Following a short teaser earlier this week, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now launched the new E-Class facelift. Two variants – the Mercedes-Benz E 200 Advantgarde and E 300 AMG Line – are on offer here in Malaysia, both locally-assembled (CKD) in Pekan, Pahang.

Just like its predecessor, the E 200 variant will serve as the entry level variant for the executive sedan here in Malaysia, priced at RM327k on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions (until December 31, 2021).

EXTERIOR

First unveiled globally last year, the new W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift has received a significant overhaul to its exterior styling, featuring the marque’s new design language that was first seen on the third-generation CLS.

Up front, there’s a newly redesigned grille that actually takes on a different shape depending on trim levels, flanked by the new slimmer headlights. On the E 200 with Advantgarde trim, the grille features a hexagonal silhouette which tapers towards the bottom, with two horizontal chrome trims across the centre of the grille to highlight to three-pointed star logo.

The most striking change on the new E-Class facelift, however, is round the back where the tail lights are now slim, horizontal two-piece items, which are fully-LED illuminated.

As mentioned above, the E 200 is equipped with the Advantgarde exterior package, which Mercedes-Benz says highlights the “dynamism and elegance of the vehicle” with a sporty-looking body kit. Other standard equipment on the new E 200 Avantgarde include:

• Advantgard exterior package
• LED High Performance Headlamps
• Adaptive high-beam assist
• LED tail lights
• 18-inch 5-twin spoke light alloy wheels
• Electrically folding and adjustable exterior mirrors
• Two new exterior colours: grey metallic and high-tech silver

Read our full review of the outgoing Mercedes-Benz E 300 for a rough idea of how the new one feels and drive!

PERFORMANCE

The powertrain underneath the updated Mercedes-Benz E 200 is unchanged from its predecessor, with power still coming from the same two-litre turbocharged inline-four engine.

• Engine: 1,991 cc; inline-four turbocharged, petrol
• Max horsepower: 197 hp @ 5,500 – 6,100 rpm
• Max torque: 320 Nm @ 1,650 – 4,000 rpm
• Driveline: Front engine, rear-wheel drive
• Suspension: Agility Control suspension adaptive damping
• 0-100 km/h: 7.4 seconds
• Top speed: 240 km/h

INTERIOR

While the changes to the exterior are quite significant, updates to the cabin on the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is comparably more reserved, with the dashboard architecture basically retained from the outgoing model.

On the E 200 variant, the dashboard and door panels are draped in a light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim, offset by the black open-pored ash wood centre console, and a new black nappa leather multifunction steering wheel with touch-activated controls.

The dual 12.3-inch display sitting on top of the dashboard have also been updated with the latest MBUX software, along with a new touch-control cluster on the centre console, though functionality wise remains largely unchanged with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity out of the box.

Other interior highlights on the new Mercedes-Benz E 200 Advantgarde include:

• Electrical adjustable front seats with memory function, 4-way lumbar support, Artico man-made leather upholstery
• Electric sunblind for rear window
• Thermatic dual-zone automatic climate control
• Ambient lighting
• Auto-dimming interior mirror and driver-side exterior wing mirror
• Integrated communications module (LTE) for Mercedes me connect services
• Mercedes-Benz emergency call system

SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE

Being the entry-level model, the new Mercedes-Benz E 200’s safety kit is slightly more limited than its more expensive sibling. However, the Active Brake Assist autonomous emergency braking and blind spot assist systems are standard across the board.

Other safety and convenience features on the new E 200 Advantgarde include:

• Reverse camera
• Active parking assist with Parktronic
• Bind Spot Assist
• Active brake Assist
• Adaptive brake lights
• Pre-Safe system
• Tyre pressure monitoring system

The new Mercedes-Benz E 200 is also equipped with a new Urban Guard Vehicle Protection package, which automatically notifies the owner through the Mercedes me application when their parked car detected a change in position, an alarm siren, or movement in the interior for security and property protection.

PRICING

The entry-level Mercedes-Benz E 200 Advantgarde is priced at RM326,943.19 on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemption until the end of 2021, which is a slight RM8,673 increase over its predecessor. Included in the price is also a four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

With the Step Up Agility Financing Plan offered by Mercedes-Benz Financial Malaysia, the new E-200 Advantgarde can be yours starting from RM2,388 per month, based on a five-year tenure and a downpayment of 10%. For more information on the Step Up Agility Financing Plan, log on to MBM’s website, linked here.

Still stuck at home due to the movement control orders? You can now shop for Mercedes-Benz cars directly online! Learn more here.

GALLERY