Mercedes to offer Long-wheelbase E-Class in India in 2016

Mercedes-Benz is planning to bring the long-wheelbase (LWB) edition of their E-Class executive sedan to India in 2016.

This will be in-addition to the regular-wheelbase variant of the new E-Class. With this move, India will become only the second market in the world, after China, where the LWB E-Class will be sold.

The one currently on sale in China stretches a good 145mm longer than the regular E. The ground clearance too is higher by over 15mm in a nod to the developing road network there.

There is just one trim level on offer with the long-wheelbase variant – the Avant Garde Trim. Passengers at the back in the extended wheelbase variant get electric controls too along with a DVD enabled infotainment system. Mercedes is likely to offer these features on the new E-Class when it comes to India next year.

The LWB E-Class will come fully equipped in typical Mayback style – think improved leg-room and exclusive upholstery options on the inside. Seats with massage function too shall be retained. The exterior gets the Mayback treatment as well, with the signature Maybach emblem retaining its perch on the C-Pillar. With the availability of the Right-Hand Drive (RHD) version in India, Mercedes shall now be able to offer the new E-Class in all key markets around the world.

Powering the long-wheelbase version of the E-Class will be a brace of new powertrain options.

Codenamed M256 and OM656 for the six-cylinder petrol and diesel respectively, the engines will be offered with an all-new, 9-Speed G-Tronic automatic ‘box as standard.

Come 11th January, all eyes will be on the Mercedes-Benz stall at the 2016 Motor Show in Detroit where the luxury automobile maker will unveil their latest generation E-Class to the world. Indian customers can expect to have the car in their driveway later in the year or by January 2017.