Following the start of teaser campaigns a fortnight ago, as well as the global introduction of its Estate variant only this week, the all-new W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class makes landfall in Malaysia, hitting the market with a selection of four variants with prices kicking off from RM395,888.
Only the base E 200 Avantgarde variant will be available from launch, however, with a further set of variants to progressively enter the market later this year; September will see the introduction of the E 250 in Avantgarde and Exclusive lines, whilst the range-topping E 300 AMG Line will complete the range in November.
All variants are powered by the familiar M274 four-cylinder petrol engine from the outgoing W212 E-Class, but granted with an extra two ratios to work with in Mercedes-Benz’s new 9-speed automatic transmission, they are able to offer improved fuel efficiency whilst retaining its predecessor’s familiar outputs.
Coming a mere six months after its global debut at Detroit this January, the W213 starts off life in Malaysia coming fully-imported from Sindelfingen, Germany before Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) switches sourcing of its mid-range executive switches to local-assembly at Pekan. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s Vice President for Sales & Marketing, Mark Raine, has indicated that CKD versions of the new E-Class should be hitting our roads sometime next year.
Inspired by the success of the outgoing E-Class’ E 300 BlueTec Hybrid variant, Raine also indicated that a hybrid variant for the new E-Class will be considered for local-assembly. At present, the only hybrid model in the E-Class global catalogue is the E 350 e plug-in hybrid – a vehicle with 279hp and 600Nm as well as an all-electric range of 30km, promising an officially-rated fuel consumption of 2.1 litres/100km.
Competing directly against the BMW 5 Series as well as Audi A6, and perhaps to a certain extent the Jaguar XF, Lexus GS, and Infiniti Q70, the E-Class is traditionally one of Mercedes-Benz’s most recognizable models globally. This iteration brings an impressive array of technology to bear on the competition, with the Malaysian market having the following advanced features to look forward to:
Stardust Tail Lights: Crystal optic with innovative reflectors and LED illumination give the tail lights an appearance reminiscent of stardust or the glow of a jet engine, depending on how you see it.
Multi-Beam LED Headlights: 84 individually-controlled high performance LEDs providing not only bright but also actively optimized illumination to avoid dazzling other road users. Each of the 84 LEDs can vary their brightness individually to continuously adjust lighting distribution as well as switch between high and low beam illumination.
Fully Digital Cockpit: Two adjacent 12.3-inch hi-res screens provide a widescreen cockpit providing display for a large volume of driver information. The driver can choose between three different styles for their preferred look of the instrument cluster – ‘Classic’, ‘Sport’, and ‘Progressive’. This feature is standard on all variants of the E-Class officially on sale in Malaysia, although the E 200 demonstrator display unit shown at launch is fitted with a conventional instrument cluster.
Multifunction Steering Wheel: More than mere buttons, the E-Class’s steering-mounted controls incorporates touch operation that reads swiping movements like a smartphone interface. The familiar central touchpad found in the current C- and S-Class remains present as well.
64-Colour Interior Lighting: LEDs at trim parts, central display, centre console front stowage, handle recesses, door pockets, footwells, overhead console, and tweeters (for Burmester-equipped cars only) can be configured to light up the cabin at night with 64 different ambient colours.
Active Brake Assist: Autonomous emergency braking. Warns drivers of impending collisions, provides supporting force in emergency braking situations, and autonomously brakes the vehicle if necessary. Equipped with pedestrian detection.
Pre-Safe Impulse Side: Air chambers at the side of the seat back expand and push occupants toward the centre of the vehicle if a side impact is deemed imminent.
Pre-Safe Sound: Emits a short interference sound over the vehicle’s audio system to warn of an impending collision.
The above equipment is standard for all variants of the E-Class in addition to the ones listed below starting with the E 200 Avantgarde:
- Paddle Shifters
- Carplay and Android smartphone integration
- Avantgarde exterior trim with large central star on grille
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Aluminium cabin trim
- Heated front seats with lumbar support
- Double sun blind, electric rear window blind, roller sun blinds for both rear doors
- Park Pilot (autonomous side and reverse parking)
- Reverse camera
The following items are added to the E 250 Avantgarde:
- Adaptive High Beam Assist
- 19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels
- Panoramic sunroof
- Open pore black ash wood trim
- 360-degree camera
- Keyless entry
The E 250 Exclusive has the same functional equipment as the E 250 Avantgarde, but features the following trim differences:
- Classic grille with star on bonnet
- 19-inch 10-spoke alloys
- Brown high-gloss ash wood trim
- Upper dashboard in Artico leather
Finally, the E 300 AMG Line comes with the following exclusive features:
- AMG Sport body kit
- Sporty grille with large central star
- 19-inch 5-spoke AMG wheels
- Burmester surround sound
- AMG floor mats
Keyword: Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213) Launches in Malaysia; 4 CBU Variants from RM396k