Mercedes-Benz has revealed the facelift of the long wheelbase version of its 2021 E-Class. Dubbed the E-Class L, the brand had originally shown it off at the 2019 Beijing Motor Show. Though it looks like the standard version (albeit the facelift) at first glance, Mercedes-Benz has given it subtle yet visible cues to differentiate it from the standard model rather than just adding a few inches between the wheels.
So what’s new?
As the name suggests, the E-Class L is 142mm longer than the standard version. Viewed from the front, it gets a new design for the headlights and bumper. There’s also a generous helping of chrome on the three-slat grille and fog light surrounds.
Move to the side, however, and the differences start getting more apparent. Along with the redesigned alloys, you’ll notice the increase in wheelbase, which now stands at a whopping 3079mm. This translates to a lot more space overall, but especially at the rear (with 134mm more rear legroom) so the rear doors are much longer, making them look squarish compared to the standard model. As a result, even the windows are more upright, and the larger quarter-glass looks similar to the ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach S-Class models. The rear, comparatively, is unremarkable, save for the redesigned slim LED taillights and sportier bumper layout.
Stepping into the cabin
The foremost addition to the interiors of the 2021 Mercedes E-Class L is the new steering wheel with capacitive detection and an updated MBUX multimedia system comprising a 10.25-inch and 12.3-inch displays for the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment display, respectively, with the navigation using an HUD display with augmented reality.
Moving to the rear seats, and we spy features worthy of being fitted in the S-Class. Not only do they slide and recline, but also boast headrests with built-in pillows for a more comfortable chauffeur-driven experience. And there’s also the panoramic glass roof for you to enjoy the view above.
Those seeking more engagement can fiddle with the new 7-inch rear touchscreen, to adjust the atmosphere lights, multimedia, rear-seat massage, and even the front centre display, so the chaps up front can concentrate on the road. Speaking of which, we now move our eyes to...
Under the hood
The Indian E-Class L will get three engines: a 2-litre petrol with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and a 2- or a 3-litre diesel.
Starting with the petrol engine, the 1991cc inline-4 makes 268bhp and 370Nm on its own accord, with the EQ Boost tech adding 20bhp and 180Nm in short bursts, with the usual complement of high-speed coasting (or gliding, in Mercedes' parlance) and recuperation via braking.
Moving now to the diesel engines, the smaller 1950cc inline-4 makes 191bhp and 400Nm, while the larger 2939cc inline-6 makes 325bhp and 700Nm. All three engines come mated to Mercedes’ trademark 9G-Tronic 9-speed auto ‘box, while the variant with the larger diesel engine also gets 4Matic all-wheel-drive.
Lastly, considering the only other market the E-Class L is on sale is China (that too in left-hand-drive guise), we won’t be seeing the E-Class L on showroom floors anytime before mid-2021. When it does get here, though, it’ll rival the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Jaguar XF.