Mercedes-Benz E220d – All the details

Mercedes-Benz came to India almost 22 years ago. They had done this with the E-class. Every since the E-class has been India’s most loved premium luxury sedan. Yes there have been ups and downs but the E-class has always managed to find place in our hearts. The new generation E-class was launched with a long wheelbase in Feb 2016 and has been a runaway success. The new E-class also got the “World Luxury Car of the Year” Award. In India however we only had the E200 petrol and the E350d. Now finally, the luxury car maker has decided to launch the Mercedes-Benz E220d in India. This car now comes with the new diesel engine and let us see what it has to offer.

Mercedes E220d Waiting Period

One can expect a waiting period of about 4-6 weeks. This will be the time atleast in the initial days for this long wheel base sedan.

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The Mercedes E220d will continue to be a long wheel base version. So, those who are chauffeur-driven can easily go ahead and pick this one, as it will be more affordable than the V6 diesel, and even more efficient, if that matters. The E-Class is the best-selling sedan in this segment and this diesel engine is likely to be the main volume churner. This is the first right-hand drive long wheel base that is ever manufactured and it has made its debut in India.

Mercedes-Benz E220d Price

Mercedes-Benz E220d has been aggressively priced, just a bit over the competition. With way more luxurious interiors, it kind of justifies the price. It is a risk Mercedes-Benz is willing to take and it has surely paid off earlier, let’s see now. The plan to launch the long wheelbase has been a surprise and success too.

Mercedes-Benz E220d Design

This luxury saloon has always set benchmarks in its category. This is something that Jaguar, BMW and Audi look up too. It may not be the most powerful like BMW 5-series or flashy like the Audi A6 but it surely is the most luxurious and comfortable. The grill with the parallel chrome strips with the large logo in the centre has become synonymous with Mercedes Benz. This is unless someone opts for the simple grill with a standing logo on the bonnet. The Dual projector LED headlamps is typical of E.class. I love the way the grill on the bumper extends from side to side adding to a sporty feel to this much classy saloon. To add to the style there are three character lines on the bonnet, in the centre and on the sides that flow into the A-pillar.

There is another strong character line that flows from the headlamp on the front fender to the taillamp on the rear fender, adding to slight muscle. This gives the car a broader stance and surely it is. The 5 spoke dual tone alloys are classy than sporty. The bonnet flows into the a-pillar and into the roof which further flows down the c-pillar and boot. This smooth flow is for better aerodynamics and also helps reduce co-efficient of drag. The black tinch to the panoramic sunroom looks sporty and classy. From the side the long wheelbase of the car is evident. You can only get a limo to your mind and wonder what it would be like from the inside.

Stand-alone tail lights use LED technology to create visual highlights while improving visibility. Two crystal-look tail lights, also using LED technology, create visual highlights while improving visibility and add a touch of charm to the vehicle. The led indicators on the mirrors are sleek and the mirrors have auto dimming feature. The dual exhaust at the exhaust is gorgeous too.

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz E350d Price and Review

Mercedes-Benz E220d Interiors

The new E-Class is an exclusive wellness oasis. High-quality materials define the interior style. They include open-pore woods with flowing lines as a contemporary interpretation of inlaid wood. Another Mercedes-Benz hallmark clearly in evidence is the high-quality look and feel created through meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. Just as carefully composed is the material/colour concept with various shades of beige and black. The same applies to the enhanced ambient lighting included in the lines. With 64 colours, it offers a host of possibilities for personalisation. A further highlight is the seats. Their ergonomic, sculptural form combines Mercedes-Benz’s hallmark suitability for long journeys with a refined, sporty look, featuring a unique design for each line. At least that is what Mercedes-Benz says.

The three spoke steering come with first ever steering mounted controls with a trackpad. Something like we used to have in a blackberry. It can be used to scroll through the menu or even selection of diff options. It is way easier than pressing buttons. The instrument cluster is a large screen and gives every kind of information that you would require while driving. The infotainment system too comes with a large 12 inch HD screen that also provides 3D maps. Talk about premiumness to the next level. The chrome ac vents with the chrome buttons are elegant. The dash screams of quality materials and the subtle touch to the design is amazing. This is proof that you do not need to be flashy for being super premium.

Now, getting at the rear, this is what all the talk and show is. This is where you realise the pros of a long wheelbase. The rear legroom is nothing short of spectacular. This is true luxury saloon. You get 3 head rests and 2 have the comfort cushion. And never seen before in this price range the seats recline up to 32 degrees giving out worldly comfort. I sat just once in my life in a 1st class cabin of a plane and this will give you that feeling everytime you sit here. The dash has an analogue lock that adds to the classy look. The 3 zone climate control works exceptionally well especially for this large cabin. The panoramic sunroof will let u enjoy the ride a bit better.

Mercedes-Benz E220d Colours

The  Mercedes-Benz E220d is available in the following colours

• Obsidian Black
• Iridium Silver
• Citrine Brown
• Selenite Grey
• Polar White.
• Black

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Mercedes-Benz E220d Features

Exterior

• LED headlamps and tail lamps | Panoramic Sunroof | 17” Light Alloy Wheels
• Rear design highlights: Chrome trim | Rear bumper inserts black diffuser-look finish | Two fixed tailpipe trim elements integrated into bumper | Illumination Specific to E-Class | Single-piece design | Crystal look during illumination

Interior highlights:

• • Ambient lighting: 64 colours and five dimming levels for the desired lighting mood
  • World first: Touch-sensitive touch controls on the steering wheel
  • Electric sunblind for rear windows
  • First: 37 degree recliner rear seat
  • Chauffeur Package with memory function: A first and standard feature across all variant

Mercedes-Benz E220d Specifications

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Mercedes-Benz E220d Engine

The new 1950cc engine churns about 192bhp of power and 400Nm of maximum torque. This engine comes mated to a 9G-TRONIC transmission. It has a top speed of 240 km/hr and reaches 100km/hr in 7.8 seconds. This engine has been codenamed as OM 654. This is an aluminium block and so it is lighter and weighs 168.4 kilograms. The exhaust is now mounted on the engine for cleaner exhaust gases.

Mercedes-Benz says India is the only 2nd country to produce the new 2-litre diesel engine locally. That is a big thing. Not only it is manufactured for India but also for all the other right hand drive markets in the world. Now that is an exceptional thing. Mercedes are calling the new engine OM654. You may feel it is a bit of a downgrade from 2.2 litre to a 2 litre but the if you see the performance figures have not dropped. Mercedes says the new engine is 13% more efficient and 17% lighter. This is as for the first time the complete engine is made of aluminium. For a almost  meter long car the above figures would only put a wicked grin on your face. The 9G-Tronic is smooth and eliminates what ever notchy feeling the 7G-Tronic had.

Some more details on the new engine:

• Flat steel pistons with innovative Mercedes-Benz stepped combustion bowls and long connecting rods
• All exhaust treatment technologies configured directly on the engine
• Extensive measures for friction reduction, such as the NANOSLIDE^®coating of the cylinder walls
• Fourth-generation common rail injection
• Offset of the crank assembly
• Reduced displacement
• Systematic lightweight design
• Unusual combination: aluminium engine block and steel pistons

Mercedes-Benz E220d Mileage

With a good mileage of 13 km/l the new E220d engine is true to its word. Mercedes Benz has equipped the car with a massive 80 litre tank, and considering these figures the car can do an easy 800 km before asking for fuel. That is more than most economy cars give in today’s world. Well the richer you get the more you save.

Mercedes-Benz E220d Dimensions

At 1800 kgs the car is quite heavy. But that is also what makes the car sturdy and an assurance of good quality materials. The 123 mm ground clearance is less but the suspension is tuned in a way to make up for it. Still be careful of those tall speed breakers. With a wheelbase of 3079 metres this car is long and the legroom that we saw earlier is thanks to this. Everything screams Limo. Beside the length the car is broad and that too can be seen from the inside space.

Mercedes-Benz E220d Drive and Handling

Mercedes has always been known for its plush subtle ride. And that has not changed, if not it has gotten even better. The E220d does not get the airmatic suspension but that has not in any way diminished the ride quality. Well you won’t get a sporty handling like the Quattro or the 5-series, but it is precise and relaxed. Still this is a car you would want to be in the rear seat and enjoy the comfort. Still if you get the to steering the car wouldn’t disappoint you. The steering is soft but starts to weigh in as the speed increases. The steering has very less rotations from end to end making this an effortless car to drive.

The adaptive damping suspension being coil spring have dampers to softer the ride on harsh surfaces. You would feel the long wheelbase would brush on every speed breaker but that is not the case. Both the seats and the suspension take care of the bad road undulations to make the cabin feel like you are floating in air unless u get a bit of wind turbulence. You can take corners but to the the extent of the other cars thanks to the long wheelbase. The 64 different types of ambient lights make you set the mood as and how you feel and if you are on a date, your night is surely set for a good time.

Whether it is a date, or a family function or just a party with friends this car will always seems welcome to all. You can even fool around with a friend sitting shotgun using the chauffeur package and move the co-driver’s seat to annoy them. You can try different driving styles provided you have the skills of the Transporter. A more in-depth description will come out once we review the car in detail.

Verdict

With being just a few lakhs more than the competition, the E-Class is providing much much more. Getting the award for the 2017 luxury car of the year award is probably one of the most prestigious things around, putting the mights E.class back on the #1 spot. Design wise the car is subtle yet loaded with premium feel. Performance is great but not monstrous, similarly goes for the mileage. As far as comfort is concern this car would much more than just 5 stars. This is the next level of luxury that other brands should consider a serious threat and start finding ways to compete with or they will be at a big lose.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Image Gallery