Bringing Sporty In The E-Class

Bringing Sporty In The E-Class

Mercedes-Benz India launched the E-Class long wheel-base (LWB) facelift priced from INR 6,360,000 ex-showroom India. The E-Class is one of the best-selling luxury sedans in India and has a rich history here, as it has managed to sell close to 46,000 units since its debut in 1995. The E-Class comprises 30 percent of Mercedes-Benz India’s sales. Adding another feather in Mercedes-Benz’s cap, in 2017 India became the first country in the world to get the E-Class LWD right-hand drive version. The extended version is 205 mm longer than the standard E-Class ensuring more cabin space, especially for the rear passengers. The 2021 E-Class is available in three variants—E 200 at INR 6,360,000, E 220d at INR 6,480,000 and the top-of-the-line E 350d at INR 8,090,000, all ex-showroom India. For the first time in India, Mercedes-Benz has also introduced the sporty avatar of the E 350d in the AMG Line.

At the launch, Martin Schwenk, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “The E-Class remains one of the most successful products in our portfolio, and a much anticipated one. With the new E-Class, we seamlessly combine rear-seat luxury, wide space owing to the LWB, various comfort features with that of latest generation telematics, avant-garde design and exciting driving dynamics. The new E-Class once more raises the benchmark significantly in the luxury saloon segment and we are confident of its stellar market performance and continuing its segment leadership.”

Going by Mercedes-Benz’s latest design language, the E-Class looks a lot bolder than its outgoing model with a more imposing front fascia and angular-shaped LED headlights. The luxury sedan sports an all-black front grille, but the standard versions have two chrome lines running across the mesh, while the AMG Line showcases a metal-studded grille with a single chrome line making the ‘Three-Pointed Star’ logo more prominent. The front bumpers have been redesigned and look aggressive, especially on the E 350d with its larger air vents.

Coming to the side profile, the E-Class remains more-or-less untouched apart from a newly designed set of 17-inch alloy wheels and, as expected, the AMG Line boasts of larger 18-inch ones. The rear has been spruced up with new triangle-shaped LED tail lights, which reminds us of the S-Class.

The 2021 E-Class is offered in six different colours—Designo Hyacinth Red, Mojave Silver, High-tech Silver, Polar White, Obsidian Black and Selenite Grey. The first three are new paint schemes. It also comes with a 3-year standard warranty.

Step inside and the two 12.3-inch screens grab all the attention. One screen is the all-digital instrument cluster and the other is the multimedia touchscreen unit, which is equipped with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) that lets you control different features like the navigation system with the help of intuitive voice commands. It can also be paired to Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Apart from this, the other major update is that the steering wheel now comes with touch control buttons. As this is the long wheel-base E-Class, additional focus is given on the comfort of the rear passengers as the sedan now comes with a touchscreen pad neatly tucked inside the central armrest. And, of course, the rear seats recline as well. It comes fully loaded with features like a 590W Burmester sound system, two wireless phone chargers, a panoramic sunroof and leather upholstery while the 350d comes standard with air suspension.

The E-Class is available in three different engine options. The E 200d is powered by a 1,991 cc, 4-cylinder in-line petrol engine that pumps out 194 bhp at 5,500-6,100 rpm with 320 Nm at 1,650-4,000 rpm. The entry-level diesel, the E 220d gets a 1,950 cc, 4-cylinder in-line diesel motor with 192 bhp of power at 3,800 rpm and a healthy torque of 400 Nm at 1,600- 2,800 rpm. The top-spec 350d churns out 282 bhp at 3,400-4,600 rpm and a colossal torque of 600 Nm at 1,200-3,200 rpm. The AMG Line trim is powered by a 2,925 cc 6-cylinder diesel powerplant. All three are mated to a 9-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

In terms of competition, the E-Class LWB goes up against the Audi A6, the BMW 5 Series, the Jaguar XF and the Volvo S90. (MT)

Lexus India Launches New RX350h Exquisite Grade At INR 8.99 Million

Lexus RX350h

Japanese luxury brand Lexus India has introduced a new ‘Exquisite’ grade to its RX 350h line-up, strengthening the model’s presence in the luxury SUV segment.

The new RX 350h Exquisite grade starts at INR 8.99 million (ex-showroom), which goes up to INR 10.09 million (ex-showroom).

The RX 350h Exquisite grade features Lexus’ hybrid system, which combines a highly efficient 2.5-litre inline 4-cylinder engine and high-output motor. It includes a bipolar nickel-metal hydride battery with enhanced performance. On the inside, it gets 10-way power adjusted front seats, heated and ventilated seating for front & rear seats and ambient lighting.

The RX 500h F-SPORT grade is the only Performance Hybrid Electric Turbocharged Luxury SUV in India. The 2.4 L-T HEV on the RX 500h features a front unit integrating a 2.4-L turbocharged engine, motor, a 6-speed automatic transmission and an eAxle with a built-in high output motor driving the rear wheels. The RX 500h features Dynamic Rear-Wheel Steering and DIRECT4 technology for acceleration.

The RX features a Mark Levinson 21-speaker audio system and offers Lexus Safety System+ with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Cross Traffic Alert and Safe Exit Assist with Blind Spot Monitor.

Between January and November this year, the RX model recorded 12 percent growth, reflecting rising demand for luxury SUVs in the country. During the same period, SUVs contributed about 40 percent to Lexus India’s overall performance, underscoring the RX’s pivotal role in driving the brand’s momentum.

Hikaru Ikeuchi, President, Lexus India, said, ‘The Lexus RX represents our dedication to luxury, design, performance, and sustainable mobility. As the luxury SUV segment continues to grow, the introduction of the new Exquisite grade allows us to offer guests a wider range of options and features to choose from. This enhancement reflects our continued commitment to expanding our portfolio and elevating the Lexus experience in India, supported by advanced technology and a guest-first philosophy.”

MG SELECT Crosses 1,000 Sales And 15 Experience Centres

MG Select

JSW MG Motor India has announced that its luxury retail channel, MG SELECT, has crossed a triple milestone: reaching 1,000-unit sales, inaugurating its 15th Experience Centre and maintaining the second position in India’s luxury EV market.

The network now encompasses 15 Experience Centres across 14 cities in India, reinforcing the brand's commitment to delivering an exclusive automotive retail journey. The recent inauguration of the 15th store in Jaipur further underscores the brand's ambition to redefine luxury mobility.

The milestone also highlighted sustained market demand for the select portfolio and is a key driver behind the brand’s 32 percent YTD growth in 2025.

The company claimed that the MG Cyberster, India's highest-selling sports car, has a 4–5 month waiting period, and the MG M9 - Presidential Limousine shows strong momentum in the luxury MPV segment. The MG Cyberster is available at an ex-showroom price of INR 7.49 million, while the MG M9 is available at an ex-showroom price of INR 6.99 million.

Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, "Our rise to become the second largest luxury EV brand in the country speaks to a singular belief. True luxury is felt in every touchpoint when precision, ambition and care move together. Through MG SELECT we have crafted an ownership world where innovation meets desire and where every interaction feels intentional. We are shaping the next era of electric mobility for India’s most discerning customers, with a commitment that is both bold and deeply personal.”

The MG SELECT Experience Centres are spaces for the brand's flagship vehicles. These venues provide an immersive, gallery-like setting, ensuring the display of these models is the focal point of the customer interaction. The Jaipur showroom, located at Tonk Road near Sanganer Flyover, exemplifies the MG SELECT philosophy of ‘Reimagining Luxury’, featuring spacious, serene, and technologically advanced environments that elevate the car buying journey.

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara Gets 5-Star Bharat NCAP Safety Rating

Maruti e Vitara

Maruti Suzuki India has been awarded a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating for its e Vitara, marking a moment for the company's electric vehicle strategy.

The e Vitara is built on Suzuki’s Heartect-e platform designed for electric vehicles to deliver strength, structural rigidity and advanced high voltage protection. The ‘Made-in-India, Made-for-the-World’ e Vitara is designed and tested for temperature conditions across the world, ensuring performance from as high as 60deg Celsius to as low as -30deg Celsius. The model is offered with 49 kWh and 61 kWh battery options.

Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, said, “Congratulations to Maruti Suzuki for achieving 5-star Bharat NCAP in both adult and child occupant protection for their e Vitara. I am especially glad that Maruti Suzuki has shown real leadership in providing 7 airbags as a standard across all variants of the e Vitara.”

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for e Vitara, our first Battery Electric Vehicle, is a moment of immense pride for all of us at Maruti Suzuki. Using the Bharat NCAP 5-star rating, we will export the e Vitara to more than 100 countries of the world. Bharat NCAP’s globally benchmarked stringent vehicle test protocols have been a catalyst in empowering customers to make informed decisions. I thank the Minister Gadkari, the officials in his Ministry and test agencies for their rigorous efforts and commitment in shaping India’s journey towards safe mobility.”

The e VITARA’s body structure uses more than 60 percent ultra-high tensile and high-tensile strength steel. Its battery protection system incorporates a structural design with an energy-absorbing battery pack mounting structure.

Key safety features include 7 standard airbags (including the Driver's knee airbag), Level 2 ADAS (Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control), Hill Hold Control, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and a 360-degree Surround View Camera.

Mahindra Launches First Dealership-Based Ultrafast EV Charger In Anantapur

Mahindra Charger

Mahindra has marked a major milestone in its nationwide electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure expansion with the inauguration of its first dealership-based ultrafast charger – a 180 kW Charge_IN station.

This is the first of many such installations planned across Mahindra dealerships, forming a key pillar of the company’s commitment to building India’s ultrafast charging network.

This initiative scales up Mahindra’s Charge_IN ecosystem, complementing the 250 highway fast-charging stations already announced. The new 180 kW ultrafast chargers will enable EV users to charge quickly and conveniently at strategically located dealerships across the country, with 24x7 on-ground support.