The latest E-Class model, code-named 'W214', is the newest mid-size sedan from the star brand, part of a long-standing production line from one of the world's oldest car manufacturers. Counting Mercedes-Benz's E models, this is the 10th generation E-Class, a model that has been offered since 1947. The E-Class first appeared in 1993, but the origins of this mid-size sedan trace back to 1953's elegant W120 'Ponton', which featured a sleek body and advanced technology. Compared to that, the new E-Class W214 looks like a machine from science fiction. Today, Mercedes-Benz separates the electric EQE models from the internal combustion E-Class. The new E-Class balances tradition and modernity, linking the executive car heritage with the future electric cars rich in technology. Most longtime customers dislike their cars being "smartphone on wheels" like some Chinese models. Choosing the diesel variant clearly appeals to those who prefer fuel economy and often drive long distances. Historically, diesel E-Class models have never disappointed.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class E220d AMG Line priced at 3,870,000 Baht
The executive-style front appearance feels somewhat mature, featuring a dazzling three-pointed star grille. The E220d's headlights utilize LED High Performance lighting, including LED Daytime Running Lights, and dynamic projector low and high beams that offer bright and sharp illumination. There is no automatic lighting or Multi Beam LED system. The AMG front bumper is designed with lower air intakes beneath the grille and corner air vents, framed by silver chrome accents that enhance the diesel E-Class's luxurious front profile, fitting its price level. The hood has a slight raised ridge to add light and shadow effects. The A-pillar is angled to reduce wind resistance. The side profile emphasizes smooth lines, with side mirrors featuring integrated turn signals as is common today. A character line runs from the front fender across the front and rear doors to just below the rear door handle.
The commercially important and highly profitable E-Class, especially the new model, must strongly attract executive drivers who often drive themselves. Competitors like the G60 aggressively feature advanced lighting and sound technologies. Therefore, the New E-Class's focus on comfort and precision is a good approach to retain loyal customers. The front has been redesigned with a glossy black panel surrounding the star-studded grille, blending harmoniously with the headlights. This facelift differentiates the internal combustion E-Class from the fully electric EQE models. The E-Class's aesthetics have changed only slightly from the previous W213. The front and rear wheels have been spaced further apart. The cabin is designed to improve rear passenger space, making the interior slightly more spacious, especially the rear seats.
The body dimensions are 4,950 millimeters in length, 1,904 millimeters in width, and 1,469 millimeters in height, with a wheelbase of 2,961 millimeters and a weight of 1,875 kilograms. AMG 19-inch wheels are fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires: 245/45 ZR19 front and 275/40 R19 rear. Thanks to the W214's sleek design, the side profile appears elegant. The new E-Class's design considers aerodynamics to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Even the door handles retract flush with the body to reduce drag. The handles extend when the vehicle detects the remote key approaching or when touched, unlocking and extending for use. The pull is somewhat heavy; personally, I preferred the previous model's handles or the CLS's, which seem more user-friendly compared to the retracting handles designed to reduce air resistance.
The rear has a rounded shape reminiscent of the larger S-Class V223. LED tail lights feature dual star emblems on each side of the light cluster, which glow as brake and tail lights that are clearly visible even during daytime. This small detail enhances the New E-Class's overall refinement. The attractive fake exhaust tips might have been real if not for European emission laws; the actual exhaust pipes curve downward and are hidden behind the bumper. The simple design is less divisive compared to main competitors like the BMW 5 Series G60.
Mercedes-Benz aims not only to compete digitally against BMW and Audi but also to provide high-standard interior materials. Piano black finishes adorn the central console, dashboard frames, and suitable surfaces like the electric seat adjustment panels and interior door handles. The glossy black piano black console contrasts with the floating instrument panel visible through the AMG steering wheel, which features five customizable display modes. The curved upper dashboard integrates seamlessly with the air vents. The digital instrument cluster is positioned in front of the driver behind the multifunction three-spoke steering wheel, which includes touch controls and paddle shifters.
Today, luxury cars must combine technology and elegance. Mercedes delivers a full digital experience in the New E-Class W214 with a new display similar to the EQS. The central infotainment screen and the passenger's front display are combined under a single large glass panel called the 'Superscreen', similar to the S-Class and EQS's Hyperscreen. The large touchscreen in the center blends with a smaller touchscreen for the front passenger. When the passenger seat is unoccupied, the screen automatically displays a vehicle profile, resembling a screensaver when inactive.
The 12.3-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster offers diverse display options, including a classic mode that clearly shows the tachometer and speedometer in familiar formats. There's also an AMG space-themed sport mode with dynamic red highlights for spirited driving. For those preferring a simpler look, navigation is displayed on the instrument cluster for unfamiliar routes. The display sequences through rpm, speed, gear position, fuel range, driver assistance system statuses, tire pressure per wheel, outside temperature, and more.
The New E-Class seats are designed for comfort, ideal for long journeys. The sporty seats are electrically adjustable and vary in features depending on the trim and options. The AMG version features newly developed seats that enhance comfort for driver and passengers, with sporty headrests and adjustable lumbar support. The shoulder area is wider, and the space between front and rear axles has been optimized to improve rear seat comfort, which was previously cramped. Rear legroom, shoulder room, and headroom have all increased. Luxurious upholstery provides excellent seating comfort with firm bases and increased foot space for two rear passengers, despite the central transmission tunnel, which is designed to minimize intrusion. The diesel E-Class offers a 540-liter trunk space, while the plug-in hybrid version has a smaller 370-liter capacity due to battery placement under the floor.
Connectivity is crucial for business owners. Besides traditional space and comfort, the New E-Class offers advanced technology. The Superscreen features a large central infotainment display and a secondary screen for the front passenger, all under one expansive glass panel. The latest MBUX system is fast, responsive, and user-friendly, though the large screen can cause reflections that may distract. The Superscreen supports video conferencing via Zoom and Webex, utilizing a front-facing camera mounted above the dashboard, not just interior cameras. It also includes a driver-facing screen that monitors eye movements to ensure the driver stays focused on the road and avoids drowsiness.
The updated Active Brake Assist continuously monitors the surroundings, acting as a vigilant eye that can intervene if unsafe driving behavior is detected. Its sensors detect cyclists and pedestrians approaching from the sides and include emergency braking functionality to enhance safety during reversing maneuvers.
The new Automatic Lane Change Assist is a driver aid using sensors and radar to monitor the vehicle's surroundings, enabling the car to decide when and whether to change lanes for extended overtaking. For example, if the system detects a slow-moving truck ahead, it scans the rear to determine if overtaking is safe. If a lane is clear, the car automatically signals and changes lanes, maintaining or increasing speed if needed. After overtaking, it signals again and returns to the left lane. Similar to Tesla's system, UK law requires the driver to keep hands on the wheel and initiate lane changes with signals. The lane changes are smooth but the system tends to be cautious. This caution is beneficial; any annoying features can be disabled.
In response to increased concerns about diesel emissions following Volkswagen's emissions scandal years ago, the automotive industry has focused on accurate CO2 figures. This led Mercedes-Benz to develop a new diesel engine meeting future global emission standards such as Real Driving Emissions (RDE) and WLTP tests. The new small diesel engine in the New E-Class W214 CKD is the Mercedes-Benz OM 654, which reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 13 percent. It produces 196 horsepower and 440 Newton-meters of torque. The OM 654 M is a 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged diesel, the first single-turbo in Mercedes' new engine family, weighing 168 kilograms. It is efficient, fuel-saving, relatively clean, and offers good acceleration. The 48-volt Mild Hybrid technology supports hybrid functions such as boost, energy recovery, and smooth start-stop operation, so refined that it's hard to tell when the engine stops or starts. The hybrid system integrates with the 9-G Tronic automatic transmission, powering the rear wheels and optimizing fuel economy during long-distance driving.
The most important innovation of the new engine is the all-aluminum construction, a first for a four-cylinder diesel engine.
The OM 654 is a compact four-cylinder diesel engine with an aluminum block capable of withstanding internal pressures up to 2,973.27 psi, reducing component weight by 17 percent compared to cast iron blocks.
It features steel pistons with stepped combustion bowls, NANOSLIDE® cylinder bore coating, and a fourth-generation common rail fuel injection system.
All exhaust treatment technologies are integrated directly onto the engine.
It is notably lighter and more compact: 168.4 kg versus 203.8 kg (-17%). The displacement is 2 liters instead of 2.15 liters, and the cylinder bore spacing is 90 mm compared to 94 mm.
The OM 654 uses steel pistons with stepped combustion chambers to reduce particulate emissions. Lower pollution levels result from increased air intake and heat retention in the combustion area.
Steel piston material enhances heat retention in the cylinders, improving fuel combustion and thermodynamic efficiency by shortening actual combustion time. Steel also stabilizes the piston-to-cylinder clearance since aluminum expands under heat. Reduced piston expansion combined with Mercedes' low-friction Nanoslide cylinder coating cuts friction by 40 to 50 percent, enhancing piston performance. The crankshaft is offset 0.5 inches toward the intake side and uses 6-inch connecting rods (154 mm), reducing lateral piston forces by up to 75 percent.
The new crankshaft design creates extra space in the exhaust block for a compact emission control system mounted directly on the engine. Efficient calibration eliminates the need for vehicle-specific emission devices. The system includes a diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter (DPF). The catalyst coating and insulation are positioned near the engine for low heat loss and optimal operating temperatures, reducing emissions and increasing fuel efficiency. The DPF has a specially developed mixing zone for diesel exhaust to evenly distribute and rapidly evaporate particulates, lowering NOx emissions. Additionally, a multi-way cooled exhaust gas recirculation valve mixes high- and low-pressure gases to reduce untreated emissions over the rpm range, while combustion is optimized for fuel efficiency.
The compact size and well-organized component layout make the 2.0-liter diesel engine efficient and smooth-running in Mercedes-Benz's new engines, particularly the OM 654 small diesel powerplant. This engine can be installed longitudinally or transversely in front-, rear-, or all-wheel-drive (4Matic) vehicles, from Sprinter vans to luxury sedans like the E-Class and CLS.
Improved insulation and emission catalysts mean the engine requires no temperature management during cold starts or low-load conditions. Besides emission benefits, this saves fuel, especially on short trips. The exhaust system retains heat well and operates optimally in hot climates like Thailand.
The E 220d produces 197 horsepower with an average fuel consumption of 14 kilometers per liter in city and highway driving. The E-Class does not disappoint regarding comfort. The updated suspension with steel springs and damping offers a smoother ride, agile yet firm. At a steady 120 km/h, the W214 E220d provides a ride and cabin quietness that are well-matched. The electric steering is weighted and precise, delivering a luxurious driving experience on par with competitors. The suspension grips the road surprisingly well; even at high-speed cornering, it remains composed. The steering responds to slight inputs, with electric assist adjusting weight based on speed and driving mode, beneficial on winding or mountainous roads.
The front tires are 245/45 ZR19, and the rear are 275/40ZR 19 Pirelli P Zero, offering good grip. This tested new diesel E-Class has covered 4,000 kilometers among media and customers. Grip remains normal, but tires can be noisy on concrete or deteriorated asphalt. The ride comfort slightly surpasses that of the W213 E-Class. The electric steering is very flexible: in ECO mode, it is light, ideal for tight parking or urban U-turns. Switching to Sport mode firms the steering for more engagement, avoiding overly light feel that can cause insecurity. The multi-link suspension is tight and stable but can feel a bit soft in aggressive cornering, requiring firm input to reveal any body roll.
Sport mode allows full acceleration, but excessive speed is illegal and unsafe. At 120 km/h, cabin insulation effectively blocks external noise, making the diesel E-Class fairly quiet, comparable to the BMW 520d G60. Pressing the accelerator reveals a thrilling diesel growl. This executive sedan drives comfortably and enjoyably. Electronic stability control systems provide confidence on long trips. The E220d AMG Line offers precise handling and versatile driving with firm suspension, although soft shock and spring settings can occasionally cause some body sway.
The 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine delivers strong torque and is clearly more fuel-efficient than the E350e plug-in hybrid. At fast speeds, fuel consumption is around 13 kilometers per liter, with relaxed driving reaching up to 14.8 kilometers per liter. Considering the car weighs almost 2 tons with just a 2-liter engine, this is impressive. The 66-liter diesel tank enables nearly 1,100 kilometers of driving range. The OM654M engine offers broad torque, responsive at low and high revs. While not as sharp as petrol engines, the massive 440 Newton-meters of torque propels you swiftly down the road.
Efforts to elevate the new E-Class's luxury, dynamics, and monitoring systems have succeeded. The only factor ensuring the E-Class's success in some markets is the efficient diesel engine with a 48-volt Mild Hybrid system that smoothly starts and stops the engine. On long trips, it is fuel-efficient, with a 66-liter tank supporting 1,100 kilometers without needing to drive cautiously. Normal driving includes a mix of slow and fast speeds, with decisive overtaking maneuvers, such as the trip back from Pranburi to Bangkok. Heavy acceleration increases fuel consumption, but compared to petrol plug-in hybrids, the diesel E-Class saves much more fuel. This explains why the authentic luxury E-Class has used a four-cylinder diesel engine successfully for over 50 years. Test driving confirms its excellence.
Technical specifications of the Mercedes-Benz E220d AMG LINE priced at 3,930,000 Baht
Engine: Diesel, inline 4-cylinder turbocharged with intercooler
Displacement: 1,993 cc
Maximum power: 145 kW (197 hp) at 3,600 rpm
Maximum torque: 440 Nm at 1,800–2,800 rpm
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 7.6 seconds
Estimated top speed: 230 km/h
Fuel tank capacity: 66 liters
Cargo capacity: 540 liters
Powertrain
Front tires and wheels: 245/45 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Rear tires and wheels: 275/40 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Body dimensions: width 1,880 mm, length 4,950 mm, height 1,461 mm
Front airbags: 2 positions for driver and passenger
Side airbags: 2 positions for driver
and front passenger
Airbag between driver and front passenger
Side curtain airbags protecting heads in 4 positions
for driver and passengers
Driver's knee airbag
Five 3-point seat belts
Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) for automatic stability control
(Electronic Stability Program)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
ADAPTIVE BRAKE system with HOLD function
and Hill–Start Assist
Adaptive brake light emergency flashing
Service interval indicator (ASSYST)
(ASSYST service interval indicator)
Driver fatigue detection system (ATTENTION ASSIST)
Blind Spot Assist system
Active Brake Assist system
Automatic deactivation of front passenger airbag
Tire pressure monitoring system with alerts
Adaptive cruise control with distance keeping
360-degree camera and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC
Rear seatbelt warning on display
TIREFIT emergency tire repair kit
LED High Performance headlights
Adaptive Highbeam Assist automatic high beam control
Hands-free tailgate opening system (HANDS–FREE ACCESS)
KEYLESS-GO keyless entry and start system
Auto-dimming driver side mirror and rearview mirror
Electrically adjustable and foldable side mirrors
Side mirror puddle lights with Mercedes-Benz logo
Lowered AGILITY CONTROL suspension
AMG Line exterior styling all around
Engine underbody protection plate
19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels
Large ventilated front brake discs
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function
Front seats with Climatised ventilation
4-way lumbar support for front seats
Split-folding rear seats (1/3 and 2/3)
MBUX Superscreen central console display
Interior selfie camera system
Wireless phone charging for front seats
ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL air purification system
Nappa leather sports multifunction steering wheel on instrument panel
ARTICO leather upholstery on upper door panels
Nappa leather trim
Black piano interior trim materials
Illuminated Mercedes-Benz door sills
Sports seats
Standard entertainment and communication systems
Dual-zone automatic THERMATIC climate control
AMG Line interior trim
Ambient Lighting interior illumination
Rear door sunshades left and right
Power-operated rear window sunshade
Six USB Type-C ports
AMG branded floor mats
Mobile phone connectivity functions
Supports iOS and Android (Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™)
5G communication for Digital extras services
Automatic emergency call system
Hard-disk navigation with 3D maps
Navigation with Live Traffic Information
MBUX Entertainment Plus system
MBUX multimedia system
MBUX augmented reality navigation
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