The E-Class has been long associated with taxis in Europe, thanks to its generous sizing and durability. In fact, it wasn't until some 2007 when the facelifted W211 model (the one with four oval headlamps) was used in Singapore as a taxi too. Hell, even the successor W212 model is still being used as a white runabout on our roads today.
That's not to say you can't find the E-Class parked at Shenton Way or Raffles Place. This model has been commonly selected when it comes to the list of cars to transport businessmen and women alike. Of course there's also the S-Class but we shall not get into that just yet.
But despite this measure of depth of the E-Class' appeal, let's face it. Most Singaporeans will be hard pressed not to associate the Merc with cabs, especially those in white. The facelifted E-Class, though, is about to change all that.
Exterior
Calling this model a facelift will make you wonder how a brand new model will turn out. It looks nothing like the previous model, although the general shape of the E-Class has been carried over for the new model year.
Graced with Merc's new design language, the car now sports more aggressive bumpers and new LED headlamps - with a pair of optional arrow-head daytime running lights combining modernity with familiarity that will not put off any existing customers.
That's not to say you can't find the E-Class parked at Shenton Way or Raffles Place. This model has been commonly selected when it comes to the list of cars to transport businessmen and women alike. Of course there's also the S-Class but we shall not get into that just yet.
But despite this measure of depth of the E-Class' appeal, let's face it. Most Singaporeans will be hard pressed not to associate the Merc with cabs, especially those in white. The facelifted E-Class, though, is about to change all that.
Exterior
Calling this model a facelift will make you wonder how a brand new model will turn out. It looks nothing like the previous model, although the general shape of the E-Class has been carried over for the new model year.
Graced with Merc's new design language, the car now sports more aggressive bumpers and new LED headlamps - with a pair of optional arrow-head daytime running lights combining modernity with familiarity that will not put off any existing customers.
While many will agree that the frontal look of the E-Class is a tad fussy, if not overly complex, it has a significantly neater face that will grow on you.
Changes to the rear are just as substantial. Not only is it cleaner, taillights are now more upscale looking, giving the butt an overall design that's undoubtedly sleeker and more elegant.
At 4,879mm x 1,854mm x 1,474mm (L x W x H), the E-Class is smaller than the class leading 5 Series as well as the Audi A6. But causal observers are bound to stare in awe. It neither lacks the significance nor the substance on the road - regardless if it's on the move or idling at the lights. Coupled with the 18-inch wheels, the E-Class is decidedly aggressive.
Changes to the rear are just as substantial. Not only is it cleaner, taillights are now more upscale looking, giving the butt an overall design that's undoubtedly sleeker and more elegant.
At 4,879mm x 1,854mm x 1,474mm (L x W x H), the E-Class is smaller than the class leading 5 Series as well as the Audi A6. But causal observers are bound to stare in awe. It neither lacks the significance nor the substance on the road - regardless if it's on the move or idling at the lights. Coupled with the 18-inch wheels, the E-Class is decidedly aggressive.
Interior
It's undoubtedly a Merc on the inside, with the steering column retaining its plethora of stalks and paddles for signal indicators, electric steering wheel adjustment, wipers and gear changes. It does require some getting use to but this layout has definitely helped to free up space on the centre console, making way for the circular knob controller.
The engineers have retained the same design theme as the previous model. But attention to details such as finishing and better materials do a good job in heightening the sense of luxury.
The fact that it also feels incredibly solid and sturdy makes the E-Class more than a match for the Audi A6 too. We can finally understand why taxi companies are chasing after the German brand for the E-Class.
It's undoubtedly a Merc on the inside, with the steering column retaining its plethora of stalks and paddles for signal indicators, electric steering wheel adjustment, wipers and gear changes. It does require some getting use to but this layout has definitely helped to free up space on the centre console, making way for the circular knob controller.
The engineers have retained the same design theme as the previous model. But attention to details such as finishing and better materials do a good job in heightening the sense of luxury.
The fact that it also feels incredibly solid and sturdy makes the E-Class more than a match for the Audi A6 too. We can finally understand why taxi companies are chasing after the German brand for the E-Class.
Also retained in this E-Class is the wheelbase of 2,874mm. As such, the cabin is commodious for five adults, although the middle rear passenger will find himself fighting for leg space with the transmission tunnel.
The boot betters most rivals in the capacity stakes, too. At 540 litres, it's bigger than the 5 Series' and the Audi A6's luggage space of 520 litres and 530 litres respectively.
The boot betters most rivals in the capacity stakes, too. At 540 litres, it's bigger than the 5 Series' and the Audi A6's luggage space of 520 litres and 530 litres respectively.
Drivetrain
In this aspect, the Merc E-Class performs better than it always has - which means it goes effortlessly, thanks to its 184bhp 2.0-litre four-pot powerplant and silky smooth gear changes from its 7G-TRONIC automatic gearbox.
At the wheel, it does not feel like a car that closes in on five metres. It conveys a rather calm and composed demeanour, with 300Nm of torque available from just 1,200rpm that will help see the E-Class finish the century sprint in a speedy 7.9 seconds - a wee bit faster than the BMW 520i.
On that note, the E-Class feels less sporty than the mentioned 5er. With figures like these, it's definitely a tarmac stormer but it's no corner carver. The Merc leans towards comfort, even so when driven with gusto. Moreover, unlike the class leading 5 Series, it lacks a well weighted steering that's much needed to inspire confidence for a more spirited drive.
That's not to say that the sedan weakens into a soggy state at the first hint of a corner. Driven smoothly, it has sufficient grip to see through bends and has a spectacular suspension that will absorb virtually any surface well and efficiently, making the E-Class a befittingly chilled companion on long drives.
In this aspect, the Merc E-Class performs better than it always has - which means it goes effortlessly, thanks to its 184bhp 2.0-litre four-pot powerplant and silky smooth gear changes from its 7G-TRONIC automatic gearbox.
At the wheel, it does not feel like a car that closes in on five metres. It conveys a rather calm and composed demeanour, with 300Nm of torque available from just 1,200rpm that will help see the E-Class finish the century sprint in a speedy 7.9 seconds - a wee bit faster than the BMW 520i.
On that note, the E-Class feels less sporty than the mentioned 5er. With figures like these, it's definitely a tarmac stormer but it's no corner carver. The Merc leans towards comfort, even so when driven with gusto. Moreover, unlike the class leading 5 Series, it lacks a well weighted steering that's much needed to inspire confidence for a more spirited drive.
That's not to say that the sedan weakens into a soggy state at the first hint of a corner. Driven smoothly, it has sufficient grip to see through bends and has a spectacular suspension that will absorb virtually any surface well and efficiently, making the E-Class a befittingly chilled companion on long drives.
Conclusion
Generations over generations, the Mercedes Benz E-Class exemplifies excellence, putting itself in a class of its own despite critics' constant tries of comparing it to segment leaders.
The previous model wasn't lacking, of course, although there were enhancements that could be done to improve the car. But it's just that with this facelift, it doesn't quite look, feel and drive so. It's almost brand new that Mercedes has given its existing customers lesser reasons to look elsewhere and perhaps even created an opportunity to attract new ones as well.
Beyond the technological wizardry (or safety nannies, if you will) and regardless of looking at it from the outside, or just comfortably snuggled in its leather-swath seat behind the wheel, this car is a joy to behold.
Generations over generations, the Mercedes Benz E-Class exemplifies excellence, putting itself in a class of its own despite critics' constant tries of comparing it to segment leaders.
The previous model wasn't lacking, of course, although there were enhancements that could be done to improve the car. But it's just that with this facelift, it doesn't quite look, feel and drive so. It's almost brand new that Mercedes has given its existing customers lesser reasons to look elsewhere and perhaps even created an opportunity to attract new ones as well.
Beyond the technological wizardry (or safety nannies, if you will) and regardless of looking at it from the outside, or just comfortably snuggled in its leather-swath seat behind the wheel, this car is a joy to behold.
