New Merc E-Class starts at £35,935 19 | 01 | 2016
MERCEDES-BENZ HAS confirmed its all-new fifth-generation E-Class will cost from £35,935, for the entry-level E220d SE trim: the newcomer is now on-sale at Scottish dealerships. First deliveries are due in May.
Initially available in two trim levels — SE and AMG Line — the launch range will also include the choice of two engines, the 220d, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, and the 350d, a 3.0-litre V6 diesel.
From launch, that means buyers only have the choice of four models: the £35,935 E220d SE and £37,760 E220 d AMG Line using the 2.0-litre engine. These are supplemented by the £46,610 top-spec E350d AMG Line model, and the £44,130 E350d SE which also uses the 3.0-litre diesel.
In May, the trance will be further extended with the launch of the 192bhp 2.0 diesel which is good for 72.4mpg at the pumps and emits 102g/km of CO2.
If you fancy the larger 254bhp 3.0 diesel — which emits 133 g/km of CO2 and returns 55.4 mpg — you'll need to wait till the summer.
Related: Fifth-gen Mercedes E-Class leaked
Later in the year, the range will be further extended with the introduction of a 275bhp petrol-electric hybrid called the E350e. Figures from Mercedes look good, with CO2 emissions of 49g/km and economy of 134.5mpg.
Standard kit, even on the entry model, is good, and includes an 8.4-inch screen, climate control, heated seats, sat-nav, alloy wheels (17in for the 220d and 18in for the 350d), an LED interior lighting system, autonomous emergency braking, and parking sensors.
Step up to the AMG Line and you add bigger alloy wheels, an AMG-branded steering wheel and sports seats, and sportier bumpers and side skirts. The E350d models get air suspension and a larger 12.3in display are both standard.
And there's the usual plethora of options, including keyless start, 'Multibeam' LED lights, a Burmester speaker system, memory seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Plus there's the option of a safety pack, which includes active cruise control, a lane-change assist system, braking assist and a smart speed limiter that can keep to detected limits.
Related: New Mercedes E-Class interior
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Jim McGill