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Market and Model
Prices start at around £39,000, there's a £2,330 premium if you want the estate variant and the core trim options lie with base 'Sport', then various levels of 'AMG Line'-spec. Across the range, the standard specification is as complete as you'd have a right to expect for the prices being asked. All models feature a centre-dash 10.25-inch display, Parktronic parking sensors with a reversing camera and a Park Pilot self-parking system. There's also leather upholstery with heated front seats, LED headlights and taillights, 64-colour selectable LED interior lighting, two-zone automatic climate control, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with dual touchpads, electrically folding mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The 'AMG Line' models come with AMG exterior styling including unique bumpers and side skirts, larger 19-inch alloy wheels, perforated front brake discs, a three-spoke AMG steering wheel and Artico leather and Dynamica microfiber upholstery with a seat comfort package. The E400d model comes with Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension as standard, as well as COMAND satellite navigation with 12.3-inch display and remote online services.
Safety-wise, a whole range of next-generation camera systems have now been introduced, including Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adjustment, Active Stop-and-Go Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Brake Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist - now also with an exit warning feature.
Cost of Ownership
For a car that performs as broad a remit as the E-Class, encompassing everything from German domestic market taxi fleets to family transport, company cars and all points in between, there's a pressing requirement for the car to turn in some great efficiency measures. To that end, Mercedes has worked hard to improve running costs this time round, which are aided by the increased emphasis on electrification across the range. Let's look at the WLTP-rated figures, giving you the saloon stats. The E200 petrol manages up to 38.7mpg on the combined cycle and 165g/km of CO2. For the E450 4MATIC, the stats are 31.4mpg and 204g/km. The E300e petrol plug-in manages up to 176.6mpg and 37g/km of CO2.
And the diesels? Well the efficient 2.0-litre biturbo diesel engine in the volume E220d model manages up to 53.3mpg on the combined cycle and up to 139g/km of CO2. If you go for the six cylinder E400d diesel, the saloon version of that variant manages up to 42.2mpg and up to 176g/km - not bad for a 4WD high performance diesel full-sized executive model. The Plug-in diesel variant will really help your tax return; the E300 de offers a combined cycle fuel reading of 235.4mpg and an official CO2 reading of just 33g/km.
Summary
This enhanced version of the 'W213'-series Mercedes E-Class puts in an impressive performance. Beforehand it felt like quite an expensive car. Now it feels like one that's pricey but which offers a compelling value proposition. It drives with genuine polish, yet is capable of stepping from cruiser to carouser without breaking a sweat. Operating the car is relatively easy and you rarely feel as if it's imposing its will on you, unlike certain rivals we could mention. The abiding impression is that this is a very carefully considered vehicle, developed by a company steeped in a proud engineering tradition.
The latest changes future-proof this E-Class a little further against the constant assault from its key rivals. Perhaps the most interesting thing about this improved tenth generation model though, is the fact that its appeal has broadened so far. It was once hard to see anybody under the age of fifty contemplating an E-Class. A more dynamic image and a focus on sharper design and driving dynamics has seen that demographic become younger. What's more, all this has been achieved without diluting this design's Stuttgart DNA - and without alienating its legacy market. That is the mark of a very special car.
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#MercedesEClass2021 #ExecutiveCar #CarReview
12 окт 2021
