Mercedes-Benz lifts E-Class pricing, specification

BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 5th Sep 2018

MERCEDES-Benz Australia/Pacific has introduced a model-year update for the E-Class large car, with its Sedan, All-Terrain, Coupe and Cabriolet body styles lifting their pricing and specification, while the mild-hybrid AMG E53 makes its debut.

Replacing the Sedan-only, 295kW/520Nm E43, the E53 is motivated by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol engine that produces 320kW of power and 520Nm of power in tandem with its 16kW/250Nm EQ Boost starter-generator, 48V electrical system, nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system.

Available in AMG guise for the first time, the Coupe and Cabriolet extend Affalterbach’s reach, priced from $172,729 and $181,329 before on-road costs respectively in E53 form. Their Sedan counterpart is $7889 more expensive than its E43 predecessor, at $167,129.

Standard equipment in the E53 includes a switchable AMG Performance exhaust system, 20-inch alloy wheels, a Burmester surround-sound system, Nappa leather upholstery, front sports seats, a sports steering wheel, an AMG exterior styling package and a bootlid-mounted lip spoiler.

While a panoramic sunroof is fitted to the E53 Sedan and Coupe, their Cabriolet sibling instead features an acoustic soft-top, an Aircap automatic draught-stop system and front Airscarf neck heating.

As before, the E200 and E220d Sedan open the range but are $800 dearer, at $91,900 and $94,900 respectively. The latter’s Coupe and All-Terrain siblings are now priced from $97,000 (+$1000) and $110,400 (+$500).

Further upstream, the E300 Coupe and Cabriolet now check in at $111,229 (+$989) and $124,329 (+$1199) respectively, while the petrol-electric E350e Sedan plug-in hybrid is now $900 more expensive, at $132,500.

While the E350d Sedan costs $900 more than before, at $135,800, it is now powered by a 210kW 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine, which replaces its former 190kW V6 unit. However, peak torque has been reduced by 20Nm, to 600Nm, although it does arrive 400rpm earlier.

Succeeding the E400, the E450 is available in Sedan ($143,829, +$4589), Coupe ($149,228, +$3988) and Cabriolet ($160,828, +$3698) body styles. The latter runs a more powerful tune of the former’s 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine, making 270kW/500Nm (+25kW/20Nm).

Meanwhile, the AMG E63 and E63 S are now $888 and $289 dearer respectively, with the former checking in $210,128, while the latter costs $239,529.

However, E-Class buyers are compensated with a longer list of standard equipment, including the Driver Assistance Package Plus, which features traffic sign recognition that pairs with the adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality to help reduce speed when appropriate, as well as steering assist.

Additionally, all variants now come with a new-generation steering wheel with touch controls and painted paddle shifters, which replace the former galvanised units.

The E200 and E220d Sedan also receive high-beam assist as standard, while Energizing Comfort Control is bundled in with the E53 Coupe and Cabriolet but optional on several other variants.

E200 and E220d buyers also have access to a Sport Edition package, which is available for a limited time and includes a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, a Burmester surround-sound system, an AMG exterior styling package, 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats and metallic paintwork for $10,500.

Year-to-date sales of the E-Class Sedan and All-Terrain have decreased by 27.4 per cent, to 1007 units. Conversely, Coupe and Cabriolet volume has increased by 22.3 per cent, to 488 units, during the same period.

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class pricing*

E200 Sedan (a)	$91,900 (+$800)
E220d Sedan (a)	$94,900 (+$800)
E220d Coupe (a)	$97,000 (+$1000)
E220d All-Terrain (a)	$110,400 (+$500)
E300 Coupe (a)	$111,229 (+$989)
E300 Cabriolet (a)	$124,329 (+$1199)
E350e Sedan (a)	$132,500 (+$900)
E350d Sedan (a)	$135,800 (+$900)
E450 Sedan (a)	$143,829 (+$4589)
E450 Coupe (a)	$149,228 (+$3988)
E450 Coupe (a)	$160,828 (+$3698)