The next-gen E-Class big sedan debuts with a single petrol variant, prices starting at $264,888.

Text & Photos: Carmen Rosso 

SINGAPORE — Could this be one of 2016’s biggest cars? Mercedes-Benz has launched the new E-Class, and if history is anything to go by, the company car staple and longtime favourite of towkays is expected to make a major splash in Singapore.

Key rivals are ‘out of sync’ with the new, fifth-generation W213 E-Class – the Audi A6 received a facelift in 2015, while the new BMW 5 Series is expected to debut in 2017, so it’s the ‘youngest’ of all the Big Three large sedans here.

Three variants of the car are available, and all of which are powered by the same 1,991cc turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine in E 200 spec, which delivers 184bhp and 300Nm of torque, and is mated to a new nine-speed automatic gearbox, the 9G-Tronic unit. All three cars have the same 0-100km/h time and top speed, 7.7 seconds and 240km/h respectively, although their emissions level differ due to equipment differences.

The E-Class has grown hugely too, as it’s 43mm longer overall (at 4,923mm) and boasts a massive 65mm increase in wheelbase (now 2,939mm) which should spell a significant increase in interior space and legroom for the rear passengers.

READ MORE: Mercedes Newest Cars And A Surprising Swede
Check out the latest Mercedes models to debut here, the X3-fighting GLC SUV as well as the elegant C-Class Coupe. And could this unlikely Scandinavian prove the closest rival to the E-Class yet?

The price ladder starts at $264,888 for the E 200 Avantgarde (main photo, above in red), while the E 200 Exclusive is priced at $272,888. For now, the top of the range is the E 200 AMG Line which costs $282,888. Alll prices include COE.

All three models come with keyless entry and start, powered soft-close doors, LED headlamps, Mercedes-Benz ‘Audio 20 USB’ sound system with navigation (Garmin Map Pilot) and touchpad, a foldable boot crate. The advanced COMAND Online infotainment system adds more functions for $11,200.

Safety equipment is also standard throughout the range, with a 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitoring, parking guides and the autonomous Active Brake Assist system.

On the steering wheel are new touch control buttons that let you navigate the car’s instrument or infotainment display. The twin 12.3-inch active display, as seen on the S-Class, is optional on the E for $4,100.  

As it is with other Mercedes models, the main seller is likely to be the E 200 Avantgarde, recognisable by its two-louvre grille and wide, grilled air intakes — contrast this to the more ‘classic’ Exclusive model, which has the three-pointed star as a hood ornament.

Mercedes-Benz E 200 AMG Line 
The most expensive AMG Line model gets, in Merc tradition, a different body kit, 19-inch wheels and one less louvre than the Avantgarde, although both variants, as the sportier offerings, have their adaptive suspension systems lowered. All three cars have the Agility Control adaptive suspension setup, and ‘Dynamic Select’ selectable drive modes. In addition the AMG Line model also has metal weave interior trim, more leather and a sport steering wheel.

Emissions for the Avantgarde model are 6.3L./100km and 142g/km of CO2, while the Exclusive and AMG Line models stand at 6.6L/100km and 149g/km.

Want to know how the new E-Class fares? We’ve already driven it and delivered our initial verdict on CarBuyer.com.sg on the more powerful E 300 model, as well as the sporty, V6-powered E 400 model.

The new E 200 range also has extensive driving assistance systems as described in our test drive online, although you’ll have to pay for them here. There’s the Drive Pilot system which is adaptive cruise control with some steering assistance that works up to 210km/h, although this is a $9,100 option, there’s also blind spot indicators and lane-keeping package too.  

For now, only the E 200 model is holding the fort here – expect the 211bhp E 250 and 245bhp E 300 to be along sometime in 2016, while the more powerful E 400 and 400bhp AMG E 43 4MATIC.

Text & Photos: Carmen Rosso