The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class (known internally as the W214) has been introduced to Malaysia.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the all-new E-Class, which got its global debut in April of last year. In a relatively uncommon move, the new E-class generation will be sold in Malaysia as a locally-assembled model from introduction, where the usual play is to bring in a few fully-imported models to get the ball rolling before local production begins.
The two variants introduced at launch were the E200 Avantgarde mild hybrid and the E350e AMG Line plug-in hybrid priced at RM355,888 and RM418,888 respectively (on-the-road without insurance, with sales tax, Peninsular Malaysia). Before we dive into the differences between these two variants, let’s briefly run through what’s new with this new generation of E-Class.
Dimensionally, the wheelbase is 2 centimeters longer in this generation with an overall length of 4,949mm. Its width is 1,880mm and its height is 1,480mm and this model sits on the MRA2 platform which also underpins the latest S-Class, C-Class, GLC and CLE models. Exterior design features of the new E-Class include a flowing C-pillar, powerdomes on the bonnet, a wide track, flush-fitted wheels, flush door handles, discreet chrome trim, and an EQ-inspired black panel-like surface between the radiator grille and the headlamps in high-gloss black. This E-Class also marks the return of the twin headlight motif that was phased out with the W212 E-Class. Neither of the variants will be offered with the three-pointed star hood ornament as the Avantgarde and AMG Line grilles incorporate the star into the grille itself for a more sporty and modern look. Now let’s look at the two variants of the E-Class in Malaysia more closely.
Mercedes-Benz E200 Avantgarde
The E200 is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with a small electric motor (17kW, 205Nm of torque) that helps improve efficiency and responsiveness.
This engine sends power to the rear wheels via a 9G TRONIC automatic transmission. It has a rated output of 204 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 320Nm of torque between 1,600rpm and 4,000rpm and can go from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds with a maximum speed of 240km/h.
This variant comes with AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system and lowering, 19″ multi-spoke light alloy wheels, LED High Performance headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, illuminated door sill panels with Mercedes-Benz lettering, and Ambient Lighting with logo projection.
Inside, you’ll find a 12.3″ driver display and a 14.4″ central display. There’s a Driver Monitoring Camera, wireless charging pad in front, a 5G module for Mercedes me connected services, MBUX augmented reality for navigation, Parktronic and a 360-degree camera, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard sound system on the E200 feautres a 125 watt, 5 channel amplifier and 7 speakers.
Mercedes-Benz E350e AMG Line
The E350e also has an electrified 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo and a 9G TRONIC auto sending power to the rear wheels but the difference here is in the more substantial electric motor and relatively large battery pack that can be manually charged up for usable electric-only drives.
Here the petrol engine also puts out 204hp and 320Nm of torque but the electric motor is good for 95kW and 440Nm of torque leading to a total system output of 313 horsepower and 550Nm of torque. 0-100km/h is done in just 6.4 seconds but top speed is capped at 236km/h.
This may be down to the car’s 2.2 tonne weight. On the plus side, the E350e can deliver between 100-118km of pure electric range when the 25.4kWh battery is fully charged AND this is the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to feature DC Fast Charging capability. 55kW DC charging can recover 100% of battery power in about 30 minutes.
The E350e has larger brake discs in front and customers will get a charging cable for domestic sockets. Besides the equipment found on the base model, you get the AMG Line body kit, a panoramic sliding sunroof, Digital Light, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and 20″ AMG Multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Inside, the AMG Line and leather packages elevate the overall material and design. Nappa leather wraps the sports steering wheel, and nappa-like Artico man-made leather wrap much of the touchpoints and you get open-pore black ash wood trim.
Besides that you’ll also find active ambient lighting, climatized front seats with memory function and 4-way lumbar support. There’s also a Digital Vehicle Key as well as a keyless-go package which gives you hands-free access to the powered boot.
There’s also an acoustic comfort package and a sun protection package that fits roller sunblinds in the rear doors and an electric sunblind at the rear window. Thermatic auto climate control is also present on this spec.
The highlight of the cabin is the MBUX Superscreen combines a 12.3″ front passenger display, a 12.3″ 3D driver’s display and a 14.4″ Central Display. Unlike the Hyperscreen, these panels do not use the more expensive OLED technology but the Superscreen has a party trick of its own – a selfie and video camera built into the dashboard. This enables occupants to carry out video calls while on the move. Another key feature is the sound system – the Burmester 4D surround sound system on the E350 e has a 15 channel 730W amplifier with a 21-speaker set up. This sophisticated setup features bass speakers, midrange speakers, tweeters, surround speakers, a centre-fill speaker, 3D speakers, ear-level speakers as well as a couple of exciters in the front headrests.
Driving Assistance Package Plus gives you improved level 2 self-driving capability, with Active Distance Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.
