2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2021 Review

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been an interesting stalwart choice for those looking for a luxury sedan, being the middle size option of the sedan range for the three-pointed star. Much like the S-Class, the E-Class hasn’t been aggressively re-invented to appeal to a younger crowd, instead still catering to Mercedes-Benz loyalists and an older demographic that may have progressed in their careers and lives with this particular German marque.

This particular generation of E-Class was launched here back in 2016, and there is a facelift that is due to launch soon, having already been released up north in Thailand. At launch it was made available in three variants: the E200, E250, and E300, all bearing the same turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine in varying states of tune. Eventually the E350e plug-in hybrid electric vehicle was introduced, though it has been phased out as well. Finally the E350 AMG Line was launched locally in 2019, function as the range topper and having a mild-hybrid powertrain.

Over time and with current COVID-19 restrictions and microprocessor supply issues, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has pared down the range to just three variants: the E200 SPORTSTYLE Avvantgarde, the E300 Exclusive Line, and the E350 AMG Line. You can also get the E-Class Coupe as an E300 AMG Line model as well. All models on offer are currently locally produced in Pekan, Pahang.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2021 Specifications

As we mentioned earlier, practically every variant of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class came with the same engine – that is, until the top-spec E350 AMG Line was made available. This is the outlier in that it has the newer M264 engine that utilizes a 48 volt architecture and is essentially a mild hybrid system. Total system outputs for this turbocharged 2.0-litre powerplant are 299 hp and 400 Nm of torque, with a momentary 14 hp and 150 Nm boost if needed at speeds up to 2,500 rpm.

The remaining variants of the E-Class get the M274 engine – also a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol motor. In the case of the E200 SPORTSTYLE Avantgarde, this engine is tuned to 184 hp and 300 Nm, while the E300 Exclusive Line sees this figure pushed to 245 hp and 370 Nm of torque. All variants of the E-Class get the same 9G-TRONIC 9-speed conventional automatic transmission delivering power to the rear wheels.

Dimensionally, all of these models are the same as well. The wheelbase is 2,939 mm long (as we don’t get the long wheelbase variants here), while the length is 4,923 mm long and the width is 1,852 mm wide. All variants get the AGILITY SELECT system that allows for different driving modes, and the shifter position remains on the column as Mercedes-Benz has maintained for nearly all their models.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2021 Exterior

Deciphering the Mercedes-Benz E-Class variants can be a little confusing in terms of equipment and exteriors, though perhaps it would be easiest to start with the prominent front grille. When it comes to Mercedes-Benz models, Avantgarde refers to the sportier grille with less slats and a more prominent front star, while the Exclusive Line is the more typical classic Mercedes-Benz front end with multiple louvres and the star up on the bonnet.

The AMG Line also follows the Avantgarde in terms of that front end style, albeit with more aggressive bumpers and trim pieces to provide a sportier overall demeanour. The E200 SPORTSTYLE Avantgarde variant gets 18-inch alloy wheels, while the remaining two variants get larger 19-inch alloy wheels. The E200 makes do with LED High Performance headlights, while the other two variants get Multibeam LED headlamps.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2021 Interior

There have certainly been large steps taken to make the interior of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a little less musky and old-luxury in nature. A two-tone design runs across the width of the interior, with the lower half of the dashboard being similar in tone to the seat materials, while the upper half of the dashboard is composed of large trim pieces and a dual-screen setup. The centre console is largely finished in a piano black material, for a more understated, minimalist design.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2021 Safety Features

All Mercedes-Benz E-Class variants get the Pre-Safe system (which tightens the belts and the like before a collision), as well a Active Brake Assist (autonomous emergency braking and warning), Parking Pilot, Pre-Safe Sound, and seven airbags. The range-topping E350 AMG Line also gets Pilot Distance Distronic, which is essentially adaptive cruise control with stop & go functionality for traffic jams, as well as Active Lane Keep Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2021 Strengths & Weakness

If you could remember the previous generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, there were some criticisms levelled against it specifically regarding its underdamped and overly soft suspension that caused it to bottom out over bumps. This has thankfully been resolved with the current generation model, and only praises for its ride quality have been sung – as it should be for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Other things to appreciate with the E-Class are lots of interior space, and an interior layout that is helps to shed the old uncle or auntie imagery thanks to more modern elements. There’s not a hint of old luxury here, though there isn’t any compromise in outright luxury either.

What then, is the weakness when it comes to the Mercedes-Benz E-Clsas? Perhaps that would be the fact that this model is a little outdated when one knows the facelift is just around the corner. Despite a healthy list of features and modern powertrains, it just isn’t the bleeding edge technology one would expect from Mercedes-Benz today.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2021 Price

Ownership of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class starts at RM 318,280.48 for the E200 SPORTSTYLE Avantgarde, going up to RM 367,062.03 for the E300 Exclusive Line, and topping out at RM 384,523.62 for the E350 AMG Line. These prices are with the current sales tax exemptions in place and are subject to change depending on new regulations.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2021 Features

This particular generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a bit of a tricky one when it comes to features and functionality. The layout of the infotainment and instrument cluster leads one to believe that it comes with MBUX, but this was something that only made an appearance with the Mercedes-AMG E63 variant as well as the facelifted model that hasn’t yet been launched locally. In essence the framework is laid out, but the functionality hasn’t quite been implemented.

That’s not to say that the E-Class is barren. The mid-spec E300 Exclusive Line gets items like a panoramic roof, hands-free boot access and keyless entry and start, and Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus. The range topper gets Thermotronic climate control system as well, and a Burmester sound system, wireless charging, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2021 Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is pretty reasonable – at least in the manufacturer quoted sense. The E200 manages to return 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres, or 16.9 kilometres per litre. The E300 is a little less frugal at 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres, or 15.9 kilometres per litre. From our own testing, the E350 gets 7.8-litres per 100 kilometres – translating to roughly 12.8 kilometres per litre.