First Drive: 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
It appears that there has been a slight resurgence in sedans and the Germans are capitalizing on it. If it is not the Audi A6 then it is the BMW 5 Series and now, just locally introduced Mercedes-Benz E-Class. For Merc enthusiasts, the E-Class will always hold a rich heritage, one they hold very close to their hearts. It is one of the brand’s most prestigious nameplates and has spanned for over five generations. Of course, for those who appreciate the E-Class as much as we do, seeing it touch down on our local shores, brought a great sense of excitement.
So, what has changed with the latest generation E-Class, you may wonder. Well for starters it is one hell of a looker, seriously Mercedes-Benz has cracked the code in making their sedans appear both sporty and luxurious at the same time. Yes, we know, comparisons to its C-Class sibling have been made but this does not shy away at the fact that the E-Class looks as mean on the road as any Merc sedan. At the front, the E-Class gets featured with two chrome louvres and vertical high-gloss black struts as well as revised headlamps provide a menacing but elegant appearance. The rear too benefits from a new bumper, split tail lamps, and a new boot lid.
Of course, the E-Class range is packed with a variety of different trims, so warming up to the 220D sedan, E300 Cabriolet and E300 Coupe was the perfect way to start our experience at the AMG Driving Academy in Zwartkop. E-Class enthusiasts will be happy to know that the class and luxury of driving the E-Class has not been lost. The 220d, the smaller engine of the lot, packs an impressionable output of 143kW and 400 Nm of torque. Next in line, is we get the E300 which produces a rousing 190 kW of power 370 Nm of torque. It proved to be quite exhilarating, with its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine delivering a swift ride.
It would not be an AMG experience without giving us a taste of the high-performing Mercedes-AMG E53 and E63 S 4Matic+. Our short time with these beastly sedans was predominately on the track meaning that the rest of the days was practically filled with tyre skids and pure German roar. The Mercedes-AMG E53 gets packed with a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbo-petrol engine that produces a quick 320 kW and 520 Nm of torque. Of course, many petrol heads will find themselves eyeing the E63 S but make no mistake the E53 is as attractive and remarkable as any high-performing sedan. Next in line, and of course, the perfect way to close off an experience with E-Class is the showstopping E63 S 4Matic+. Producing a whopping 450kW and 850 Nm of torque, this 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine has claimed a 0-100 sprint time of just 3.4 seconds.
Overall, the latest E-Class exudes class, finding the perfect silver lining between performance and luxury. It lives up to its prestigious name and those who appreciate a comfortable sedan will not go wrong with its fine cabin. On the hand if you are looking for pure performance then the Mercedes-AMG E53 and E63 S 4Matic+ are available and certainly won't dissapoint.
Pricing
Sedan
E200 R920 000
E220d R984 000
E63 S 4MATIC+ R2 423 000
Coupe
E200 R1 036 000
E300 R1 131 000
E53 4MATIC+ R1 618 000
Cabriolet
E200 R1 164 000
E300 R1 268 000
E53 4MATIC+ R1 756 000
