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Luxury is not something you need; it’s something you want. It is a means in which success, power, refinement and class is demonstrated by being in possession of it. Luxury commands a certain degree of exclusiveness, of being recognized wherever you go and in the automotive circle, there is little that evokes the sense of luxury the way a Mercedes-Benz does. To the affluent who appreciates that three-pointed star badge, you’d be glad to know that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced the new E-Class, code named W212 today in two variants, both being the Avantgarde trim.
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Held in the classy Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, the new E-Class is set to capture the hearts of the Malaysian bosses with its modern design, new engines and specifications that was previously found in the more expensive S-class. If you were considering the German luxury trinity, could the new E be good enough to oust the BMW 5 series and Audi A6? Let’s find out.
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Design
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The E250 and E200 is virtually indistinguishable when viewed at the front. Both sports the same front end design with crease lines on the bumper running downwards which compliments the new headlamp design.
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The Avantgarde design features a sports car radiator with the central star the size of the moon that promises a quick death of any fowl foolish enough to cross its path along the North South Highway . The new bumper design no longer has Daylight Running Lights and has a wing design spoiler lip, further enhancing its aggressive front.
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The LED DRLs are now housed in the front headlamps and although it is now one piece, the “four-eyed look” is still retained once the DRLs are switched on. The dipped beams are now full LEDs which is a first for the E.
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The new E measures 4,879mm in length, 1,854mm in width and 1,458mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,874mm. This means between the 5 series, the A6 and it, the E is the shortest, thinnest and about the same height as the Audi. Wheelbase-wise, the leader is still the 5 series (2,968mm) followed by the A6 at 2,912mm.
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Looking at it from the sides, the most telling feature between the 2 variants is the rim design and size (E200 gets 245/45/R17 while the E250 has 245/40 R18) as well as the front disc brakes where the E250 has perforated discs with calipers marked with the brand name.
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If you happen to be on a higher floor, look out for the presence of the sunroof which is found in the E250 whereas the E200 makes do without it.
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As for the rear, the badge is the most obvious giveaway between the 2 variants.
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The rear lamps now features horizontally structured LED tail lights with a new two-tone look which serves to make the rump look wider and more distinctive at night.
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Both variants gets twin exhaust.
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Performance
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No more 1.8litre engines as both variants uses the same 2.0litre BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engine with spray-guided direct injection. The reason for Merc to drop the 1.8litre is because they have data to show there is little tax benefits between a 1.8litre and 2.0litre worldwide and quite obviously, a 2.0litre is able to provide better power response. Also, the emphasis of the new engine is emissions and fuel economy (both variants sips only 5.8litres per 100km).
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Off the line, the E200 is able to hit 100kph from standstill in 7.9seconds thanks to its 184hp @ 5,500rpm, 300Nm torque @ 1,200-4,000rpm. The E250 does it quicker at 7.4seconds with its higher output tuned to 211hp @ 5,500rpm, 350Nm @ 1,200 – 4,000rpm. The new E-class engine is paired to the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever and DIRECT SELECT paddle shifters. Top speed for the E200 is 233kph while the E250 trumps the E200 by 10kph at maximum speed.
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Ride and Handling
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No test drives yet but with its sportily configured DIRECT CONTROL suspension with selective dampening system, it should be good. The E will also have electromechanical Direct-Steer system which combines speed-dependant power assistance of speed-sensitive steering with variable ratio across the steering angle range. As a result of this technology, expect improved handling, more comfortable handling and high levels of steering comfort across all speed range, save energy as it is only consumed when steering occurs and enables drivers to use innovative assistance systems such as the Active Parking Assist.
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Cabin Convenience
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The cabin is truly a lovely place to be in. While most S-class owners rewards their drivers by being at the helm, E-class owners are balanced between driving it themselves or hand the keys to someone else while they lounge behind. Everything is elegantly designed and laid out with ergonomics in mind.
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Wrap your fingers around the plush leather-wrapped steering wheel and enjoy a level of refinement rarely matched by others.
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The meters are easy to read and displays information such as you-should-really-pull-over-before-you-fall-asleep-on-the-wheel.
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You know, for a simple thing like the Engine Start/Stop, why can’t every manufacturer place it on the right side of the steering where we’re so used to insert keys. It’s a small but meaningful thing which I am glad Mercedes have done here.
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You change gears using this stalk. Behind the steering wheel on the right. Looks intuitively enough.
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Love the point where there is no need to overcomplicate the cruise control/limiter stalk.
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It ain’t luxury if it doesn’t have a touch of retro to it.
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Headunit controls are easy to use and it comes with a hard disc navigation, DVD player, reverse camera and Bluetooth connectivity is standard.
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Where you would normally expect to find a gear stick is the cup holders and further to the middle is the COMAND Online multimedia system. All controls are displayed on a 17.8cm high resolution color display found above the clock. It even provides internet access for the driver and passenger to surf the net but is only accessible when the car is stationary for obvious safety reasons.
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The center console compartment has enough depth for Smart Tags and other loose bits of stuffs you want to leave in your car.
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Though it has the shortest wheelbase, rear passengers won’t complain about the space which is adequate. The rear air conditioning is also climate controlled.
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The boot space is incredible, gobbling up 540litres of cargo. More space can be had when you pull the lever to lower the 60:40 rear seats.
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What’s particularly interesting is a tray/basket which is pulled out from below the lever to lower the rear seats. The base of the tray can be pushed down until a basket is formed. Do note as you can see in the picture above, it does not touch the base of the boot so there is a limit of 10kg weight of items that can be placed there. The bag is retracted by pressing the little silver button on the right side of the top.
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For spares, you get space savers.
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Safety
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Safety is of course of paramount importance for the E class buyer and Mercedes-Benz does not disappoint. The car has the following features:-
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- COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST – radar based collision warning system with adaptive brake assist
- ATTENTION ASSIST – warns inattentiveness and drowsiness and its sensitivity can be adjusted
- Active Parking Assist – automatically parks your car with active steering and brake control in both parallel and end-on spaces (you’d still need to control the gas though so don’t think you can use your iPhone to send it off to park itself)
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Maintenance and Ownership
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The E250 Avantgarde is now offered at the price of RM366,888 while the E250 Avantgarde is priced at RM405,888 and comes with a 4-year warranty program. Towards the end of the year, there will be a third variant, the E400. All models are CKD from the day it was launched.
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Should you consider one? Absolutely! A Merc is like a Rolex … there is a certain timeless elegance to it and such matters cannot be measured with a price tag. Personally, I’d say this is the best looking E yet … good enough that Mercedes Benz Malaysia isn’t considering any AMG kits for it. It looks … perfect. I can forgo the luxury of Starbucks ….. just let me calculate how many cups of coffee I need to sacrifice to save up enough for this luxury.
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