Mercedes-Benz E-Class Competition Check

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the new generation E-Class in India in the long wheel base version and has left its competitors looking outdated in comparison. The German manufacturer is upping the ante with the executive sedan-turned-limo in the mid-size luxury sedan segment with the new E-Class, expecting volume sales since it will be the only car in its class available in long wheel base variant. We have driven the new E-Class and you can find a link to our review here. 

As far as the competition is concerned, the E-Class will now attract a wide array of customers. However, it still slots in the mid-size executive sedan segment, so here is competition check to see how it fairs with its usual adversaries.

BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series is also due for an update in India as the all-new 5 Series car has already debuted in international markets. It will make its way to India late this year. A long wheelbase 5 Series has also been spotted in China lately, and it is unsure whether BMW will bring in the new 5 Series LWB in India to rival the new E-Class. As for now, the E-Class clearly offers more space than the Beemer and is more expensive even.

The power outputs of the new E-Class is similar to one offered by BMW, but BMW offers two diesel engine option as compared to one in the Mercedes. The current-gen 5 Series looks a little outdated compared to the fresh E-Class. The cabin is modern and classy with a plush ride in E-Class thanks to air suspension, as compared to stiff and driving-focused BMW.

Audi A6

The updated A6 now comes with characteristic Matrix headlamps as standard. The new A6 is offered in one petrol and one diesel engine option similar to the new E-Class, however, the petrol engine in the A6 is smaller yet more powerful than the E-Class’ petrol unit. The oil burner in Audi is smaller at 2.0-litre compared to 3.0-litre offered in Mercedes-Benz. The prices of the A6 also undercuts the E-Class by a huge margin. 

The A6 sends all the power to the front wheels only, while the E-Class is a rear wheel driven saloon. Audi will bring in the new A6 later this year as well, and will sport a revised design and engine options; the Virtual Cockpit will make its debut as well.

Jaguar XF

Moving on from the German trio to the British brute, the Jaguar XF just went on sale in India as a CKD unit. This makes the Jaguar a lot more affordable and better value for money compared to the E-Class. Also worth mentioning is the fact that the XF with its 5,067mm overall length is actually longer than the long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz by a whisker 4mm. But Mercedes’ wheelbase is longer and hence the cabin space is still the best in the class. The XF is powered by 2.0-litre petrol and diesel units, 237bhp and 177bhp respectively. The eight-speed automatic sends power to rear wheel similar to the nine-speed in the E-Class.

Volvo S90

The Swedish entrant in the executive saloon is the striking S90. The flagship saloon from Volvo is near five meters in length as well and offer a spacious cabin in a premium package. Offered only in a single variant, the S90 is powered by a 2.0-litre four cylinder diesel engine making 187bhp and 400Nm. Being a Volvo, there is no shortage of the safety equipment and at a price tag of Rs 53.50 lakh (Delhi) it looks like a bargain as compared to the long wheel base E-Class. Yet the option of the petrol powerplant helps the E-Class’ proposition compared to the S90.