The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been the standard-bearer for luxury business sedans for over 75 years—and the new W214 E200 Exclusive continues the fine tradition
Every time I stepped out of the car in public, I found myself feeling a tad self-conscious—as if someone might be thinking, “Oh, she’s just driving her father’s car around.” Maybe, but to be clear, a distinguished and successful father.
A distinguished gent of a certain vintage—that seems to be the perceived clientele base of the E-Class. And that perception isn’t too far off the mark. Often cross-shopped with the BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6, the E-Class has been hailed as one of Singapore’s most-loved Mercedes-Benz models among businessmen with stature and gravitas. In its latest iteration, the new W214 E200 Exclusive sits between its Avantgarde and AMG Line counterparts, augmented with slight differences in design and performance features to cater to distinct tastes within the luxury business sedan segment.
Sleek and sculpted—those are the first impressions evoked by the outlook of the E200 Exclusive. Granted, it’s not much of a departure from the classic long-hooded business sedan silhouette, with the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star hood ornament making a comeback atop its front grille. What adds sportiness and mystique to its already distinguished presence on the roads, though, are its upsized 21-inch wheels and subtle chrome accents on its front radiator grille and trim.
Under the hood, you’ll find a competent and relatively silent turbocharged M 254 2.0-litre engine that’s capable of 204 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. The handling and suspension setup coupled with its powertrain ensured a smooth and responsive driving experience, one I found ideal for both a bustling city commute and long-distance cruising. This E200 Exclusive pulls surprisingly hard for an inline-four, and is decently peppy for lane-changing.
All things considered, this model promises (and delivers) a typical Mercedes-Benz experience: one that is luxurious and comfort-oriented, without compromising on performance.
Sliding into the driver’s seat was akin to entering a sanctuary of luxury. The rich experience of being cocooned by soft and buttery Nappa leather upholstery was juxtaposed with a futuristic all-glass touchscreen instrumental panel that extends to the passenger side. The all-new MBUX Superscreen now gives the front passenger their very own 12.3-inch screen infotainment system to fiddle with on long drives.
Another notable feature, which I’ll unabashedly admit is my favourite out of the entire driving experience, is the customisable RGB ambient lighting strip that runs in a wide arc from windscreen past the A-pillars into all door panels. Cruising down an empty expressway in the wee hours, the dark cabin illuminated by an ethereal blue hue; now that’s a childhood dream come true for me.
With soaring fuel prices, fuel consumption is something all drivers would want to keep an eye on. Imagine my surprise when I saw that after three full days of long relaxed cruises and spirited drives, the needle on the fuel gauge was barely knocked anywhere near the three-quarter tank mark. This model boasts a fuel efficiency of 14.3 km/litre, achievable from new efficiency standards by Mercedes-Benz.
The W214 E-Class is one that epitomises Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to luxury, innovation, and performance. And for the E200 Exclusive, its strategic positioning between the Avantgarde and AMG Line variants makes it a versatile and appealing option for drivers who seek a balance between elegance and dynamism in their luxury sedan.
While equipped with state-of-the-art technology (yes, you can unlock the car with your Apple Watch or iPhone), the car is also proudly—and evidently—anchored by Mercedes-Benz’s time-honoured refinement and lineage. “This latest generation continues to stay true to the E-Class legacy, delivered with the best of our passenger and driver innovations,” says Claudius Steinhoff, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Singapore. We are sure moneyed dads all over the world would agree.
