Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2024 Review

Entering the second half of 2024, the competition in Malaysia’s executive sedan market has increasingly centered around the demand for "a balance of luxury and practicality"—retaining the iconic elegance of the brand while keeping up with fuel economy and intelligent configurations. The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class E200, launched in September, is aimed precisely at this core segment of the market: it features a 2.0T + 48V mild hybrid system, with an official fuel consumption of just 6.7L/100km, and comes standard with the MBUX system and Level 2 driving assistance. The focus of this test drive is to verify whether this car can meet both the business commute’s sense of prestige and the practicality for family use within a budget of 350,000 RMB.

From a distance, the overall design of the E200 continues the steadiness of Mercedes' executive cars, but the details make it look younger. The front’s "star emblem" grille is slightly smaller than the previous generation and is paired with flat LED headlights on both sides, which widen the visual appearance; the "meteor-style" turn signals inside the headlights have high recognition when lit, aligning with current design trends. The side profile of the car features smooth lines, with a length of 4949mm paired with a 2065mm wheelbase, creating an elongated proportion; the waistline runs from the fender to the taillights, while the LED taillights at the rear adopt a horizontal layout with dynamic lighting effects inside. A chrome trim strip under the trunk lid adds to the sense of refinement. The 19-inch multi-spoke wheels are matched with front 245/45R19 and rear 275/40R19 tires, ensuring grip while not compromising the elegant atmosphere of the overall design.

Upon opening the door, the sense of luxury inside is immediately apparent. The dashboard adopts a layered design, with the upper part covered in soft leather and accented with silver trim in the middle, offering a fine texture. The 14.4-inch MBUX central control screen serves as the visual centerpiece, featuring high resolution, smooth operation, and support for voice control, as well as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity; below is the air-conditioning control area which retains some physical buttons for easier blind operation. The instrument cluster is fully digital, providing rich display content and allowing for different themes. The front seats support electric adjustment, with soft padding and decent support for comfortable long-term sitting. The rear seating space aligns with the executive-class positioning, with a 175cm passenger having more than two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom. Although the center floor in the rear has a slight bump, it’s not too intrusive, making it feasible to temporarily seat three people. The trunk offers a volume of 540L, which is entirely sufficient for several suitcases, and the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split to expand the loading capacity.

Starting the vehicle, the 2.0T turbocharged engine coupled with the 48V mild hybrid system delivers very smooth power output. The engine’s maximum horsepower is 204PS, with a peak torque of 320N·m, and the electric motor contributes an additional 23PS horsepower and 205N·m of torque. At start-up, the mild hybrid system assists in power output, providing a swift acceleration response without any noticeable turbo lag. The 9-speed automatic transmission has a clear shifting logic, with gear changes that are prompt and practically imperceptible during low-speed driving. Switching to Sport mode makes the throttle response more sensitive, and when overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply prompts the transmission to downshift quickly, resulting in direct power output. With an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds, it is more than capable of handling daily commutes and occasional highway overtaking situations.

While driving, the steering wheel feels moderately weighted, with minimal play and precise direction. It provides the driver with ample confidence during cornering. The chassis uses independent multi-link suspension both at the front and rear, which is tuned for comfort, filtering out most small road bumps. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension rebounds crisply without unnecessary shaking. The vehicle remains stable at high speeds, with no noticeable body roll even when changing lanes at 120 km/h. Fuel consumption meets expectations, with around 7.5L/100km in urban driving and dropping below 6L/100km on highways. For a 2.0T executive sedan, this performance is quite commendable.

In terms of noise control, the E200 performs quite well. During daily driving, both tire noise and wind noise are minimal, and only during rapid acceleration does the engine sound slightly penetrate the cabin, but it is not intrusive. The seats offer excellent support and cushioning, and combined with the comfortable suspension tuning, ensure that long drives are not tiring. When it comes to safety features, the E200 comes standard with 7 airbags, ACC adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Level 2 driving assistance system reduces the burden on highways, while the 360-degree surround view camera and front and rear parking sensors make parking much easier.

Compared with models in the same class, the E200 stands out in several ways: its price of 355,888 RM is more competitive than the entry-level versions of the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6L, and it comes standard with more intelligent features and driver assistance functions. The mild-hybrid system also enhances fuel efficiency, reducing daily usage costs. However, it only has 7 speakers compared to the 14-speaker Burmester system in the E350e, which results in slightly lower sound quality. Additionally, the absence of a panoramic sunroof might be a drawback for consumers who prioritize a full set of features.

Overall, the E200 is a well-rounded executive sedan. It features the hallmark luxury of Mercedes-Benz, combined with decent performance and fuel efficiency. Its space and features also meet the needs of family use. It is suitable for consumers who value brand reputation and seek a balance between comfort and practicality — whether for business commutes or family outings, the E200 adapts effortlessly. If your budget is around 350,000 yuan and you want an executive sedan that is both prestigious and functional, the E200 is a worthy consideration.