KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia expanded it luxury vehicle offerings with the latest E-Class (W214) line-up along with the new GLC 350e 4Matic AMG Line variant.
The E-Class lineup comes in the entry-level E 200 Avantgarde priced on-the-road without insurance but with 10% sales tax at RM355,888 and the range-topping E 350e AMG Line plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) at RM418,888.
Meanwhile, GLC 350e which is also a PHEV sports utility vehicle (SUV), is priced at RM395,888.
E 350e.
All vehicles are locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang and get a four-year, unlimited mileage warranty coverage that includes an eight-year or 160,000km battery warranty.
The latest E Class has a wheelbase of 2,961mm, length of 4,950mm, width of 1,880mm and height of 1,468mm.
It is also 15mm longer, 28mm wider and 8mm taller than the previous generation model.
E 350e.
As standard, both variants use the 2.0-litre (1,999cc) M254 turbocharged engine that delivers 204hp and 320Nm of torque.
The E 200's performance is supplemented by an electric motor that provides 17kW and 205Nm of torque, allowing a 0 to 100kph sprint in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 240kph.
Meanwhile, the E 350e gets a stronger electric motor that delivers 95kW and 440Nm of torque, bringing the total output to 313hp and 550Nm.
E 350e.
The top variant is also quicker at 6.4 seconds to complete the 0-100kph dash and has a top speed of 236kph.
The E 350e's 25.4 kWh lithium-ion battery also allows a top electric driving speed of 140kph and 118km (WLTP) of electric driving range.
The high voltage battery is able to accept up to 55kW of fast-charging DC power that can bring its state-of-charge from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes or 30 minutes to get it to 100%.
E 350e.
With an 11kW AC on-board charger, it will take about two hours.
Both variants use the Agility Control setup with passive frequency selective dampers to provide high level of ride and handling qualities.
For illumination, the E 200 uses regular LED reflectors while the E 350e gets a more sophisticated Digital Light Projectors with adaptive high beam function.
E 200.
At 1,825kg (kerb), the E 200 rolls on 19-inch turbine-style wheels while the heavier E 350e at 2,190kg, uses larger 20-inch multi-spoke AMG alloy wheels.
The pop-out external door handles, trickled down from the all-electric EQ series, also help reduce drag to just 0.23Cd.
Featured inside the cabin are a combination of Nappa-like Artico faux leather and open-pore black Ashwood trimmings.
E 200.
The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) is now housed within a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen unit while the driver gets a dedicated 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
As the third-generation MBUX system, it is a self-learning unit that takes note of the driver's preferences and helps to automate it on top of providing a digital key for Apple's smartphones and watches via ultra-wideband technology.
The owners of the E 350e will get access to an app store that has a selection of third-party apps which include TikTok and Angry Birds among others and can be used on a dedicated 12.3-inch located on the front passenger side of the dashboard.
E 200.
A selfie-camera is also provided and this allows owners to perform Zoom or Webex video conferencing.
Going for the E 350e means added features such as heated/ventilated front seats, genuine leather upholstery, retractable panoramic glass roof, a 730W Burmester 4D surround sound system with 21 speakers and acoustic glass.
There's also keyless entry with push-start button, dual-zone climate controls, powered front seats with lumbar adjustability and memory function, powered rear blind and manual sun shades, 360-degree camera system, powered tailgate and external logo projectors.
GLC 350e.
For safety, Driver Assistance Plus has been included as standard for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving for both variants.
Other safety items are nine airbags included as standard, there are autonomous emergency braking, Distronic adaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality, lane centring assist, evasive steering assist, emergency stop assist and blind-spot monitoring.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia chief executive officer and president Amanda Zhang said the new E-Class is the most intelligent business sedan ever and sets a new standard for responsible luxury.
GLC 350e.
The GLC 350e, which uses the powertrain setup similar to the E 350e's, sprints from 0 to 100kph in 6.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 218kph.
It can travel further in electric mode up to 131km (WLTP) but isn't able to accept fast DC charging and relies solely on the slower 11kW AC onboard charger.
In terms of kit, it too is similarly equipped like the E 350e but gets additional aluminium roof rails and side running boards to heighten its SUV feel.
GLC 350e.
There's also an 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen in portrait orientation that's been equipped with the latest MBUX and paired to a 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system.
It also has a transparent bonnet function for added visibility when off-roading.
With the inclusion of the high voltage battery pack, the boot space of the GLC 350e has been reduced to 490 litres from 620 litres.
For added safety, Driving Assistance Package Plus is featured as well as Pre-Safe Impulse Plus which inflates the outer side bolsters to push the front occupants towards the centre of the vehicle and works with the standard inclusion of seven airbags.
Zhang (left) and Trimmel with the E 350e.
“The new GLC 350 e 4Matic offers customers the best of both worlds, delivering the seamless performance and reliability of a combustion engine paired with the efficiency and quiet comfort of electric driving," said Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia marketing and sales vice-president Nadia Trimmel.
