The Mercedes Benz E-Class and the diesel engine return 30 years in India. Because the launch of the W124 in 1995, the E-Class has been out there with a diesel engine below the bonnet. Now, 30 years later, it stays the one luxurious sedan within the phase to nonetheless supply the ‘D’ badge. Certain, it has its benefits, however is it nonetheless related in 2025?
Mercedes Benz E 220d Exterior Design and Engineering: 9/10
New paint shade provides aptitude; maintains magnificence and class
The diesel E-Class carries ahead the very same look because the E 200. Not like the E 450 that’s out there within the sporty AMG Line, the Avantgarde spec of the E 200 and E 220d is the extra elegant selection. Even the wheels are an identical, and the one manner you possibly can inform them aside is from the E 220d badge. To commemorate one 12 months of the V214 era of the E-Class, Mercedes has launched a brand new paint shade, seen right here. Dubbed Verde Silver, it’s a welcome departure from the generally seen blues and blacks, with a greenish tinge that provides extra aptitude with out going excessive.
Mercedes Benz E 220d Inside Area and Consolation: 10/10
Plenty of room to stretch out; big selection of adjustment on the rear
On the within, just like the petrol variants, you possibly can select from three upholstery choices: tan, cream, and full black. The dashboard is dominated by the ‘Superscreen’, which includes a 12.3-inch driver show, a 14.4-inch centre touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch passenger touchscreen. The seats up entrance are comfortable, broad, and supply a lot of assist, however miss air flow. As an alternative, they provide seat kinetics; basically, the seats make small changes to the lumbar and bolster helps at common intervals, making certain you don’t get caught in a single posture on lengthy drives. It’s delicate, however you’ll discover the adjustments relying on the intervals you set.
Rear seat house and luxury are glorious, and just like the petrol model, there isn’t a compromise on room. The backrests recline, the sunblinds for the home windows and rear windshield are powered, the pillows on the headrests add consolation, and the cut up panoramic sunroof brings in airiness. There may be additionally the ‘Chauffeur Pack’ as commonplace fitment, which incorporates controls for the rear left passenger seat to regulate the entrance passenger seat for extra room. The rear centre armrest folds all the way down to reveal a wi-fi charger and extra space for storing. It’s undoubtedly the most effective rear-seat expertise within the phase.
Mercedes-Benz E 220d Options and Security: 8/10
Nicely-equipped cabin when it comes to luxurious, however some options are missed
The E-Class is tech laden, and the diesel variant will get each function of the petrol. The triple-screen format, a Burmester 4D audio system (albeit just for the entrance seats), an in-car digital camera for video calls, an app library to eat content material, four-zone local weather management, digital AC vents, and far more. That mentioned, some options you may count on, like ventilated seats and media controls for the rear, are lacking. Moreover, the space-saver spare wheel mounted below the boot permits you to use the total 540 litres of boot house, massive sufficient for a protracted weekend journey. The E-class additionally options ADAS with a number of sensor-based lively security assists, and in contrast to earlier variations, for those who don’t need to use them, they may stay switched off every time you begin the automotive.
Mercedes-Benz E 220d Efficiency and Refinement: 8/10
Diesel engine not as clean as petrol, however refined in isolation
Regardless of all of its rivals ditching the diesel engine, the E-Class carries on with one. The two.0-litre turbo-diesel places out 197hp and 440Nm of torque. Whereas the facility is only a tad lower than the petrol, the 120Nm of additional torque is promising – at the least on paper.
Nonetheless, in an E-Class, refinement takes high precedence, and in that respect, the engine isn't good. There may be an audible thrum at idle, and you may even really feel some vibrations within the seat and on the steering wheel. When you're on the transfer, the noise fades however re-enters the cabin previous 3000rpm. It’s not coarse, nevertheless it's not silent both. Efficiency, whereas brisk, is linear, and lacks the identical mid-range kick as pre-BS6 diesel engines. The 440Nm is nicely distributed and works seamlessly with the 9-speed automated transmission, offering a gradual surge in each gear.
Efficiency instances are extraordinarily near the petrol model, and the identical goes for in-gear timing. That makes you surprise the place the 440Nm is admittedly serving to.
The reply is on the highways. The added torque, which is on the market from decrease RPMs, makes overtaking way more easy within the E 220d than within the E 200 petrol, and that is although each variations are outfitted with a 48V delicate hybrid system which gives some electrical increase. The 9-speed automated is fast to drop gears and get you previous a truck or two, earlier than quietly shifting again as much as ninth gear and resuming its silent cruise.
Mercedes-Benz E 220d Mileage and gasoline economic system: 9/10
Distinctive vary and effectivity for a luxurious sedan
Whereas gasoline economic system won’t be a high precedence to many E-class patrons, the truth that you will get over 800km of vary on a single tank is spectacular. Not having to fret about topping up in your journey to the farmhouse or a weekend getaway – and never having to do it on the way in which again both – is the magic of the diesel engine. Sure, there’s an Adblue tank that that you must be aware of refilling every so often, however for those who often end up on highways for lengthy spells, the diesel engine must be the de facto selection for you.
Mercedes-Benz E 220d Experience consolation and Dealing with: 9/10
Comfy over weather-beaten roads and a surprisingly ready handler
The diesel engine does add some weight general, however that doesn’t disturb the experience high quality, which stays planted and comfy. The E 220d will get an ordinary metal suspension setup, with no room to actively modify damping traits. As an alternative, it options what Merc calls an ‘Agility Management Suspension with Selective Damping System,’ which makes use of a sequence of sensors to regulate the suspension relying on the highway floor. From behind the wheel, it appears to do a fantastic job of blunting sharp bumps and maintaining the automotive as stage as doable over cracks and ruts.
With a near-3.1-metre wheelbase, you must watch out over massive pace breakers on this long-wheelbase limousine, however regular-sized ones might be crossed with out an excessive amount of trouble.
Dealing with isn’t essentially a standout power for the long-wheelbase E-Class, however the steering is surprisingly sharp and responsive, and although gentle by default, positive factors extra heft in sportier modes. Whereas the automotive's size is one thing to be aware of, the E 220d is surprisingly nimble in corners. There’s no 4Matic AWD right here, however a well-balanced chassis means there's nothing to be nervous about within the bends.
Mercedes-Benz E 220d Worth and Verdict: 8/10
The one to decide on for those who do common inter-city drives
Because of the newest GST reforms, the E-Class has seen a worth drop of round Rs 4.5 lakh for the diesel variant, which is now priced at Rs 80.5 lakh (ex-showroom India). Moreover, with no different diesel sedan rival, the E 220d has a distinct segment out there to itself as nicely.
Nonetheless, the diesel, whereas spectacular, lacks the last word smoothness of the petrol engine, however although there’s no actual achieve in efficiency from all that further torque, it has an effortlessness the E 200 can’t match. What may additionally be a priority in areas like Delhi NCR is the shorter 10-year lifespan of diesel automobiles imposed by policymakers. This can little question have an effect on the resale worth of the E 220d, and if it is a concern, the petrol is a safer wager.
If this, and the comparatively decrease refinement, aren’t considerations for you, nevertheless, the E 220d stays the extra sensible and smart choose of the brand new E Class vary, because it has been for 3 a long time.
