Mercedes-Benz E200 Exclusive Review

Fridays are typically the most exciting day of the week because they herald the weekend. My better half works from home, so I don't have to send her to the office. This gives me a chance to don my balaclava and helmet and ride to work - a chance to savour the engagement of a manual bike.

Lately, however, Fridays have become my 'chill day'. Blue skies are great for riding, but melting under the searing sun is a turn-off. After a hectic week, I now look forward to a leisurely drive and a quiet day at the office.

Besides, why should I get dishevelled and sweaty when this E200 Exclusive awaits me? With that decision made, my smile grew wider as I walked towards a car that would make me feel like I had a board meeting to attend.

The Exclusive variant's restrained nature makes it look even classier than the Avantgarde and AMG Line

The middle ground

The E200 is available in either Avantgarde, Exclusive, or AMG Line. Avantgarde is the starting point, Exclusive is the middle variant, while AMG Line is the top specification that comes with tasty goodies that include sports suspension and a Burmester audio system.

Frankly, Avantgarde and Exclusive have pretty much the same equipment. Yet among the three, Exclusive has the most 'Mercedes' blend of luxury, technology, refinement and performance.

Much of this is down to the Exclusive's design, which is classier and more restrained. It eschews the big tristar on a tristar motif grill (on the Avantgarde and AMG Line) for horizontal bars, thus resembling the flagship S-Class limousine.

Some will opine that the tristar ornament is archaic, but it nevertheless suits the E200's character

And for traditionalists, the Exclusive is also the sole version with the iconic tristar bonnet ornament. More progressive minds may think this makes the car look 'old', but for many, it is what makes a Mercedes look like a Mercedes.

Inside, the E200 Exclusive features the third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system and Superscreen, which provides high-resolution displays for the front passenger and driver. It also loads faster and is more intuitive than before thanks to the 'zero-layer' design.

However, Mercedes should do away with the haptic buttons on the steering wheel and revert to conventional physical ones instead. The ones here can be maddening to use, especially when you try to select one function but end up activating another. Dedicated buttons for cycling through your playlist instead of touch controls would be better, too.

The Superscreen's interface is user-friendly; the haptic controls less so

Also better is the Exclusive's genuine leather upholstery, which feels nicer than the synthetic Artico leather in the Avantgarde models. Interestingly, this test unit is upholstered in optional nappa leather, which feels even plusher.

Then there's the striking mood lighting, which can be configured to display either single or multiple hues. The effect is particularly dramatic at night and makes the interior feel like a refined, high-tech lounge.

Subdued or dramatic - this menu lets you configure the ambient lighting to suit your mood

Driving emotion and imagination

Most E-Class drivers love the model not just for the luxury and safety features, but for the badge cachet and resale value as well. However, there is an invisible, yet equally tangible aspect to the E-Class as well: It's how it makes you feel.

To some, it's like driving your success story. To others, it's the feeling of shiokness that the latest E200 gives. To these drivers, there's an emotionality to the proceedings.

The E200 AMG Line was impressive not just because of its tech, but also because it can learn the driver's routines. Driving the E200 Exclusive, with its more 'conservative' character, made me feel like I sat on the board as an independent director. For three days, I pictured important documents and serious discussions in the office that awaited my attention.

The front passenger can surf or navigate here, or choose to display one of the wallpapers

There was no need to feel anxious, of course. On the go, the E200 Exclusive is an oasis of calm, insulating me from the noise and pollution of the outside world. In this saloon, the only things I'll hear are my favourite tunes and humorous conversations.

From time to time, I deployed the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine's 201bhp and 320Nm of torque to pass meandering traffic. There's a rorty engine note as the power swells and carries the car forward.

There's enough poke but performance is hardly searing, so stick with the smaller, standard wheel size to improve comfort

The motor's delivery is linear, propelling the sedan from rest to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds. Would a straight-six unit be better still? Yes, but this is more than adequate for the office commute.

Without sports suspension the ride should be pliant, with rapid directional changes resulting in the car bobbing about. However, while the latter is true, the former was marred by the optional 20-inch wheels. These look great, but cannot round off speed bumps, so it's best to stick with the standard 19-inch rims.

Quietly convincing

Like Goldilocks, the E200 Exclusive is 'just right'. It has enough oomph, a pliant ride, user-friendly tech, and a look that pleases traditionalists. Among its non-AMG siblings, it's the one that feels like a junior S-Class.

Some cars thrill you with their performance, while others wow you with their equipment and luxurious trimmings. This one, however, convinced me to save the bike ride for the weekend, while allowing me to indulge in my unfulfilled corporate high-flyer fantasies.

Badge cachet? Residual value? Symbol of success? The E200 Exclusive can be these. But it's ability to bring emotionality to the driving experience is ultimately what makes it the most compelling variant in the family.

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