Mercedes mid range Saloon, cuts in variants, increase in price

• Most significant model revision ever undertaken by Mercedes-Benz
• Simplified UK model line-up comprises SE and AMG Sport – COMAND Online with Media Interface and DAB radio fitted as standard
• Enhanced visual appeal and more standard equipment including Sport grille with central Mercedes-Benz star, replacing the bonnet mounted star on both model lines
• E 220 CDI SE model now below 130 g/km of CO₂, reducing first year road fund licence to zero and improves BIK taxation by 1 per cent
• New Saloon from £32,400 to £73,720 OTR and Estate from £34,310 to £75,510 OTR

Ahead of its UK introduction in April 2013, the new E-Class Saloon and Estate pricing and specifications have been released, with enhanced standard equipment and increased value for customers.

The new E-Class model line-up consists of SE and AMG Sport, replacing the SE, Avantgarde and Sport models from the previous generation E-Class.

With more than £4,000 of additional standard equipment in the new SE model,  for a £2,280 increase over the previous SE, and almost £3,000 of added standard features in the new AMG Sport for £575 over the previous Sport, the new E-Class provides better value to the customer, combined with attractive finance offerings.

SE overview

The new E-Class SE model, priced at £2,280 over the outgoing model, offers significantly enhanced standard equipment with more than £4,000 of additional equipment as standard, over the previous SE.

The line up for the SE features three diesel engines – E 220 CDI, E 250 CDI and E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, and two petrol engines – E 200 (Saloon only) and E 250.

The AMG Sport model offers the same engines as the SE, with the addition of the 350 BlueTEC and is priced at £2,495 above the SE, starting from £34,895 OTR.

Engines and transmissions

The E 220 CDI is the only engine with manual transmission in the new E-Class range, and the new four-cylinder petrol engines, as well as the E 350 BlueTEC engine, are all EU6 compliant.

There are also significant CO₂ improvements across the new E-Class range, with reductions of up to 20 g/km in emissions. The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID Saloon CO₂ figure remains at 109 g/km, but is now achieved with 17” wheels (previously 16”).

Design

The new E-Class features a new contemporary front-end design, as well as new proportions for a sporty appearance. The front has been completely revised with new headlamps, which comprise all functional elements with a single headlamp lens, replacing the previous ‘twin headlight’ design. At the rear, the lights and bumper have also been revised to emphasise the width and feature a characteristic night design. The new rear bumper has a distinctive lip and a black insert with chrome trim.

Technology

New technology on the E-Class includes Active Park Assist with Parktronic as standard, which measures potential spaces to the left and right of the direction of travel from 0-20 mph. If a suitable space is detected, and reverse gear is engaged, the vehicle will be automatically steered into the parking space, with the automatic braking function active throughout. There is also an automatic exiting function to leave the space if Active Park Assist was previously used to park.

Finance and option pricing

Optionally available is the all-new 360° camera (£715), which is close-range and equipped with four surround view cameras that provide assistance during parking, manoeuvring and exiting parking spaces.

Other key optional equipment includes the LED Intelligent Light System with Active Light System, cornering light function and Adaptive High Beam Assist (£1,280), nappa leather (£1,935) and  AirMATIC semi-active air suspension with self-levelling and Adaptive Damping System (£1,455).

The new E-Class E 220 CDI SE Saloon manual is available for £319 per month from Mercedes-Benz Finance ‘Agility PCP’ with a £5,407 customer deposit, and a Contract Hire price of £319 per month too. The E 220 CDI SE Estate is £10 per month more.

The new E 63 AMG is also available via Mercedes-Benz Finance from £699 per month with a £7,995 customer deposit. The model now features increased power and torque to 557 hp and 720 Nm; 19” AMG wheels; dual louvre grille with central Mercedes-Benz star; panoramic sunroof; nappa leather upholstery; Keyless Go; AMG Performance steering wheel; and Intelligent Light System as standard.