The new Mercedes E-Class has arrived on our shores, with a host of safety features and a promise to retain its value, writes MICHAEL McALEER, Motoring editor
THE NEW Mercedes-Benz E-Class has arrived in Ireland with prices starting at €43,600 for the E220 CDI 170bhp version.
The new car heralds not only the introduction of some really competitive prices as part of the brand’s determination to be the top-selling premium marque in this car segment, but it also brings to Ireland Mercedes’ BlueEfficiency engine variants with lower emissions, along with a host of new safety equipment for the range.
A new 2.2-litre diesel engine is at the heart of its diesel offerings and, in its E220 CDI guise, it manages an impressive 400Nm of torque with a 0-100km/h time of eight seconds. Its emissions level is just 139g/km for the manual version.
All manual transmission E-Class diesel models fall into Band B with annual motor tax of €156, while all the automatic versions fall into Band C with motor tax of €302 per annum.
While the E220 CDI is expected to be a strong seller, the 134bhp E200 CDI, due here in September, is likely to be the biggest seller. Its price has yet to be confirmed. The usual array of petrol engines are also on offer, including the 180bhp E200 CGI.
Among a host of new safety technology on offer, there is speed limit assist system that uses a front-mounted camera to monitor the speed limit signs and displays the limit in a particular area at any time. The new car is fitted with a host of front and rear radars that monitor the distance to other vehicles or objects and prepares for any potential problems or collisions. They can also be used to monitor a driver’s reactions and can sound an alert if the driver seems to be tiring or driving erratically.
According to Ciaran Allen, Mercedes-Benz sales manager in Ireland: “Another item of good news for owners comes in a study by German researchers Bähr Fess, which predicts that the new E-Class will retain its value better than any other car in the luxury segment. In their report, they predicted that the new E-Class E250 CDi version will be worth 62.5 per cent of its current value in three years.”
All new E-Class models come in a choice of three design and equipment lines that include higher-spec Elegance and Avantgarde versions. Elegance specification adds €2,350 to the price, Avantgarde adds €4,000, and a new AMG-styled Sports Pack due to be introduced is likely to add €5,000.