MERCEDES-BENZ Malaysia Sdn Bhd continues to invest in the country’s premium car segment with the introduction of the locally-assembled E-Class on Thursday.
“The demand for completely knocked-down (CKD) vehicles will increase as the price is more attractive and affordable. The CKD segment contributes about two-thirds of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s sales,” said sales and marketing vice-president Mark Raine at a press conference after the launching ceremony.
Last year, the company launched four fully imported variants in Malaysia, which are the E 200 Avantgarde, E 250 Avantgarde, E 250 Exclusive and E 300 AMG Line.
This time around, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduced the E 200 Avantgarde, E 250 Avantgarde and the E 250 Exclusive that will roll out from its Pekan assembly line.
Media were also given a preview of the E 350e AMG plug-in hybrid.
As for its specifications, all the E-Class variants are powered by a two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with eco start/stop function engine. It is mated to a 9G-Tronic nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission with a direct select column gear selector.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia claimed that the E 200 power plant was capable of producing 184hp and 300 Nm of torque, with a zero to 100kph time of 7.7 seconds and a fuel consumption of 5.9 litres per 100km (L/100km). As for the E 250, the engine produces 245hp and 370 Nm of torque and able to sprint from standstill to 100kph in 6.9 seconds, with the same fuel consumption of 5.9L/100km.
Meanwhile, the E 350e has an additional electric motor. The petrol engine alone can churn 211hp and 350 Nm of torque. The combustion engine and electric motor together are capable of producing a total output of 286hp and 550 Nm of torque. It can accomplish the century sprint in 6.2 seconds. The electric range is 33km, with a top speed of 130kph in fully electric mode.
All cars are fitted with the Mercedes Agility Control suspension with selective damping, and 64 colour ambient lighting, Mercedes widescreen cockpit with two 12.3-inch full-colour screens, online infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, touch controls on the steering wheel, rear sunblinds and rear windscreen electric roller blind.
On top of those features, the E 200 is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED high performance headlights, a reverse camera and keyless start system. As for the E 250 Avantgarde variant, it comes with multibeam LED headlights, 360-degree camera, keyless-go system, hands-free access, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging for phones that are Qi standard, 19-inch five-spoke designed wheels and an Artico leather finishing.
The E 250 Exclusive gets the 19-inch 10-spoke tremolit grey wheels, Nappa leather upholstery and the Burmerster surround sound 13-speaker system, on top of the features available in the Avantgarde.
Last but not least, the E 350e AMG comes with the 19-inch AMG light alloy wheels, AMG Line exterior with Night Package, AIRMATIC suspension, multibeam LED headlamps, panaromic sliding glass roof, keyless-go system with hands-free access, Burmerster surround sound system, AMG Sports steering wheel, AMG Line interior and Nappa leather upholstery.
All the E-Class variants come with seven airbags, pre-safe system, active brake assist, parking pilot, pre-safe sound and Isofix childseat points, these are some of the core safety features available in the cars.
The new E 200 is priced at RM348,888, RM47,000 less than the completely built-up model. The E 250 Avantgarde is sold for RM378,888 and the E 250 Exclusive at RM383,888. Both the E 250 variants are RM42,000 less than the imported variants.
As for the E 350e AMG plug-in hybrid, Mercedes-Benz said it would be priced below RM400,000. However, deliveries of the premium hybrid sedans are only expected to begin in third quarter this year.