Upgraded Mercedes-Benz E-Class dumps diesel
Diesels axed, tech higher and prices up for all bar E53 AMGs that have fallen by as much as $17KThe new 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has arrived with a slimmed-down range that goes without diesel power at launch but offers plenty more with the rest.
There are major improvements in areas such as exterior design, cabin fit-out, safety systems and infotainment tech, along with corresponding price increases across most of the pared-back 10-model line-up (down from 16) spanning sedan, coupe and cabriolet body styles.
The exceptions to this are the high-performance Mercedes-AMG E53 variants, which have actually fallen by as much as $17,000, depending on the body style.
Mercedes isn’t giving up on diesels completely, but the facelifted 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class range that arrives in Australian dealerships this week is a sign of things to come.
Exterior changes see the upgraded E-Class more closely resemble newer Benz vehicles such as the CLS-Class, with the brand aiming for a more “dynamic” stance via curvier headlights and a new grille and front bumper treatment.
The side profile and roofline are unchanged, but a more contemporary rear end adds slimmer tail-lights, a redesigned rear bumper and a new bootlid.
All Australian-delivered E-Class models are also now fitted with the AMG Line exterior package, which features 19- or 20-inch AMG alloy wheels (depending on the variant) and a variety of other sporty cosmetic additions.
In terms of other standard equipment, the entire Mercedes-Benz E-Class range receives an update to the MBUX infotainment system plus an upgraded steering wheel with embedded sensor mats in the rim. The latter features a ‘hands-on’ detection system and allows autonomous driving with only the lightest of touches on the steering wheel.
Also standard is the Driving Assistance Package Plus, which includes systems that can accelerate, brake and steer the car in slow-moving traffic and at higher speeds on the freeway.
It can also change lanes automatically when the driver hits the indicator stalk.
The E-Class’s competition includes the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Jaguar XF.
The entry-level turbo-petrol four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz E 200 is now priced from $96,900 plus on-road costs, representing a rise of $365. The E 300 sedan starts at $117,990, up almost $4000, while the entry-level high-performance E53 AMG models have dropped in price by between $13,000 and $17,000 depending on the body style.
Along with the E 220d, E 350d and E 450 model-grades, the wagon-based All Terrain E-Class has been axed from the line-up. However, the importer has not ruled out bringing a wagon model to Australia in future.
The range-topping Mercedes-AMG E 63 S has risen in price by just over $2000 to $250,400 plus ORCs.
The full price list is provided at the bottom of this story.
E 200 equipment levels
The Mercedes-Benz E 200 is available in sedan and coupe body styles and is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine (145kW/320Nm) driving the rear wheels via a conventional nine-speed automatic transmission.
Headline standard features include twin 12.3-inch screens – infotainment and instrument displays – wireless phone charging, 360-degree parking camera and active parking assist, 64-colour ambient LED interior lighting, tinted windows, hands-free boot access, and LED headlights with adaptive high beam functionality.
Keyless entry/engine start are also standard together with heated and power-adjustable front seats with three memory settings, dual-zone climate control and the latest version of the MBUX operating system which features Mercedes me Connect app functionality.
Vegan-friendly Artico faux leather seat upholstery is offered on the E 200 sedan while the E 200 coupe gets genuine leather. All models have the AMG exterior pack with 19-inch alloy wheels.
E 300 equipment levels
The Mercedes-Benz E 300 model grade is offered across all three body styles and includes everything listed for the E 200, and a bit more.
These additions includes a more potent version of the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (190kW/370Nm) along with full leather upholstery, multibeam LED headlights, adaptive air suspension and metallic exterior paint.
E 300e equipment levels
Only available as a sedan, the fuel-sipping E 300e petrol-electric plug-in hybrid model is powered by 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (155kW/350Nm) that combines with an electric motor (90kW/440Nm) to deliver a combined output of 235kW/700Nm and a 50km EV driving range.
Mercedes claims the E 300 e has an average fuel economy figure of just of 2.2L/100km – less than a Toyota Prius.
AMG E 53 4MATIC+ equipment levels
The facelifted Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ is propelled by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (320kW/520Nm) that is backed up by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It drives all four wheels through a nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT automatic transmission.
The mid-spec AMG E-Class is offered in all three body styles and, compared to the E 300, adds front sports seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery, a head-up display, a panoramic glass sunroof and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system.
The E 53 also comes with bigger brakes, a switchable AMG performance exhaust system, rear bootlid spoiler and unique 20-inch black alloy wheels.
AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ equipment levels
Only offered as a sedan, the bahn-storming Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ is powered by a hand-assembled 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 engine (450kW/850Nm) that pumps power to all four wheels through an AMG Speedshift MCT nine-speed automatic transmission.
The fire-breathing flagship E-Class gets everything seen in the abovementioned models plus heated and cooled front seats featuring as part of an Active Multicontour Seat Package, a heated front armrest and heated outboard rear seats.
Power-closing doors, an augmented reality sat-nav system, three-zone climate control and an air filtering package are also fitted.
High-performance equipment includes an AMG steering wheel with mode selector buttons, racetrack data logger, a rear limited-slip differential, active dynamic engine mounts and dual-tone AMG 20-inch five-spoke black alloy wheels.
Regular models are rolling into dealerships now, while the AMG 53 models will arrive in Australia from around November. The big-bang AMG 63 S models are set for late December or early January 2021.
How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cost?
Sedan
E 200 – $96,900 (+$365)
E 300 – $117,900 (+$3965)
E 300 e – $121,400 (+$2410)
AMG E 53 – $159,900 (-$13,535)
AMG E63 S – $250,400 (+$2165)
Coupe
E 200 – $101,900 (new)
E300 – $117,400 (+$1765)
AMG E 53 – $162,400 (-$16,935)
Cabriolet
E 300 – $130,900 (+$1665)
AMG E 53 – $170,900 (-$17,335)
* Prices exclude on-road costs
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