Mercedes-Benz India to launch long-wheelbase version of new E-Class

The E-Class has played a pivotal role in expanding Mercedes’ reach within luxury car buyers in India. It’s been in the Indian market for over two decades, with the last major update coming in 2013. Now, Mercedes is gearing up to launch an all-new generation of the E-Class albeit with a pleasant twist. 

According to the luxury carmaker, the new E-Class will be launched in India in the more desirable long-wheelbase version. This longer, more spacious version of the E is currently sold in China only where there is a huge demand for long wheelbase luxury models. 

The long-wheelbase version exceeds the standard E-Class sedan in terms of both wheelbase (3079mm) and the length (5m). As you would expect, the added length has improved the rear seat comfort – the legroom is improved by 134mm and the ingress/egress is noticeably better as well. 

The long-wheelbase version is based on the standard W213 generation E-Class which was unveiled in early 2016. Like the latter, it gets the new-gen Mercedes look which is more streamlined and less pointy. Interestingly, the added length only emphasizes the S-Class like stance that the new E enjoys. 

Mercedes India is expected to launch the long-wheelbase version of the new E-Class in the coming months. For obvious reasons, it will be a pretty bold move by the brand given that the market for long wheelbase versions of mid-size premium sedans is nonexistent here in India. Perhaps the move would bring about a change in the way we look at this segment which currently includes cars like the standard E-Class, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and the Jaguar XF.