Longed-For Luxury

Mercedes-Benz have introduced the long-wheelbase E-Class in India in a world-first right-hand-drive version and it is made right here in India. Is this the luxury car we’ve longed for for so long?

- Jim Gorde

LENGTHY PROCEDURES OFTEN INVOLVE mixed reactions. It’s one thing at the dentist’s, but when it comes to building cars, it’s a different story. In Germany, there are always procedures. Building cars entails particularly long ones. Sometimes you have to make something happen for yourself. That’s just what Mercedes of India have done.

Long-wheelbase models are a rage in China.Understandably, most European luxury car brands have at least one stretched model in their line-ups. Mercedes Benz have two. The C-Class and the E-Class. Of course, the Chinese only drive petrol engines, while seated on the left. In a bold move, no less than a statement, Mercedes Benz have introduced the E-Class L in India, with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, produced at Chakan, near Pune, no less.

The 10th-generation E-Class, the W213, was given to the world not too long ago. It featured a host of styling updates to bring it more in line with the family resemblance, sitting — just as pretty — between the CClass and the S-Class. The headlamps, thankfully, are far different from its smaller and larger siblings, as they well should be. The E-Class has been recognised by its distinct split headlamps. Of course, the much earlier models and the more recent model, the W212, made do with unique light design inside a single light cluster. The new W213, or V213 as it is coded for its long wheelbase, features unique LED signatures that appear to split the headlamp cluster into two. Unique it certainly is, then.