The current-generation Mercedes E-Class finally gets a mid-life update having been around for a couple of years now.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) recently announced the arrival of the facelifted W213 E-Class, available in two iterations, namely E200 Avantgarde and E300 AMG Line.
Both variants are locally-assembled (CKD) in Pekan, Pahang, with the E200 retailing at RM326,943 while the spicier E300 goes for RM375,432.
Usually the Avantgarde will appear more matured while the AMG Line trim wears a lot more athletic kit in terms of styling. This time though, it seems like the difference is not as significant where the E200 Avantgarde now looks almost as sporty as the E300 AMG Line.
Kit wise, the E200 gets LED High Performance headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, and the E300 comes as standard with the fancier Multibeam LED unit with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and a larger 19-inch AMG wheels.
Also worth mentioning is the new paint colours, namely Grey Metallic and High-Tech Silver available for the facelift executive sedan.
Mechanically, both the E200 and E300 retain the M264 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The one in the E200 is tuned to deliver 194hp from 5,500 to 6,100rpm and 320Nm of torque from 1,650 to 4,000rpm.
The E300 on the other hand serves up 255hp and 370Nm of torque from 1,800 to 4,000rpm.
Regardless of outputs, the engine channels its power to the rear wheels via a sole nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic.
The setup enables the E200 to do zero to 100kph in 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 240kph.
Being the sportier one, the E300 AMG Line is quicker by 1.2 seconds, capable of doing century sprint in 6.2 seconds while top speed is rated at 250kph.
Dynamic Select drive mode selector and Agility Control suspension with a passive damping system are fitted as standard to both cars.
Things are largely unchanged in the cabin, but the E-Class now welcomes the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. This includes the brand’s Widescreen Cockpit that consists of two 12.3-inch displays, standard on both cars.
The MBUX system will support a wide range of Mercedes me connected services along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Elsewhere, the E200 is equipped with Artico leather upholstery, Nappa leather steering wheel, aluminium and black open-pored ash wood trimmings, Thermatic dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and powered sunblind for the rear windows.
The interior in the E300 is equipped with Artico leather upholstery, AMG sports steering wheel, a panoramic sliding sunroof, Thermotronic three-zone climate control, Burmester sound system, and black open-pored ash wood trim.
Standard safety features on the E200 include a reverse camera, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, Blind Spot Assist, Keyless-Go, Pre-Safe and Active Brake Assist (autonomous emergency braking).
The range-topping E300 adds on a 360-degree camera and the Driving Assistance Package, the latter consisting of Active Distance Assist Distronic (adaptive cruise control), Active Steering Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Pre-Safe Plus. – NST ONLINE
