The first official photos and final specifications of the India-bound 2021 Mercedes E-Class LWB (facelift) are officially out. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Mercedes E-Class long-wheelbase launch in India.
China and India are the sole countries where the fifth-gen Mercedes E-Class (W213) is sold in a long wheelbase. Manufacturing takes place at the Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. (BBAC) Sino-German joint venture plant in Beijing, China. In India, the executive sedan is assembled in Pune from knocked-down kits. The Mercedes Chakan plant receives the main components of the E-Class from Germany and China, while few electrical parts and tires are sourced locally. The introduction of the long wheelbase E-Class three years ago proved as a master stroke for Mercedes India which helped stretched its lead in the segment.
Exterior
The new Mercedes E-Class long-wheelbase facelift features the very design changes of the new standard wheelbase version seen in the images and video below. At the front, a more strongly defined radiator grille, flattened headlamps, new lower grille and a new bumper with more powerful outer ends round up the changes. At the rear, we spot the new split tail lamps that are reminiscent of the much smaller Mercedes A-Class Limousine and a new bumper.
Daimler says that the Mercedes E-Class LWB retains the additional 140 mm wheelbase (3,079 mm) compared to the global Mercedes E-Class, but it has grown by 22 mm in length to 5,056 mm. Rear-seat occupants continue enjoying the ‘extra’ 134 mm legroom that not only improves comfort but makes ingress and egress easier in the LWB version.
2021 Mercedes E-Class LWB interior
The interior of the 2021 Mercedes E-Class LWB also has some upgrades, such as a new steering wheel with capacitive detection and MBUX multimedia system and MBUX Interior Assistant (gesture control). The middle seat is now more comfortable and there’s a new centre console with integrated touchscreen and two USB ports to make travelling in the back seats more comfortable and convenient.
Engines & transmission
In India, Mercedes-Benz may offer the 2021 E-Class with three engines: M 254 2.0-litre petrol, OM 654 2.0-litre diesel and OM 656 3.0-litre diesel. M 254 is a new petrol engine equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that allows the car to coast, or in Daimler parlance “glide”, with the engine switched off. OM 654 and OM 656 are carried-over diesel engines upgraded for lower emissions including the addition of the aforementioned 48V system. The 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission has been improved.
| Aspect | M 254 specification | OM 654 specification | OM 656 specification |
| Type | In-line four-cylinder | In-line four-cylinder | In-line six-cylinder |
| Displacement | 2.0-litre (1,991 cc) | 1.9-litre (1,950 cc) | 2.9-litre (2,939 cc) |
| Maximum Power | Up to 272 PS | 194 PS | 330 PS |
| Maximum Torque | Up to 400 Nm | 400 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Electrification | ISG (Integrated Starter-Generator) | NA | NA |
| EQ Boost (electric power) | 20 PS | NA | NA |
| EQ Boost (electric torque) | 180 Nm | NA | NA |
Electrification in the M 254 engine has been made possible with an integrated starter generator (ISG) and a 48-volt Lithium-ion battery. ISG combines the starter motor and the generator in a single electric motor, which is installed between the engine and transmission. In addition to functions like EQ Boost (for additional power and torque during short bursts) and coasting, it is also used for cold starts.
Energy recuperated during deceleration and then stored in the battery is used for “EQ Boost” boost and “sail” or “glide” coasting functions. EQ Boost in this particular engine means an additional 20 PS of power and 180 Nm of torque, available during short bursts.
For those new to the coasting function, the engine is decoupled from the powertrain and switched off when the driving situation allows. During coasting, ISG brings the engine to idling speed quickly and smoothly and allows a swift restart so that the whole operation is barely noticeable.
Competitors & Launch Date
The 2021 Mercedes E-Class LWB alternatives in India are the usual suspects – the Audi A6, the BMW 5 Series and the Volvo S90, which are priced from/at INR 54,42,200*, INR 55,40,000* and INR 58,90,000*. A circa-INR 60 lakh budget can get you also the mid-size Lexus ES (hybrid), which is priced from INR 54,90,000*.
When is the launch of the 2021 Mercedes E-Class in India?
There is no official launch date, but expect the new E-Class to appear in Indian showrooms around April 2021.
*Ex-showroom
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