Mercedes E200 Test Driven, Ready To Compete & Win

August 20, 2016

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There is no denying that, parked alongside the current segment competitors, the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and the Jaguar XF this all new 2016 Mercedes E-Class will still attract more attention. Why? Because it has a bold front grille, curvaceous lines and the 3-pointed star on the edge of the hood.

This E-Class is now the most technologically advanced car in the Mercedes Benz line-up. Clever new autonomous driving features enable the car to steer, brake, accelerate and even change lanes (certain models only) for itself in certain situations, while the interior looks as impressive as the cabin of the Mercedes S-Class. In spite of all the new technology, features and wizardry under the stylish suit, the E-Class is about 100kg lighter than its predecessor and its new body also cuts through the air easier, helping it to considerable efficiency gains and reduced cabin noise. On top of that, this E-Class is bigger than before, providing better interior space.

Living space?

Inside, rear space is among the most generous in the class, with decent leg and headroom. Up front the seats provide great support and comfort, while the upright dash does increase the feeling of spaciousness.

The interior is dominated by a large tablet like screen on its center console, which offers tablet-like viewing and connectivity to apps and almost everything else in between.

Look at its heft?

This new E-Class has bags of presence from the word go. Compared with its predecessor, its wheelbase length has grown by 65 millimetres (2939/2874), its overall length by 43 millimetres (4923/4880) and so this is a large vehicle that confidently stakes its claim on the tarmac. Significant exterior dimensions aside, the styling is bold and muscular which is an imposing combination shaped by the need for aerodynamic efficiency as the Mercedes stylists’ imagined.

What your money gets you?

From a value perspective this new E-Class, priced from RM395k it is hard to fault. This E200 comes with every type of bell and whistle that most buyers in this segment want from comfort seats – adjustable in every direction possible – to an arsenal of safety features and adjustable electronic drive dynamics for added excitement.

Driving it?

The 4-cylinder turbocharged engine in the E200 is a lively unit, well suited to the job in hand thanks to a blend of etiquette and muscle. The 7-speed gearbox can be set to a soothing ‘Eco’ mode where performance is reduced to the benefit of fuel consumption to a hyperactive ‘Sport’ mode that entertains the driver whilst sharpening all the sense of the car from suspension to steering and of course quicker power delivery. Around town and when moving sedately around inner city traffic this E-Class is an excellent companion. At the other end of the scale, the Sport mode sharpens things up nicely, working the engine further up the rev range, milking the power and holding gears for longer. Finding a long sweeping corner, keep Sport mode on and attack the corner with confidence and this E-Class will hold its line and even more surprising return a comfortable ride for its rear passengers. The chassis begs for more power and we are sure when we get behind the wheel of the AMG tuned version, the enjoyment will be far more entertaining.

Why the need to buy one?

Established rivals are offering great value today with attractive discounts and even more added equipment on the exterior to attract buyers, however they are all not brand new to the market segment like this E-Class. Being the newborn, this E-Class will be fresh and exciting for at least another 4 years before its given a nip and tuck and the rest will need to catch up in the beauty department with their own upcoming versions.