Revised long wheel base E-class launched at Shanghai Auto Show

 

The E class has been and will continue to be the core product of the Chinese market for Mercedes-Benz. To make sure that they get the maximum market share in China, it is crucial that Mercedes gets the E-Class just right for the market. There are many things one can do to a car, but Mercedes decided that adding some extra legroom would be the most sensible thing to do. 

 

Let’s talk about the exterior. Visually, the car looks pretty much the same as the standard E class. But squint a bit harder, and you will notice that the car is slightly longer, gaining 140 mm of rear legroom. To make sitting in the rear even more comfortable, the front passenger seat can be electronically adjusted from the rear passenger area. Currently, the car is confined to China only. Various trim levels are available. The launch car shown at the show is called the Sport Sedan version and has been fitted with a more aggressive looking front end with a big three pointed star on the grille. If you want something classier, you may opt for the Sedan trim, which ditches the large grille-mounted badge for one standing on the bonnet. The low-beam headlamps are LEDs as standard.

A variety of powerplants and drivetrains are available, ranging from an economical 1.8 litre turbo 4 cylinder (E260 L), to a 330bhp 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged V6 (E400 L).

The E class has always been Mercedes’ solution to provide a relatively affordable (limousine for those who want the comfort, quality and luxury of a Mercedes, and yet not pay so much for an S-class. Not too much more expensive than the standard E, but with a lot more legroom. Want an E-class limo but don’t want to get one made by an aftermarket specialist? Well, the E-class L is the perfect solution. It’s a shame we’re not going to get it.