[khan_sultan]

The 2013 Mercedes E-Class Facelift has been launched in India at a price of between 41.50 - 44.48 lakhs (ex-Delhi).

Since the E-Class has already been reviewed by Team-BHP, this report will only focus on the changes to the 2013 model. For easy reference, here are direct links to the complete review:

Mercedes E-Class Review

Exterior Design & Build Quality

Interior design, space, practicality & features

Engine, Ride, Handling & Braking

Other Pertinent Points

[khan_sultan]

The executive-luxury car segment is a ruthless one, with continuous improvements & innovations being the only way forward. This is also the most profitable for manufacturers and the German trio have traditionally gone all out in this fight, usually setting the benchmarks.

The E-class - Merc's most profitable production line globally - has been in India since the mid-90s. The current generation E-Class was launched in 2009 and was due for a mid-term makeover, before an all-new generation comes around.

The E-class has been the car of choice for corporate CEOs and old moneyed business folk, but BMW & Audi have been perceived as being more fresh and young at heart. The E-Class may not have the 'fun to drive' or 'on the edge' image, and that's exactly what Merc's new design direction wants to rectify. Going forward, the brand wants to appeal to a younger, more diverse customer profile.

[khan_sultan]

Majority of the changes to the refreshed E-Class are on the outside. Merc says some 2,000 parts are new on the facelifted E-Class.

The 'in your face' styling at the front is a clear indication of the design direction Mercedes has taken. Gone are the 'quad headlights' that started with the W201 series. You now have a single headlight on either side, still giving the quad look through 2 LEDs on either side. Notice the sharp turn indicators on the ORVMs & the piano black finish panoramic roof (only available on the launch edition):


Rear quarter panel loses the 'Ponton inspired' sculpting (good riddance, I say). Mercedes claims a drag coefficient of 0.25, making the E-Class the most aerodynamic production saloon from this segment:


The rear looks more conservative compared to the front. The boot tapers outward, towards the center. Redesigned tail lamps use fibre optics as the main rear lights, & LEDs for the brake lights. The chrome tipped twin exhaust pipes look good:


Both, the low beam headlamps and daytime running lamps, are fitted with LEDs. Mercedes calls this the Intelligent Light System and features something called the Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus. This allows drivers to switch on their high beams permanently, without blinding oncoming traffic. It adjusts the light distribution automatically, once lights from oncoming traffic are detected. The system also detects potential high beam back-glare from reflective road signs and dims the headlights accordingly:


Classy: Mercedes-Benz lettering at the edge of the DRLs:


Note the absence of headlamp washers & fog lamps. Mercedes says that, with the intelligent LED light system, these are no longer required:


This E-Class is the first to sport the STAR on the grill. The illuminated Star is a dealer accessory. It gets illuminated ONLY when the car isn't in motion:


Launch edition's 18" alloy wheels, much sportier than before. However, regular variants wear 17 inchers. In my view, 17" wheels are better suited to Indian road conditions. The low profile tyres of the 18" rims affect ride quality. The launch edition gets 265/35 rubber at the rear & 245/40 at the front:


Nice looking Mercedes branding on the brake calipers. Again, available only on the launch edition:


Space saver spare:

[khan_sultan]

What's new on the Inside?

There aren't many changes to the interiors.

Available in beige/brown & all-black options (I preferred the black interior):


You get a panoramic sunroof with the front half being open-able. In pleasant weather, the roof imparts a nice, airy feeling:


Superb steering wheel is a pleasure to hold and use. I found the steering to be super light when parking. Notice the paddle shifters:


Sporty instrument cluster:


Typical Mercedes pedals & foot operated parking brake (i.e. handbrake):


Center console & buttons are similar to the outgoing model, with the COMAND having 2 more buttons. Capability to surf the internet, access Mercedes Benz apps, the user manual etc. Many of the COMAND features can be activated only when the car is stationary. Analog style clock looks nice:


COMAND control panel. There is a glovebox + USB Port under the armrest:


You can install Mercedes Benz Apps on your phone & access them using COMAND:


Rear view camera (only on the Launch Edition):


The rear gets its own climate control system. A neat touch is the soft light under the front seat:


The rear bench continues to be the best-in-class with the widest shoulder room available for the Sethji / CEO. The only fly in the ointment is the HUGE transmission tunnel which makes a 3rd passenger unwelcome:


Mood lighting illuminates the doors and front dash panel:


A small LED source under the IRVM throws light on the center console - über cool. See the "Eco" Start / Stop button? The engine is automatically switched off whenever the vehicle is at a standstill (to reduce fuel consumption & emissions):

[khan_sultan]

The E250 CDI's 2143cc diesel mill generates 204 BHP & 500 Nm of torque. Only 2 engine options (one each in petrol & diesel) as of now. The more powerful 6-cylinders will surely arrive soon. Not that the E250 CDI is lacking in power. 0-100 is dispatched in 7.5 seconds, faster than the 7.9 seconds taken by the petrol. Of course, the 6-cylinder motors offer a different level of refinement & top-end performance.

The 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission is a significant improvement over the outgoing unit. When driving with a light foot, you'll find the gear shifts to be smooth, resulting in a relaxed drive (for the bossman at the rear). However, try pushing the car and that is when you find the auto-box to be a tad slow to respond. It doesn't downshift immediately, and you are left waiting for the box to shift down. Engage 'S' mode and the automatic transforms itself. The gears shift up at a higher RPM, downshifts are quicker and the experience is a lot more involving.

For its size, the E-Class is quite chuckable and you don't realize the sheer size of the car.

[khan_sultan]

Mercedes has brought in the first batch of the 2013 250 CDIs as CBUs, these are called the 'Launch Editions'. Priced = Rs. 49.50 Lakhs (ex-Delhi). The extra 5 lakhs gets you:

- 18" Wheels with 265/35 profile rubber (rear) and 245/40 (front)
- Larger perforated front brake disks with Mercedes lettering on the calipers
- Panoramic sunroof
- Nappa Leather seats
- Dark Aluminium Trim
- Reverse Camera
- COMAND online, with remote

Disclaimer : Mercedes invited Team-BHP for this event. They covered all the travel expenses.

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Indian Car Scene. Thanks for sharing!

[avira_tk]

I like the new shape of the E, the seat design is a throwback to the W124, the car that gave Benz its legendary reputation for build quality. The display is a big improvement over the current car, looks like they have taken care of the casio calculator comment by GTO.

PS Light colours, especially the silver above is absolutely awful on the car, however darker shades that hide the lower lip have a better overall look.

[SmartCat]

Apparently, the old hydraulic steering has been replaced by an electric one in the facelift. Have they made any changes to the suspension etc to affect the ride/handling?

[Jaggu]

Thanks for sharing, crisp top up review. I really like the front end change, gives it a more contemporary look up front and closer to competitions (BMW, AUDI) theme. Beige interior somehow looks odd and a level low on finish even in pictures.

So how was the drive, is it sporty or more tuned towards comfort?

[sanjeev.d]

Sounds like the E-Class is definitely going to give the competition a run for their money with this new upgrade. The mood lighting and the analog is a nice touch which really speaks of luxury. But the favorite of mine would be the newly designed head lamp. The design manages to say both class and aggression which is what you would want your luxury sedan to say! Thumbs up to Merc for this upgrade!

[9thsphinx]

Clean and precise review.

Any news on the outgoing model? Will Mercedes sell that along with the new one or will it be phased out? I prefer the outgoing model over this one in terms of design, and it would be interesting if Mercedes comes up with value-offers/discount deals just how BMW did for the outgoing 5'er.

[Sahil]

Shouldn't this be in the official review section?

Great pictures. The E has grown into quite a looker, it will be a welcome change on our roads as it captures the market that is ruled by the 5 series.

MBIL seems to have set this CBU "Launch Edition" strategy for all their models. We saw it with the M and GL class launches too. Smart way to encash on the eager buyers.

[GTO]

The face-lifted E-Class starts rolling off the Chakan Assembly Line from today.

[khan_sultan]

Originally Posted by avira_tk

I like the new shape of the E, the seat design is a throwback to the W124, the car that gave Benz its legendary reputation for build quality.
========
PS Light colours, especially the silver above is absolutely awful on the car, however darker shades that hide the lower lip have a better overall look.

Actually, the car looks much better in person than in pictures. And yes, the rear seat is really comfy for relaxing on highways with your chauffeur driving.

Originally Posted by smartcat

Apparently, the old hydraulic steering has been replaced by an electric one in the facelift. Have they made any changes to the suspension etc to affect the ride/handling?

Yes, there are changes to the steering done and suspension too has adaptive damping depending on load + road conditions.

Originally Posted by Jaggu

... .So how was the drive, is it sporty or more tuned towards comfort?

The ride & handling was more tuned towards comfort mode.

Originally Posted by sanjeev.d

Sounds like the E-Class is definitely going to give the competition a run for their money with this new upgrade. ..!

Yes, Merc has bet a lot on this model and looks like the new E could become the king of the hill once again.

Originally Posted by 9thsphinx

...Any news on the outgoing model? Will Mercedes sell that along with the new one or will it be phased out? I prefer the outgoing model over this one in terms of design, and it would be interesting if Mercedes comes up with value-offers/discount deals just how BMW did for the outgoing 5'er.

The previous model is no longer being assembled. Only stocks with dealers will be discounted, so one can except some good discount on those.

Originally Posted by Sahil

..MBIL seems to have set this CBU "Launch Edition" strategy for all their models. We saw it with the M and GL class launches too. Smart way to encash on the eager buyers.

Yes, good strategy to encash the early demand + it also allows them to bring the new launches to India much quicker after their global launches, while the infrastructure for local assembly is put in place.