ALL NEW MERC E-CLASS W212 LAUNCHED IN MALAYSIA > RM455,888.00

by iz · November 30, 2009

For the Mercedes-Benz fans especially for the E-class fans, today we would bring some good news to you.Mercedes-Benz has officially launched the all new W212 E-Class for Malaysia. A total of three models are available but for now only the E300 available.To follow later would be the E 200 CGI (which will be the real volume seller for the E-Class) real soon followed by the E 250.Priced at RM455,888.00, the new E-Class once again defines standards in its class with ingenius technology and engineering.

The engine chosen for the locally-assembled versions are the 3.0-litre V6. The V6 is a familiar unit with dual overhead camshafts on each bank of cylinder and continuously variable valve timing for consistently high torque (300 Nm) from 2500 rpm all the way to 5000 rpm. Maximum power is 231 bhp at 6000 rpm on a compression ratio of 11.3:1. The engine has a proven record in other models and though it has been around for some time, it would have received upgrades and improvements to refine its performance. In particular, combustion has been further optimised to lower consumption and emission of pollutants, even with RON95 fuel.

The V6 is mated to the 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, another proven item which was first used in the S-Class. With 7 forward gear ratios, the transmission can retain the small increases in engine speed which are important in ensuring optimum gear ratios, whilst at the same time offering a larger ratio spread between the lowest and highest gear. This gives the electronic control unit more flexibility to adjust shifting in such a way as to keep fuel consumption low and the transmission’s reactions fast.This Avantgarde model comes equipped with bi-xenon headlamps with the Intelligent Light System, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch allow wheels in a five-twin-spoke design, a lowered suspension, ambient lighting as well as an instrument cluster treated to a sporty tubular design. There are also different bumpers and a chrome-plated radiator grille with three high-gloss, black louvres.

Inside, the seats feature padded seat piping which involves the insertion of an additional foam filling under the fabric or leather cover to help improve comfort. There is also a multi zone THERMOTRONIC climate control system that allows individual settings for three zones including for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers. It also has three ‘climatisation’ modes including ‘Diffuse’, ‘Medium’ and ‘Focus’.

Size-wise, the new E-Class is about the same size and even though the wheelbase is 20 mm longer, the overall length has only increased by 16 mm. This is due to shortening of the front overhang by 24 mm, although the back has increased by 20 mm. The car is wider at the front though, with more pronounced fenders that put add 32 mm to the width. But the new E-Class sits lower so the immediate impression is that it has an aggressive stance but still within the limits of acceptance for an executive sedan.