[+VIDEO] Mercedes E-Class SPORTSTYLE test drive review with no sugar added

July 22, 2019

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This version only arrived a few weeks ago in Malaysian showrooms

This new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is stylish and sporty? Well, lets just say it is stylish and not so sporty as this is the E200 and not the more powerful sibling, the E300. However, this E200 carries the name ‘SPORTSTYLE’ and this is where we are a little confused as its 197bhp engine has adequate grunt when needed and there is almost seamless delivery of power across the engine range but it needs to be delivering at least 258bhp and 370Nm of torque like with the E300 to carry the ‘SPORT’ in its name.

But then, this E200 does have style just like with all products from Mercedes-Benz. Malaysians with a growing bank balance are nearly always drawn to the Mercedes-Benz range as it confirms entry into the next level in the social circle. Neighbors and relatives will always notice a new Benz in the driveway and this is why many desire the three pointed star.

Now for some facts.

E 200 SPORTSTYLE Avantgarde Kit

Joining the E-Class range, it comes with the AVANTGARDE exterior with additional chrome trim and 18-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels. Together with the standard exterior and interior specifications, the SPORTSTYLE package comprises a chrome louvre below the front bumper, a badge on the front wing, a chrome trim element in the rear bumper in high-gloss black, as well as visible tailpipe embellishers, on the outside.

On the inside, the SPORTSTYLE package consists of the headliner in black fabric, centre console in light carbon grain aluminium trim, sport pedals in brushed stainless steel with black rubber stuffs and the SPORTSTYLE package floor mats.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, giving a total output of 197hp with a maximum torque of 320Nm. As part of the safety and assistance package, the Blind Spot Assist is new for this variant.

Front Look

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class clearly shows a muscular front end that boasts a different look for each design and equipment line. The base version features the classic Mercedes radiator grille with the star on the bonnet, as does the EXCLUSIVE line – albeit in a different fashion. The AVANTGARDE and AMG Line models are identifiable by the sports radiator grille with a large Mercedes star as its centrepiece. Each of the radiator grille variants lends the E-Class a distinct character.

Distinctive Interior

The eye-catcher in this comfort-oriented interior of this new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is two displays each with a 31.2 cm (12.3-inch) screen diagonal and a resolution of 1920 x 720 pixels. These merge visually to form a wide-screen cockpit, thus acting as a central element to emphasise the horizontal bias of the interior design of the new E-Class. As the instrument cluster, this wide-screen cockpit contains a large display with virtual instruments in the direct field of vision of the driver as well as a central display above the centre console.

On The Move

Not much has change in its drive dynamics. It is still a confident vehicle with good cabin comfort for all passengers and the driver can enjoy a little but of excitement from its turbocharged engine. Designed more for comfort and some highway cruising, it delivers very well in the city and keeps to highway cruising as intended. Mercedes-Benz designed the E-Class to be an executive vehicle and this is where junior executives look forward to its ownership and established company personal appreciate its class act delivery and strong after sales with good used values when it is time to look at an upgrade in office mobility.