The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, now in its sixth generation, continues to redefine what it means to be a luxurious, comfortable sedan. It was the E-Class that began Mercedes-Benz's journey in India back in 1994, marking a pivotal moment for luxury cars in the country. Globally, over 17 million units of the E-Class and its predecessors have been sold—an impressive figure, to say the least.
In today's market, where SUVs dominate both sales charts and roads, Mercedes-Benz continues to bank on the sedan segment with the E-Class, a model that offers a different kind of elegance and experience. Yet, the question remains: in a world where SUVs dominate and consumers seek vehicles the size of small houses, does the E-Class still matter? Or is it merely a plush remnant of the past, while the rest of the world climbs mountains in knobby-tyred machines with ''Sport'' modes? Let's see if the E-Class still holds its place or if it's time to trade in the suit for cargo shorts.
Pricing and Conclusion
The 2024 E-Class in India starts at INR 78.50 lakh for the E200 petrol and INR 81.50 lakh for the E220d diesel, while the E450 4MATIC Plus comes at a price tag of INR 92.50 lakh. While the E200 and E220d cater to buyers looking for comfort and refinement, the E450 is for those who want to drive besides being driven.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class doesn't break the mould but doesn't need to. It offers exactly what its buyers expect—unrivalled comfort, a tech-laden cabin, and timeless design. While some competitors may focus more on driving dynamics or innovative tech, the E-Class remains the gold standard for those who want luxury, elegance, and refinement.
Under the hood, the E-Class offers two petrol and one diesel engine options in India—a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the E200, a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel in the E220d and a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder in the E350 4Matic. All engines are paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system that provides an additional 23 horsepower when needed, particularly during hard acceleration. We tested the E200 variant, which produces 201 bhp and 320 Nm of torque, making it ideal for those long highway cruises. The ride quality, as expected, is where the E-Class excels. Mercedes-Benz has tuned the suspension to prioritise comfort above all else. The steel coil springs and passive dampers do an excellent job of soaking up bumps and potholes, making even the roughest roads feel smooth. It's not too soft, though—you're you're not floating off into space. Just enough firmness to remind you that you're still on Earth but cushy enough that you'll never spill your drink. The E-Class strikes a good balance between comfort and body control. In city traffic, the steering is light and easy, while on the highway, it gains enough heft to inspire confidence. The car also features multiple driving modes—Eco, Comfort, and Sport—allowing you to tailor the driving experience to your mood. Comfort mode is where the E-Class feels most at home, delivering a plush ride that isolates you from the outside world. Switch to Sport mode, and the suspension stiffens slightly, the throttle becomes more responsive, and the steering gains more weight, making the E-Class feel more athletic than you'd expect for a car of its size. It's not exactly sporty, but it'll hold its own when you push it. And if you're, you're on the highway? Well, you might as well be in a soundproof booth. Wind and tyre noise? Nonexistent. Even when you floor it, it doesn't roar—it purrs like a very expensive cat. That said, it holds its own on winding roads, with minimal body roll and a level of poise that belies its size.
The interior of the 2024 E-Class is where Mercedes-Benz truly flexes its tech muscles. The cabin design revolves around the impressive " Superscreen," which, despite its name, isn't a single continuous screen but rather a trio of separate digital displays. In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster that offers multiple customisable views, while the centre houses a massive 14.4-inch infotainment display that's powered by the latest iteration of Mercedes-Benz'sMercedes-Benz's MBUX system. MBUX is one of the best in-car infotainment systems in the industry, offering everything from highly accurate navigation to voice control that feels more like AI-level interaction than simple commands. Want to change the ambient lighting? Just say, ''Hey Mercedes,'' and ask for it. Need to adjust the temperature or find the nearest petrol station? MBUX handles it with ease. My personal favourite? The ''Routines'' feature. You can train your car to do things for you, like a personal assistant. Heading out for a night on the town? The E-Class will dim the lights and play some smooth jazz. Off to the office? The window rolls down, ready for you to clock in. And if you're a workaholic, there's even Microsoft 365 support. That's right—you can finish up that PowerPoint or take Zoom video calls while stuck in traffic. Above the infotainment screen sits a camera that covers both the front seats and the sunroof, allowing you to take selfies, record videos, and join meetings. The new MBUX unit also features an ever-expanding app store.
The third screen is a 12.3-inch display for the front passenger, allowing them to control entertainment options or input navigation details without distracting the driver. Ambient lighting is another highlight of the E-Class, offering 64 customisable colours to match your mood. Mercedes-Benz has also upgraded the sound system, with the Burmester 4D audio setup now featuring seat exciters that vibrate in sync with the bass, aimed at delivering a concert-like experience on the go with a 17-speaker with an output of 730W.
Rear Seat Comfort: Chauffeured- Experience
For buyers in India, the rear seat of the long-wheelbase E-Class is particularly important. Mercedes-Benz designed this car with the rear passenger experience in mind, as the back seats offer extensive adjustment. The seats recline up to 36 degrees, the under-thigh support is excellent, with the base moving by 40mm, and even the headrests being able to be adjusted electrically. All seats get an incredibly soft Maybach-style pillow that elevates the experience. To fully use the LWB, you can even control the co-driver's seat from the back to push it out of the way. Amenities at the back include a four-zone climate control, type c ports and even wireless charging pads. The sheer space available is luxurious, with more than enough legroom to stretch out comfortably. The windows get electric sunblinds, as do the rear windscreen and panoramic sunroof, which can be controlled from the door pad itself. Mercedes-Benz has even gone to give the rear three-quarter glass its very own sunblind, albeit a manual one; it's more than the segment competitors, making it the best in the segment. However, some features are missing in the rear. Unlike its more expensive sibling, the S-Class, the E-Class doesn't offer ventilated rear seats or rear-seat entertainment screens, even in its highest trims. Mercedes-Benz claims this is a deliberate choice, focusing on traditional luxury at the back instead of gadget overload for its traditional E-Class customers. Meanwhile, the new-generation customers who prefer tech tend to sit in the front, which makes it a win-win for all.
At first glance, the new E-Class retains its classic luxury sedan proportions but with notable design enhancements. The front grille is arguably the most striking feature, adorned with chrome Mercedes-Benz star motifs integrated into the mesh. At the centre sits a prominent Tri-Star emblem, roughly the size of a dinner plate. Subtle? Not exactly—more refined with the impact of a sledgehammer to make a statement.
One of the most recognisable updates is the new headlamps. They remain quintessentially Mercedes-Benz: complete LED, with an eyebrow of a DRL. Below, a chrome signature nods to the double-barrel headlamps of yesteryear E-Class models, offering a nostalgic touch for Mercedes enthusiasts—something I appreciate.
Moving to the side, the E-Class rides on 18-inch wheels that complement its extended, elegant profile. The pop-out door handles sit flush with the body, and the soft-close doors serve as a subtle reminder of the premium experience the E-Class delivers. The car is nearly 5.1 meters long with a wheelbase just under 3.1 meters—comparable to older S-Class models—this version highlights the E-Class's flagship-like stature. Notably, the right-hand-drive long-wheelbase version is exclusively available in India, underscoring Mercedes-Benz's commitment to the Indian market.
From the rear, the E-Class maintains its traditional sedan silhouette, but updates like the new wrap-around LED tail lamps and a softly glowing logo give it a modern edge. The latest model is taller, wider, and longer—more of an evolutionary update than a revolutionary one. Specifically for India, the long-wheelbase variant aims to enhance rear-seat comfort, making it particularly attractive for chauffeur-driven buyers. Overall, the design is a safe bet that is refined, regal, and rather evolutionary than revolutionary. But you don't need to reinvent the tuxedo, do you?
E 200: Rs 78.50 lakh
Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine
Power: 201bhp
Torque: 320Nm
Hybrid: 48V mild-hybrid system that adds 23bhp and 205Nm
Gearbox: 9-speed automatic transmission
