Mercedes-Benz E-Class trim price

So Mercedes-Benz has responded by trimming the entry price into its new E-Class sedan range and adding more equipment.

The newest range opener is also now a 2.1-litre turbo diesel, the 220 CDI, which arrives in September with a pricetag of $80,900, about $10,000 cheaper than the outgoing 1.8-litre 200 Kompressor model. The CDI also becomes the first modern four-cylinder turbo-diesel E-Class to be sold here. The 220 CDI will be joined in two months by the $93,900 E250 CGI petrol four, $96,900 E 250 CDI diesel four and $131,900 E350 CDI V6.

These engines are all part of the company's Blue Efficiency technologies designed to reduce aerodynamics, fuel consumption and emissions. The range initially kicks off with the $128,900 E350 V6 and $178,900 E500 V8. The new 3.5-litre V6 E350 costs $2965 less than the outgoing model, yet adds more than $10,000 in additional standard equipment. Of all the models, only the 5.5-litre V8 E500 sedan is more expensive, increasing by $11,232. However, it too gets an equipment lift with about $21,000 worth of extra standard equipment.

Buyers can also specify the $5700 AMG sports pack which adds 18-inch AMG alloys, body kit, firmer suspension, sports seats, three-spoke steering wheel and brushed alloy pedals.

Apart from a lavish level of safety, the E350 gets front and rear parking sensors with parking guidance, 7-speed G-tronic automatic, lane keeping package with blind-spot alarm, 18-inch alloys, bi-Xenon headlights, cruise control, split/fold rear seats, cupholders, cable for the iPod input, multi-contour front seats and multi-zone climate control air-conditioning.

The E500 ups the ante with keyless entry and go, more luxurious front seats, alarm and sunblinds in the rear and side rear seats. The car has grown slightly in all directions except height. The wheelbase is 20mm longer at 2874mm, which has helped liberate more interior room. The sedan's boot capacity remains at 540-litres but it has been redesigned to improve its shape so it can take four golf bags. Every E-Class now also gets a split fold rear seat to increase luggage room.

Visually, one look at the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan shows that the design team has taken some cues from the famous 1950s Pontoon models. The E-Class shares that car's bulging rear wheel arches, incorporated into the ninth-generation car's 21st century design. Apart from a passing nod to the Pontoon, the newest Merc gains a modern interpretation of the E-Class's quad headlight treatment.

As expected, it bristles with safety and technology. Mercedes boldly describes it as the safest car in the world. Apart from the added features, service intervals have also been lifted to 25,000km.

Mercedes-Benz Australia managing director, passenger cars, Horst von Sanden, says the introduction of an entry turbo-diesel reflects the growing acceptance of modern diesel technology by Australian customers. He says adding more gear into the cars was also a direct reaction to market demands.

The luxury segment had become more price sensitive, he says. “We saw that with the run-out of the old car,” he says. “Even luxury buyers are expecting more.”

Apart from the sedan, Mercedes-Benz also launched the E-Class coupe, which effectively replaces the CLK.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan:
E 220 CDI sedan - $80,900
E 250 CGI sedan - $93,900
E 250 CDI sedan - $96,900
E 350 CDI sedan - $131,900
E 350 sedan - $128,900
E 500 sedan - $178,900
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé:
E 250 CGI coupé - $94,500
E 250 CDI coupé - $97,500
E 350 coupé - $127,500
E 500 coupé - $174,500