Made in India E 220d launched

Mercedes-Benz added an India exclusive diesel powertrain to the E-Class range. Showcased at Chakan, the E 220d is priced at Rs 57.14 lakh (ex showroom Pune). The E-Class is only available as the LWB variant in India.

The 1950cc engine makes the E-Class immune to the supreme court’s diesel plan that intends to ban vehicles above 2000cc in the capital city. The four-cylinder unit replaces the 2.1-litre unit that powers the whole range. Coupled with the 9-speed automatic gearbox, it can hit 100kmph in just 7.8 seconds. The new engine makes 192bhp and 400Nm and is developed to meet Euro VI norms, making it future proof.

Mechanically as well cosmetically, there are no other changes except the badging, which is great at this price. Obviously, it is priced higher as compared to its adversaries but none of the competitors offer LWB variants. And the longer wheelbase has been a massive success. Mercedes-Benz sold 3560 units in the last quarter, their best figure ever. The V6, E 350d is expensive by over Rs 12 lakh and the E 220d is priced almost the same as the petrol powered E 200 (Rs 56.14 lakh) making it the perfect entry level option for the E-Class buyer.

We expect the engine to power other models in the Mercedes-Benz portfolio in the future.