By: IOL Motoring Staff
The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class made its local debut two months ago with a fairly limited engine range that included just one petrol engine option (E200) and two diesels (E220d and E350d). But now the range is being expanded with two higher-end petrol options in the form of the E250 and E400 4Matic.
The new E250 features a more powerful 155kW/350Nm version of the 2-litre turbopetrol engine that's fitted to the E200, in which case it produces 135kW and 300Nm. That's good enough for a 6.9 second 0-100km/h sprint, according to Mercedes-Benz, versus 7.7 seconds in the E200's case.
From there it's a big leap in price and power to the E400 4Matic, which will serve as the performance flagship until the AMG versions arrive. The E400 is powered by a 3-litre V6 turbo, rated at 245kW and 480Nm and good for a 5.3-second 0-100 sprint.
As with all E-Class sedans, the engine is paired with a new 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic gearbox but while its range siblings are rear-wheel driven, the E400 becomes the first local E-Class to sport 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive.
All E-Class sedans are sold with steel suspension as standard, but buyers can opt for Merc's Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension system.
As far as driver assistance gadgets go, the E comes standard with Active Brake Assist, with auto-braking and pedestrian detection, as well as Attention Assist and Crosswind Assist. Other standard features across the range include Pre-Safe, dual-zone climate control, Audio 20 infotainment system with reverse camera and a six-year / 100 000km maintenance plan.
The executive sedan is also available with a long list of optional gizmos, the highlight here being Drive Pilot, something of a semi-autonomous 'autopilot' system.
E-CLASS RANGE
E 200 - 135kW/300Nm - R707 100
E 220d - 143kW/400Nm - R759 100
E 250 - 155kW/350Nm - R759 100
E 350d - 190kW/620Nm - R958 300
E 400 4Matic - 245kW/480Nm - R989 500
ALTERNATIVES
Mercedes E 250 - 155kW/350Nm - R759 100
BMW 528i - 180kW/350Nm - R787 008
Jaguar XF 2.5t - 177kW/340Nm - R809 426
Mercedes E 400 4Matic - 245kW/480Nm - R989 500
BMW 535i - 225kW/400Nm - R906 086
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