Mercedes-Benz Australia says every new model it has launched since 2007 has either maintained its retail price or gained extra equipment with value outstripping any price increases. And that ‘First Choice Strategy’ continues with the all-new E-Class which benefits from extra safety and convenience features ranging in value from $7,000 (E200) to $23,000 (E250 CDI Estate).
But let’s start with the perennial contender for the title of ‘World’s Best High Performance Sedan’ – the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. Price is up to $249,900 but consider this: the ‘S’ model now delivers 430kW/800Nm and zero to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds.
The E63 AMG also gains a 360-degree camera, AMG illuminated door sills, AMG locking differential, Active Park Assist, DAB audio, full LED headlights and the Driver Assistance Package Plus. And all-wheel-drive model has been launched in Europe.
‘Benz has dropped the E 63 AMG Estate from the range – the new E400 Estate ($137,700) is good for zero to 100km/h in just over 5.0-seconds.
The E400 is a bi-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine with 245kW/480Nm.
Possibly overshadowing everything else in the lineup is Mercedes’ first hybrid – the E300 Blue TEC Hybrid. Power comes from a four-cylinder diesel with 150kW/500Nm plus a 20kW/250Nm electric motor. Combined cycle fuel consumption is 4.3l/100kms.
Even the entry-level E200 is impressive. Extra equipment (including Blind Spot and Collision Prevention) and more power from the new M274 four-cylinder engine (135kW/300NM) but no change in price ($79,900)
The full range is:
E200 Sedan $79,900
E220 CDI Sedan $82,400
E200 Estate $86,900
E250 Sedan $97,400
E250 CDI Sedan $99,900
E250 CDI Estate $107,700
E300 BTH Sedan $109,900
E400 Sedan $129,900
E400 Estate $137,700
E63 AMG S Sedan $249,900
