Mercedes-Benz on Tuesday took the covers off the new E-Class; this executive sedan which is the bread-and-butter of the carmaker globally has been launched as a ‘Made-For-India’ variant. Uniquely, this next generation E-Class that will be sold in India features an extended wheelbase and India is the only market where the right-hand drive variant of the extended wheelbase will be sold.
Speaking to The Pioneer, Ronald Folger, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz India said that the company had done extensive research into the issue of an extended wheelbase. “There was a lot of expense for the development of this variant, but our experience of the Chinese market where extended wheelbase cars are the norm led us to believe that such a variant would also do well in India.” The car’s length and wheelbase have been extended by 140mm, pushing the new E-Class to above five meters in length and the entire stretch benefits the rear passenger with additional legroom. Not only is the new vehicle ‘Made -for-India’, it is being produced exclusively at Mercedes-Benz India’s Chakan facility.
Folger also pointed out that other unique features on the new E-Class, including a panoramic sunroof and the ‘chauffeur package’ will make this car appeal to buyers who are driven around during the workweek. The car also features air-suspension and includes the ability to raise or lower the car depending on road conditions. “However, we have also kept driving dynamics as close to the original car as possible, this is not a boring limousine.”
The new E-Class, that has the model designator V213 will be sold with two engines options, one petrol and one diesel, the E200 petrol has an ex-showroom (Mumbai) price of Rs 56.15 lakh and the E350d diesel has an ex-showroom (Mumbai) price of Rs 69.47 lakh. Folger did not rule out more engine options going forward for the vehicle. Although the new Mercedes is more expensive than its rivals, the BMW 5-series, Audi A6 and Jaguar XF, Folger feels that buyers will look at the additional space as a huge plus-point and pay the extra money for it. “Our rivals all produce long-wheelbase variants for the Chinese market, maybe our decision will force them to make some changes as well.”
In addition, Mercedes-Benz India also wants to convince their customers of the ‘total cost of ownership’, “Buyers should realise that if a car costs more it will also have more residual value”, Folger mentioned before showcasing the carmaker’s new ‘My Mercedes, My Service’ scheme. Explaining this, Santosh Iyer, Vice-President, Aftersales, Mercedes-Benz India explained that buyers who bought the car could buy comprehensive service packages that would cover the costs of service, filters, oils and lubricants for different durations.
“There are one, two, three, five and ten year packages”, Iyer mentioned.