Early in 2016, Cars.co.za road test editor Ashley Oldfield attended the international launch of Mercedes-Benz's executive sedan in Portugal (click here to read his first impressions). The new E-Class sedan arrived in South Africa in June 2016, ushering in a host of new technologies and onboard features that hadn't been offered in its market segment before. Then, in 2017, Ashley returned to Portugal to sample the range-topping Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+ which is now on sale in South Africa alongside the E43 4Matic.
The local E-Class sedan model lineup now consists of7 derivatives including 2 turbodiesel derivatives, the E220d and E350d, as well as 3turbopetrolderivatives including the E200, E250, E400 4Matic and two new AMGperformance variants, the E43 4Matic and the range-topping E63 S 4Matic+. A petrol-electric hybrid is expected to join the range at a later stage.
The Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+ is now available in South Africa with 450 kW and 850 Nm of torque developed by its bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine.
The E200 is the entry-level model in the E-Class range. It’s equipped with a 2.0-litre turbopetrol that produces 135 kW and 300 Nm and has a claimed fuel consumption of 5.9 L/100km.
The E250 offers more power from its turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with outputs of 155 kW and 350 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption for the E250 is claimed at 6.3 L/100km.
The E400 with 4Matic all-wheel drive is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 245 kW and 480 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.9 L/100km.
On the diesel front, the E220d offers 143 kW and 400 Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 3.9 L/100km.
The more powerful E350d with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine develops190 kW and 620 Nm of torque with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.1 L/100km.
For buyers seeking high-performance thrills, you may want to consider the Mercedes-AMG E43 4Matic. Power comes courtesy of a bi-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with no less than 295 kW and 520 Nm of torque on offer. Acceleration from zero to 100 kph is achieved in 4.6 seconds before hitting a top speed of 250 kph. Fuel consumption is claimed at 8.3 L/100km.
The E-Class sedan range is headlined by the Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+ and with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine producing a hefty 450 kW and 850 Nm of torque, it will accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 3.4 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 250 kph, which can be increased to 300 kph with the optional AMG Driver's Package. Fuel consumption is claimed at 9.1 L/100 km.
Although there are myriad optional equipment features available inthe E-Class, the standard specification includes a 9-speed transmission, dual-zone climate control, comfort seating with 4-way lumbar adjustment (for the front seats), interior lighting package, Parking Pilot, Parktronic (with reversing camera), dynamic (driving mode) select, an agility control suspension with comfort setting and so forth.
Standard safety equipment includes: Attention assist, seatbelt warning system, adaptive braking with hill holdand brake drying functions, adaptive brake lights, brake-wear indicator, ABS, EBD and ESP with Curve Dynamic Assist, electric parking brake, Pre-Safe with Collision Prevention Assist Plus, dual front- (plus driver's knee-), side- and curtain airbags, a crash-responsive pedal unit andtyre pressure loss monitoring system.
Click here for the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class pricing in South Africa
E200 – R714 200
E250 – R766 700
E220d – R766 700
E350d –R967 900
E400 4Matic – R999 400
E43 4Matic – R1 165 800
E63 S 4Matic – R1 868 400
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is sold with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 6-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
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