Mercedes-Benz launches new E-Class, locally assembled in Chakan

Mercedes has rolled out the locally-assembled E-Class from its factory in Chakan, Pune. The E-Class, Mercedes says has been its most successful model in India, having sold more than 23,000 units. The new E-Class has a choice of two engines – a 2.0-litre petrol (E 200 CGI) and 2.1-litre diesel (E 250 CDI). Mercedes has priced the petrol variant at Rs 41.50 lakh while the diesel is priced at Rs 44.48 lakh. There are also 100 limited edition units of the E 250 CDI available, priced at Rs 49.90 lakh. All the prices mentioned are ex-Delhi. For that money, you get chunkier tyres on the E 250 CDI and other small bits as compared to the regular variant. Mercedes has also done away with several trims and both the E200 and E250 come in fully-loaded Avantgarde trim.

Mercedes officials with the new E-Class at the Chakan plant

The E 250 CDI boasts of a 204PS 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel engine mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes claims a 0-100kmph time of 7.5 seconds. The E 200 CGI with a rated power output of 185PS covers the same distance in 7.9 seconds. Fuel efficiency as certified by Mercedes for the petrol is 13.8kmpl while for the diesel it is 17.25kmpl. The new E-Class will be up against the BMW, Audi and Jaguar.

Eberhard Kern, managing director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented on the launch of the new E-Class, "The new E-Class with its blend of stunning new design idiom, pioneering *Intelligence Assistance Systems*, exemplary safety and comfort features, luxurious appointments and best in class modern range of infotainment systems, creates a whole new benchmark in the luxury full-size segment. With more than 2000 parts and components used, the new E-Class undoubtedly is the 'Best E-Class ever' and reiterates Mercedes-Benz's prowess as the pioneers of technical innovations towards safety, design, performance and comfort. Its new emotive design reinforced with the *Intelligence Assistance Systems*, reaffirms the E-Class' position as the most sought after luxury sedan in its segment. The new E-Class is a completely high-tech package–and a very attractively packaged one at that."

Read our road test of the new E-Class here