Best of both worlds

THE new Mercedes-Benz E-Class was launched this week at Marina Bay Sands and in terms of size, styling and features, it is perfectly positioned between the C-Class and S-Class.

The 10th-generation E-Class takes on the family look of the contemporary Mercedes sedan, with a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.23.

The new car is 43 mm longer at 4,923 mm but its wheelbase is lengthened 65 mm to a very generous 2,939 mm for much better rear legroom.

The E-Class cabin also adopts the S-Class dashboard design with a pair of wide hi-res displays for the instrument cluster and centre screen.

The steering wheel's touch-sensitive Touch Controls that respond to smartphone-like finger swipes are new, and so is the Drive Pilot assistance system that maintains the E-Class at a distance from the car in front up to a preset speed.

This semi-autonomous driving feature incorporates Steering Pilot for negotiating moderate bends.

Also new are the sculpted seats - ergonomically structured but softly padded for improved comfort and stability.

Three variants of the E200 with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine mated to a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission are available at launch.

SPECS

Mercedes-Benz E200 Avantgarde

Engine 1,991 cc turbocharged

Gearbox 9-speed 9G-Tronic transmission

Max power 184 hp @ 5,500 rpm

Max torque 300 Nm @ 1,200-4,000 rpm

0-100 kmh 7.7 secs

Top speed 240 kmh

CO2 emissions 142 g/km

Average OMV S$52,000

Price S$264,888 (with COE)

Distributor Cycle & Carriage

Tel 6298-1818