Two decades/20 years. That is how long ago Mercedes-Benz began assembling the E-Class in India, via a tie-up with Tata Motors. While cars from the luxury car manufacturer have been sold in the country for quite a long time, the C-Class and E-Class have been the most endearing models for most Indian buyers - the S-Class doning the role of a higher aspiration. Mercedes-Benz is one of the most recognised and respected brands in the luxury-car market in India and it has gone from strength to strength since the E-Class was first launched in India. The brand celebrated the 'Year of Excellence' in 2014 and successfully implemented the '15 in 15' strategy in 2015. The company has announced that it will implement the 'Winning' strategy in 2016 which includes the launch of 12 new cars.
The new 'Edition E' limited edition E-Class is the third of theb 12 new products that the company will launch in 2016 and commemorates the 20th anniversary of the model's local assembly in India.
What is it? The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 'Edition E', celebrates the 20th anniversary of the car in India
How much does it cost? Rs. 48.6 Lakh - Rs. 60.61 Lakh, ex-showroom, Pune
What's new? Exterior design same as the standard E-Class, some exterior highlights, new equipment and more luxurious interior trim, power- and drivetrains remain unchanged
Competition: BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Jaguar XE
In terms of exterior design, the 'Edition E' looks no different from the existing E-Class variants - the E 200, E 250 CDI and the E 350 CDI - all the variants now adorn the 'Avantgarde' look along with the special 'Edition E' badge, illuminated star on the grille, black hub caps for the alloy wheels and new fibre-optic equipped tail-lamps.
In terms of equipment, the 'Edition E' variants receive full-LED headlamps, adaptive brake lamps (flashes in case of emergency braking), 8-inch multimedia screen with SD card navigation and MB apps integration, sports pedals, 'thermotronic' climate control, electrically adjustable front seats with 3-memory settings, active park assist with rear-camera as standard. Safety is also enhanced in the 'Edition E', thanks to 8 adaptive air-bags and preventive safety systems.
The Mercedes-Benz E 350 CDI 'Edition E' is fitted with additional equipment apart from the ones mentioned above, these include - 360-degree camera system, 610 watt 14-speaker Harman Kardon music system with Dolby Digital 5.1 and a rear-seat entertainment system.
The powertrains remain unchanged - the E 200 is powered by a turbocharged, 2.0-litre, in-line 4-cylinder petrol motor developing 184 PS / 300Nm, the E 250 CDI is powered by a turbocharged, 2.1-litre, in-line 4-cylinder diesel motor developing 204 PS / 500 Nm and the E 350 CDI is powered by a naturally-aspirated, 3.0-litre, V6 motor developing 265 PS / 620 Nm. All these motors are mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission.
Prices
E 250 CDI 'Edition E' - Rs. 50.76 Lakh
E 350 CDI 'Edition E' - Rs. 60.61 Lakh
E 200 'Edition E' - Rs. 48.60 Lakh
*All prices are ex-showroom Pune