Offering long-wheelbase sedans is a must for any carmaker that wants to sell cars in China, especially for luxury car manufacturers. Mercedes-Benz is no exception, with the world premiere of the long wheelbase version of the new E-Class taking place at the Shanghai auto show.
The main advantage of the E-Class LWB is obviously legroom for rear passengers, which has increased by 140 millimeters (5.51 in). Derived from this is the improved ride quality, at least according to Mercedes. Measuring 5,019 mm (197.6 in) in length and with a wheelbase of 3,014 mm (118.6 in), this version is 140 mm longer overall than the E-Class saloon. The E-Class LWB will be built and sold exclusively in China.
A unique feature for the E-Class LWB is the fact that the front passenger seat can be electrically adjusted from the rear, to improve comfort for rear passengers.
The car is offered with three petrol engines, ranging from 201 hp to 328 hp, all fitted with standard automatic transmissions. The entry-level model is the E 260 L BlueEFFICIENCY (201 hp/204 PS) with a four-cylinder direct injection engine. Next up there’s the six-cylinder E 300 L rated at 241 hp (245 PS) and the E 400 L with an output of 328 hp (333 PS). Mercedes-Benz will offer additional engines later, including the E 400 L Hybrid, which is on display as a show car in Shanghai.
Like the regular E-Class saloon, the longer version offers two new front-end designs to choose from, a classic look with a three-dimensional radiator grille in a three-louvre look with the three-pointed star fitted on the bonnet, and a sportier one, with a centrally positioned star integrated into the grille.
Besides the extra 140 mm, which are visible in the larger rear doors, the E-Class L is almost identical with the regular model, with the smoked tail lamps being the only other noticable addition.
The E-Class L has two trim variants, the Sedan and the Sport Sedan, with the latter featuring AMG front and rear apron, AMG side skirts and AMG wheels. Standard equipment for the E 260 L includes LED headlamps, an electric sunroof, two-zone automatic climate control, Parktronic and Comand DVD.
By Dan Mihalascu
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