Thread Starter
#1
Owning a Mercedes was a long standing dream for me.Well,I was planning to buy a Mercedes somewhere in 2016 or 2017.There was no urgencyat that time,as my Honda city was in supreme condition.We were passing by Mercedes showroom one day,We decided to have a look of the cars available there.This was in February 2015.There were two cars on display,one the recently launched C class and the other, E class.
Well,initially we enquired about the rates.The salesman said C class will cost you around 48 lakhs.I thought that was pretty high for C class.Previously it was around 35-40 lakhs.Then we enquired about E class,and he said it will be around 55 lakhs.The petrol E class would be 2 lakhs cheaper than the diesel one.The C class was sure extravagant,looking like a Baby S class from behind,and all the cool interiors.But the difference between C class and E class was only 5-7 lakh rupees only.For that price you are going to get a bigger car with a bigger engine.We have no intention to sell this car in the near future,so we thought why not go for a better car which is a class above? The main disadvantages of C class compared to E class are
• Rear leg room was insufficient in C class.
• Spare tyre was eating away most of the room in the boot.
• 180 BHP power compared to 203 BHP in E class.
Well,I have a strong feeling that a 50 lakh car must have atleast 200 BHP under it’s hood.
We didn’t wan’t to buy any car at that time.We thought may be,we will look again in 6 months.But the sales person and the Branch manager were insisting that there will be a price hike within 1 month.They were somewhat successful in bending our minds towards an immediate purchase.We came home and me and my wife discussed whether to purchase immediately or to wait for 6 months.If we purchase then what car?The cars under consideration were C and E class.No other cars were considered,although I would have loved to consider 3 series or 5 series.My wife insisted that our first German luxury car should be a Mercedes.She said if you want to buy BMW,you can do it later,but it should be a Mercedes first.
We decided that we should buy the car as soon as possible before the price hike.Nobody knew clearly about the price hike,but we didn’t want to take chances.I requested for the test drive of E class and C class.Unfortunately they don’t have the C class for test drive.I proceeded with the test drive of E class, E 250D.This is my first experience with an automatic car.The first thing I liked about E class is it’s very easy to maneuver despite it’s big size.It felt so easy to drive the car.More on my drive experience later.C class was out of the race and the question is diesel or petrol? I went through some reviews and most of them suggested that for Indian conditions diesel Mercs are suited best.So I ordered E250 CDI Obsidian Black.The sales person said that they will deliver the car in 1 week.After all the discounts The on road price was 55 lakhs.
Free Accessories given
Two car covers
Mud flaps
Ipad stand
Floor mats
Load sill protector for boot
Things I like in my car
The first thing I like about this E class is the monstrous torque of 500NM.You can overtake anything with the slight touch on the accelerator.It’s very useful in highway driving.There are 2 modes Economy and sport. I do most of my driving in Economy mode .I use Sport mode occasionally for some spirited driving.Previously I used to think twice to overtake some vehicles with my Honda city.Now I need not think much about overtaking,because with this vehicle I can outpace almost all the vehicles I encounter on roads.I was gentle on the accelerator for the first 1500 Km,and never let the engine cross 2000 RPM.Even after that I am gentle with this car as you need not push harder with it.Even at 120 0r 130 KPH speeds the Rev meter never crosses 3000 RPM.Yes, the engine is that good.
The car looks majestic.
The engine is very refined and a pleasure to drive.You won’t hear the noise of engine in the cabin even at 150 KPH.The 7G tronic automatic transmission is good,though feels sluggish occasionally.
Stability at high speeds.You don’t feel like you are going at 160 0r 170 until you see the speedometer.Great composure at high speed is very confidence inspiring.
Top class safety features.Good breaking capability at high speeds.
Automatic vipers and head lights.You don’t have to search for vipers or headlight switches.
Pretty comfortable seats.You won’t feel any fatigue even after driving for 5 hours at a stretch.Ofcourse this is dependent not only on the ride comfort,but also other factors may contribute like it’s an automatic and also great lights which reduces the burden during night driving.
Ground clearance is adequate.
Good ride quality.Although you will feel the speed breakers it’s more like a soft thud.
Good handling.I can now turn into corners without decreasing the speed,which I couldn’t do with my Honda city previously.
Solid build quality.
Audio system is good,but I don’t use it much.Good Blue tooth connectivity and good clarity while receiving calls.
Good interior lighting.3 types of modes you can choose from,solar,polar and neutral.
Great space in the front,good space on the back.
Things I don’t like
No reverse camera.It’s a 50 lakh plus car and you don’t get a reverse camera.
No navigation.I have to use my MMI LX340 for navigation,for long trips.Ofcourse MMI is pretty good.If you want navigation you have to spend 1 lakh rupees in this E class.
Very slight sqeaking noise when you cross 100KMPh.I informed this to the service advisor during my free checkup at 3000 KM.They ran the diagnostics and said there is no problem.I went out for the test drive with the service guys,but I couldn’t replicate the sound at that time.It is still there,which is slightly annoying.I tried to record the sound but wasn’t successful.It comes only if you cross 100KMPH.
Now some pictures
My son with the car at the time of delivery
Dual chrome tip exhaust
Shark fin antenna,but I think BMW's antenna has better shape.
At the RTO office
Notice the characteristic DRL's
Going for a trip.Big boot.
Some pics of the interiors
Rear sensor
The key
Analog clock,my favourite
Good looking alloy wheels
ipad stand
AC vents for the back
Notice the paddle shifters on steering wheel
Memory settings and controls on the driver side
Memory settings on the passenger side
Some pictures of the dials in the car
Glove box
Passenger side vanity mirror
Some pics in the dark
So far the ownership experinence is good.I am using honda city for short trips and Mercedes for long trips.
![[:)]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Smile.gif "Smile [:)]")
E-Class is one wonderful car and literally uber luxurious sedan. The best shade for me in E-Class is Black. Once I saw the E-guard in Black, man I was literally speechless at its beauty. These Germans are built like a tank and provide safety and comfort at the same time. May this car provide you with more enjoyable memories.
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![[;)]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Wink.gif "Wink [;)]")
. I firmly believe that these cars look good only in 2 colors white and black. Waiting to hear more from you. and Yes Thanks for those wonderful pics it was treat to the eyes. i am an old school too i like analogue over digital any given day.