Month-on-Month, it is the E-Class Long Wheelbase (LWB) that delivers consistent sales numbers for Mercedes-Benz India. Now, however, the sedan’s charm has risen further from the morality point of view. The company has introduced BS-VI (Bharat Stage VI) compliant versions of the E-Class LWB. Both its 2.0-litre engines – a petrol and diesel each – have been upgraded to meet the stricter emission norms. The 3.0-litre V6, which powers the E 350d variant, is still BSIV-compliant.

Let’s get to the prices first. Both E 200 and E 220d are available in two trim levels – Expression and Exclusive. While the petrol-powered ones are priced between Rs 57.50 lakh and Rs 61.50 lakh, the diesel-fed versions fall between Rs 58.50 lakh and Rs 62.50 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom India).

Interestingly, the upgraded 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 13PS more than before. The maximum output is now rated at 197PS/320Nm. The BSVI-compliant diesel unit, on the other hand, produces the same 194PS/400Nm as it did before. It is, in fact, the same engine that also powers the C-Class facelift and the E-Class All-Terrain. As standard, both engines come coupled to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz India has also taken the opportunity to inject some new toys in the E-Class LWB. The list includes wireless mobile charging for rear passengers, a touchscreen tablet mounted in the rear-centre armrest to operate and adjust in-car functions and a 13-speaker Burmester Sound System. The more expensive Exclusive trim also ropes in two 12.3-inch displays mounted on the dashboard, one of which acts a digital instrument cluster and the other as the infotainment display. As far as safety features are concerned, the E-Class LWB comes with ABS, ESP, seven airbags and Merc’s Pre-Safe tech.

In India, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class locks horns with the Volvo S90, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and the BMW 6 Series GT.