Rumour: Next-gen Mercedes E-Class to get LWB variant in India

The new-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class is expected to be launched in India in the next couple of months. A media report claims that Mercedes will be introducing the E-Class in its long wheelbase (LWB) guise. This will be the first time that the E-Class LWB (V213) will be launched in the country.

It is also being reported that Mercedes won't launch the standard new-gen E-Class (W213) in India. The automaker believes that selling both variants (W213 and V213) in the Indian market will fragment the car's sales, which won't be financially viable for the company. Currently, the LWB E-Class (V213) is sold in the Chinese market. But since it is a left-hand drive country, Mercedes won't be able to source cars for the Indian market from China. As a result, the automaker will be making a huge investment to develop right hand drive models of the E-Class LWB for India.

The LWB E-Class has a length of 5,063 mm, which is 140 mm more than that of the standard model. This increase in length translates to a better rear legroom. The car will also come with various add-on features, including a touchscreen tablet to control the car's infotainment system, climate control and interior lighting. Through this long wheelbase model, Mercedes is aiming to attract Indian customers who are looking for a chauffeur-driven mid-size luxury car.

The E-Class LWB will obviously be considerably expensive than the standard model range currently on sale. However, since it will be the only long wheelbase model in its segment, Mercedes is confident of justifying the higher price tag and roping in sufficient sales numbers.

Source: Autocar India