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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon E250 Avantgarde (A) Facelift Review
08 Jul 2013|60,848 views
The E-Class is Mercedes-Benz's ever popular range in the mid-sized saloon market. The first modern mid size Mercedes-Benz - the W120 'Ponton' 180 - was introduced in 1953.
It was not until 1994, when the facelifted W124 was launched that the letter E was used as a prefix (i.e. E220) and the model, officially referred to as the E-Class.
The E-Class has been linked with towkays and executives alike, but all that is about to change after its nip and tuck
Faced with rising heat in the premium mid-sized sedan segment, from competitors such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series as well as the Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz has given the latest generation E-Class a mid-life refresh in a bid to shed its 'mature' image and appeal to the younger generation.
Headlining the revised E-Class range is the E200 which we rode in recently, and this time, we needed to find out what the more powerful E250 could offer.
Exterior
Get up close to the new E-Class and the most prominent change you'll see is the pair of 'double hook' LED daytime running lights, housed together with new HID headlamps - replacing the quad headlight arrangement on the outgoing car.
It was not until 1994, when the facelifted W124 was launched that the letter E was used as a prefix (i.e. E220) and the model, officially referred to as the E-Class.
Faced with rising heat in the premium mid-sized sedan segment, from competitors such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series as well as the Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz has given the latest generation E-Class a mid-life refresh in a bid to shed its 'mature' image and appeal to the younger generation.
Headlining the revised E-Class range is the E200 which we rode in recently, and this time, we needed to find out what the more powerful E250 could offer.
Exterior
Get up close to the new E-Class and the most prominent change you'll see is the pair of 'double hook' LED daytime running lights, housed together with new HID headlamps - replacing the quad headlight arrangement on the outgoing car.
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A sportier grille featuring two bars and a large Mercedes badge sits proudly up front and comes as standard, although the traditional bonnet-mounted star and four-bar grille is still available as an option.
The whole nose is thus much smoother and more cohesive, following on from the look set by the new A-Class and newer Mercedes-Benz models.
The taillights and rear bumper have also been subtly tweaked and the old angular tailpipe has been ditched for twin rectangular ones for a sportier outlook (Avantgarde trim).
 |
Interior
On first glance, the cabin of the new E-Class looks almost identical to its predecessor, but as soon as you climb inside, you'll realise a couple of useful changes.
There's a nice feel to the leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel that also gives a good grip
The most obvious one would be the two-part trim used on the dashboard, newly designed air vents and a new analogue clock between the two central vents.
There is this solid, cocooned feel to the interior of the E-Class and a understated elegance that reeks of style. Dark polished ash wood highlights embrace the dash and help to give it a gentlemen's club elegance.
Interior quality has improved too with some of the black plastic buttons being replaced with metal-effect ones while the instruments and controls are clear, easily navigated and intelligent.
On first glance, the cabin of the new E-Class looks almost identical to its predecessor, but as soon as you climb inside, you'll realise a couple of useful changes.
The most obvious one would be the two-part trim used on the dashboard, newly designed air vents and a new analogue clock between the two central vents.
There is this solid, cocooned feel to the interior of the E-Class and a understated elegance that reeks of style. Dark polished ash wood highlights embrace the dash and help to give it a gentlemen's club elegance.
Interior quality has improved too with some of the black plastic buttons being replaced with metal-effect ones while the instruments and controls are clear, easily navigated and intelligent.
The attractive coloured instrument panel is especially neat and appealing and now features three individually hooded dials, instead of the old one with five gauges - inclusive of the analogue clock.
Interior ambient lighting gives a cosy feeling, allowing passengers to cuddle in comfort
The cabin retains the dimensions of its predecessor. Headroom and legroom is commodious for five adults, although the middle rear passenger may need to put up with the transmission tunnel.
And to top it up, a generous 540-litre cargo space will easily haul golf or shopping bags, with the added convenience of an electric tailgate.
Interior ambient lighting gives a cosy feeling, allowing passengers to cuddle in comfortThe cabin retains the dimensions of its predecessor. Headroom and legroom is commodious for five adults, although the middle rear passenger may need to put up with the transmission tunnel.
And to top it up, a generous 540-litre cargo space will easily haul golf or shopping bags, with the added convenience of an electric tailgate.
 |
The Drive
The biggest change for the updated E250 is the engine. Replacing the 1.8-litre turbocharged engine in its predecessor is a new 2.0-litre turbocharged lump, mated to a 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox.
Maximum output of 211bhp and 350Nm of torque from the new 2.0-litre turbocharged engine
Power delivery is smooth and the E250 goes from standstill to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds, which is 0.4 seconds faster than the outgoing model.
On the roads, there's sufficient performance from the powerplant and tall gearing from the transmission gives it a relaxed feel. Refinement is also excellent, with little or no engine/road noise during the time we spent with the car.
Mercedes-Benz has revised the steering of the E-Class, making it more responsive and a little heavier. As a result, the car is more involving to drive.
The biggest change for the updated E250 is the engine. Replacing the 1.8-litre turbocharged engine in its predecessor is a new 2.0-litre turbocharged lump, mated to a 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox.
Power delivery is smooth and the E250 goes from standstill to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds, which is 0.4 seconds faster than the outgoing model.
On the roads, there's sufficient performance from the powerplant and tall gearing from the transmission gives it a relaxed feel. Refinement is also excellent, with little or no engine/road noise during the time we spent with the car.
Mercedes-Benz has revised the steering of the E-Class, making it more responsive and a little heavier. As a result, the car is more involving to drive.
The steering also works well with the new suspension tuning, which allows the body to roll in a smooth and controlled fashion when tackling corners at higher speeds.
18-inchers on the E-Class help to give a firm yet cosseting ride
The E-Class sets an excellent balance between comfort and sport, marrying these traits more harmoniously than other cushier or more athletic cars out there in the premium mid-sized sedan segment.
Conclusion
The car is quiet, sophisticated, refined and effortless on the road. Altogether, they help the new E-Class exemplify what a fine car should be.
Effective updates make it better to drive, more engaging, and more compelling as a contender in the mid-sized saloon market. And together with a cleaner and more organic design, the E-Class is definitely a strong step forward.
The E-Class sets an excellent balance between comfort and sport, marrying these traits more harmoniously than other cushier or more athletic cars out there in the premium mid-sized sedan segment.
Conclusion
The car is quiet, sophisticated, refined and effortless on the road. Altogether, they help the new E-Class exemplify what a fine car should be.
Effective updates make it better to drive, more engaging, and more compelling as a contender in the mid-sized saloon market. And together with a cleaner and more organic design, the E-Class is definitely a strong step forward.
The E-Class is Mercedes-Benz's ever popular range in the mid-sized saloon market. The first modern mid size Mercedes-Benz - the W120 'Ponton' 180 - was introduced in 1953.
It was not until 1994, when the facelifted W124 was launched that the letter E was used as a prefix (i.e. E220) and the model, officially referred to as the E-Class.
Faced with rising heat in the premium mid-sized sedan segment, from competitors such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series as well as the Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz has given the latest generation E-Class a mid-life refresh in a bid to shed its 'mature' image and appeal to the younger generation.
Headlining the revised E-Class range is the E200 which we rode in recently, and this time, we needed to find out what the more powerful E250 could offer.
Exterior
Get up close to the new E-Class and the most prominent change you'll see is the pair of 'double hook' LED daytime running lights, housed together with new HID headlamps - replacing the quad headlight arrangement on the outgoing car.
It was not until 1994, when the facelifted W124 was launched that the letter E was used as a prefix (i.e. E220) and the model, officially referred to as the E-Class.
Faced with rising heat in the premium mid-sized sedan segment, from competitors such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series as well as the Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz has given the latest generation E-Class a mid-life refresh in a bid to shed its 'mature' image and appeal to the younger generation.
Headlining the revised E-Class range is the E200 which we rode in recently, and this time, we needed to find out what the more powerful E250 could offer.
Exterior
Get up close to the new E-Class and the most prominent change you'll see is the pair of 'double hook' LED daytime running lights, housed together with new HID headlamps - replacing the quad headlight arrangement on the outgoing car.
A sportier grille featuring two bars and a large Mercedes badge sits proudly up front and comes as standard, although the traditional bonnet-mounted star and four-bar grille is still available as an option.
The whole nose is thus much smoother and more cohesive, following on from the look set by the new A-Class and newer Mercedes-Benz models.
The taillights and rear bumper have also been subtly tweaked and the old angular tailpipe has been ditched for twin rectangular ones for a sportier outlook (Avantgarde trim).
Interior
On first glance, the cabin of the new E-Class looks almost identical to its predecessor, but as soon as you climb inside, you'll realise a couple of useful changes.
The most obvious one would be the two-part trim used on the dashboard, newly designed air vents and a new analogue clock between the two central vents.
There is this solid, cocooned feel to the interior of the E-Class and a understated elegance that reeks of style. Dark polished ash wood highlights embrace the dash and help to give it a gentlemen's club elegance.
Interior quality has improved too with some of the black plastic buttons being replaced with metal-effect ones while the instruments and controls are clear, easily navigated and intelligent.
On first glance, the cabin of the new E-Class looks almost identical to its predecessor, but as soon as you climb inside, you'll realise a couple of useful changes.
The most obvious one would be the two-part trim used on the dashboard, newly designed air vents and a new analogue clock between the two central vents.
There is this solid, cocooned feel to the interior of the E-Class and a understated elegance that reeks of style. Dark polished ash wood highlights embrace the dash and help to give it a gentlemen's club elegance.
Interior quality has improved too with some of the black plastic buttons being replaced with metal-effect ones while the instruments and controls are clear, easily navigated and intelligent.
The attractive coloured instrument panel is especially neat and appealing and now features three individually hooded dials, instead of the old one with five gauges - inclusive of the analogue clock.
The cabin retains the dimensions of its predecessor. Headroom and legroom is commodious for five adults, although the middle rear passenger may need to put up with the transmission tunnel.
And to top it up, a generous 540-litre cargo space will easily haul golf or shopping bags, with the added convenience of an electric tailgate.
The cabin retains the dimensions of its predecessor. Headroom and legroom is commodious for five adults, although the middle rear passenger may need to put up with the transmission tunnel.
And to top it up, a generous 540-litre cargo space will easily haul golf or shopping bags, with the added convenience of an electric tailgate.
The Drive
The biggest change for the updated E250 is the engine. Replacing the 1.8-litre turbocharged engine in its predecessor is a new 2.0-litre turbocharged lump, mated to a 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox.
Power delivery is smooth and the E250 goes from standstill to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds, which is 0.4 seconds faster than the outgoing model.
On the roads, there's sufficient performance from the powerplant and tall gearing from the transmission gives it a relaxed feel. Refinement is also excellent, with little or no engine/road noise during the time we spent with the car.
Mercedes-Benz has revised the steering of the E-Class, making it more responsive and a little heavier. As a result, the car is more involving to drive.
The biggest change for the updated E250 is the engine. Replacing the 1.8-litre turbocharged engine in its predecessor is a new 2.0-litre turbocharged lump, mated to a 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox.
Power delivery is smooth and the E250 goes from standstill to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds, which is 0.4 seconds faster than the outgoing model.
On the roads, there's sufficient performance from the powerplant and tall gearing from the transmission gives it a relaxed feel. Refinement is also excellent, with little or no engine/road noise during the time we spent with the car.
Mercedes-Benz has revised the steering of the E-Class, making it more responsive and a little heavier. As a result, the car is more involving to drive.
The steering also works well with the new suspension tuning, which allows the body to roll in a smooth and controlled fashion when tackling corners at higher speeds.
The E-Class sets an excellent balance between comfort and sport, marrying these traits more harmoniously than other cushier or more athletic cars out there in the premium mid-sized sedan segment.
Conclusion
The car is quiet, sophisticated, refined and effortless on the road. Altogether, they help the new E-Class exemplify what a fine car should be.
Effective updates make it better to drive, more engaging, and more compelling as a contender in the mid-sized saloon market. And together with a cleaner and more organic design, the E-Class is definitely a strong step forward.
The E-Class sets an excellent balance between comfort and sport, marrying these traits more harmoniously than other cushier or more athletic cars out there in the premium mid-sized sedan segment.
Conclusion
The car is quiet, sophisticated, refined and effortless on the road. Altogether, they help the new E-Class exemplify what a fine car should be.
Effective updates make it better to drive, more engaging, and more compelling as a contender in the mid-sized saloon market. And together with a cleaner and more organic design, the E-Class is definitely a strong step forward.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon E250 Avantgarde (A)
CAT B|Petrol|15.3km/L
Horsepower
155kW (208 bhp)
Torque
350 Nm
Acceleration
7.4sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon
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