive Benzes. The mild-hybrid E200 Avantgarde and plug-in hybrid E350 e AMG Line are currently on sale right now for RM 355,888 and RM 418,888 respectively, which incidentally puts both of them right smack in the same pricing region of BMW’s similarly-new-to-Malaysia G20-iteration of purely-petrol 520i and fully-electric (as well as fully-imported) i5 eDrive40.
Now at first glance, this latest iteration E-Class does largely adopt a similar silhouette to its predecessor. It nevertheless distinguishes itself from what came before though having gained a slight increase in length (of nearly 30 mm) in its wheelbase, as well as a, in the kindest possible terms, interesting new design touches on its front and rear end.
To further elaborate here, the usual blinged-out front grille has this time round been further given unnecessary visual prominence through the addition of an EQ-aping black mask panel right behind it. Mercedes-Benz has decided to go down the gimmicky route with its new tail light signature as well, for which it says incorporates the three-pointed-star motif, but also does really look rather similar to Reebok’s Delta-style logo.
In any case, the E200 arrives in Malaysia equipped with standard LED headlamps, while the E350 e adds-on upgraded DIGITAL LIGHT projectors and Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus technology. The AMG Line-equipped PHEV Benz further nets a more aggressive front bumper, deeper side skirts with chrome inserts and a rear diffuser over its lesser MHEV Avantgarde trim counterpart.
Rolling stock on the E200 are 19-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, whereas the E350 e rides on larger 20-inch AMG items to ‘further highlight its athletic stance’. The higher-end executive sedan is the only one to net a panoramic sunroof, though both Benzes do feature illuminated flush-fitting pop-out door handles down its flank.
Moving on within meanwhile, the big news with this new E-Class is the MBUX Superscreen display found on the E350 e. This dashboard-spanning tri-screen infotainment setup consists of a central 14.4-inch display and a dedicated 12.3-inch front passenger screen, as well as a 3D fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster that Mercedes-Benz claim ‘allows spatial scene perception with a real depth effect’.
Other key tech highlights Mercedes-Benz wishes to tout with their new infotainment system is that its Hey Mercedes voice assistant is intelligent enough to now be activated without a keyword, while the vehicle itself is also now able to learn the driver’s habits and suggest the automation of certain functions, as part of its new AI-powered Routines feature. There’s also a new digital key that works with iPhones and Apple Watches too through ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, as well as an app store with a wild selection of third-party apps like Angry Birds and TikTok.
Though where the tech really gets a bit too OTT on this higher-end variant is the inclusion of a new selfie and video camera atop its dashboard, which according to Mercedes-Benz, enables the driver to engage in video conferencing through apps like Webex and Zoom. To prevent driver distraction however, image transmission is deactivated when on the move.
Rounding up the interior appointments within these E-Classes are ARTICO man-made leather seats on the E200, whereas the E350 e gains the real cow hide with intricate longitudinal fluting. Exclusive to the higher-end trim are also climatised front seats with three-stage ventilation and heating, a split-spoke steering wheel, alloy pedals, and a 21-speaker, 730-watt Burmester 4D surround sound system, complete with front seat backrest inducers for the full surround auditory experience.
Finally onto the topic of what lies under the hood, both variants of the E-Class available locally are to feature a M254 turbocharged four-cylinder that pumps out 204 PS and 320 Nm of torque through to its rear wheels via a 9-speed 9G-tronic automatic transmission. Where it expectedly differs though is while the E200’s 48 V mild-hybrid system to only offer an additional 17 kW of power and up to 205 Nm of torque boost for a bit more grunt when one puts the pedal to the metal, the E350 e’s much more substantial PHEV powertrain brings to the proceedings an additional 129 PS and 440 Nm of electrified torque, for a combined output of 313 PS and 550 Nm of torque.
But perhaps more impressive than the E350 e’s 6.4 second 0-100 km/h time is perhaps that this PHEV Benz can manage up to 118 km of all-electric driving range, according to the WLTP testing regiment that is. What more too is that this this plug-in E-Class is the first PHEV in Malaysia that support DC fast charging, with its 55 kW max power input capable of taking its 25.4 kWh battery from 10 to 80% charge in around 20 minutes.
Mercedes-Benz is currently offering the new E-Class with Driver Assistance Plus package as standard, enabling Level 2 semi-autonomous driving across the range. The three-pointed star marque is also offering an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty alongside its usual four-year/unlimited milage warranty, for peace of mind ownership.
