The Mercedes-Benz W214 E200 Exclusive is a convergence of luxury and legacy, marking a significant milestone in the journey of success.
Singapore - As I turned the ignition of the new Mercedes-Benz E200 on, I was struck by a sense of transition and coming of age, as this was not just another luxury sedan, even if the gorgeous cognac leather and brown open-pore maple wood panels might suggest otherwise.
From behind the wheel of the E200, I couldn’t help but ruminate on how it felt like I was easing myself into a legacy – one that represented success and achievement. It was somewhat akin to walking in the shoes of my father, who has always enjoyed his luxury executive limos.
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Venturing onto the road, I noticed a different driving experience. Perhaps it is the respect from drivers on the road towards Mercedes-Benz’s definitive executive limo – a tradition that can be traced back 75 years! – as the familiar hustle and bustle on the streets seemed to defer to the presence of the car.
Somehow, other drivers granted me space more generously and the lanes seemed to open up with a welcoming grace, allowing me seamless passage through the congested roads.
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It was an experience that, while understated, spoke volumes about the esteem afforded to such a distinguished model like the evergreen E-Class.
In the test-car’s “Exclusive” trim (which sits between the entry “Avantgarde” and top-shelf “AMG Line”), the classic and instantly recognisable upright three-pointed star emblem also makes a comeback.
The distinctive emblem stands proudly and prominently on the bonnet for maximum visual impact befitting the E-Class’ status as definitive luxury executive limo.
The E200 commands sufficient respect on the road for one to achieve smooth progress, so it is unsurprising that the drive experience is just as smooth, especially given the brand is known for its meticulous engineering.
The Airmatic air suspension system with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping delivers sublime ride comfort and body control, while rear-axle steering endows the 4.9m long limo with the dexterity of a compact vehicle, especially in low speed parking manoeuvres in tight confines.
However, what captivated me most was the fuel efficiency, because I expected it to be a petrol guzzler.
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Much to my surprise, three full days of driving all around Singapore barely used up half a tank and it isn’t hard to see why its on-paper fuel economy is rated at 7l/100km.
This is thanks to the new standards of efficiency set by Mercedes-Benz, with the petrol engine featuring an integrated starter-generator (ISG), which incidentally qualifies the E200 as a mild hybrid model.
Here is a luxury executive sedan that promises not just a comfortable and stylish drive, but also one of sense and sustainability, yet there’s decent enough pep for cruising and overtaking from the turbocharged 2.0-litre’s 204hp and 320Nm.
While total autonomous driving will take some time to reach the road, Mercedes-Benz does offer a Driving Assistance Package as an optional extra.
This includes Active Steering Assist, which assists with lane-keeping and alerts the driver through vibrations if the lane markings are not clearly visible. Other components in the package include Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist and more.
Another cool feature about the new Mercedes-Benz models is the Active Parking Assist Parktronic, a standard in the new E-Class.
Compared to compact cars, a large limo can be harder to park, but with this feature, the car does it for you. The starting process is intuitive via the touchscreen – select the parking spot detected by the system and hands-off. The rest is done for you.
Taking pride of place in the middle of the front fascia is a 14.4-inch “Superscreen”, with its 12.3-inch passenger display "extension", which features the latest iteration of the brand’s MBUX interface to deliver a holistic digital experience.
Designed for the front passenger, the interactive screen promises to keep them entertained and engaged. The touch-sensitive display promises full digital connectivity and interactivity and even includes a selfie camera!
Overall, taking the E200 out for a spin gave me a sense of affirmation, one that proclaimed that I was on the path towards achievement.
It was a profound moment that made me realise that I had stepped into shoes that I thought were once daunting and found them to fit just right.
PHOTOS BY Mercedes-Benz Singapore
MERCEDES-BENZ E 200 “EXCLUSIVE”
Engine 1999cc, inline4, turbocharged
Power 204hp at 5800rpm
Torque 320Nm at 1600-4000rpm
0-100km/h 7.5secs
Top Speed 240km/h
Transmission 9G-TRONIC auto
