When it comes to the Mercedes E-Class, you know you’re stepping into a vehicle that oozes sophistication and style, but don’t be fooled – beneath all that luxury lies some serious engineering power… and an opportunity to have fun. Kristian Harrison drove the latest model in Bahrain and offers his thoughts.
The E-Class I had the pleasure of testing was the E 200 Sedan, sporting a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine. This may sound modest, but with 204 horsepower on tap and a 0-100 km/h sprint of 7.5 seconds, it feels anything but tame. Pair this with a maximum speed of 240 km/h, and you’ve got a machine that doesn’t just glide – it surges. The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is a smooth operator, delivering gear changes as if it’s been practicing yoga – calm, fluid, and never in a rush, unless you command it by pushing the settings to ‘Sport’.
Driving through Bahrain has never felt more comfortable. Regional specification ensures that this car is more than ready for the heat, with the most radical air conditioning system I’ve ever seen. With a few presses of the touchscreen (more on that later) you can select a number of options (head, body, feet, etc.) or customise your own, and the car’s array of vents will automatically adjust by themselves. Genius! No more awkward reaching across the car whilst driving to rearrange them!
As for the suspension, the AVANTGARDE setup combined with an AMG sports package means a ride that balances comfort and agility beautifully. No more booking in for a back massage every time I navigate the speed bump hellscape of Saar!
The E-Class is packed with tech that feels borderline futuristic. The MBUX Superscreen is the standout feature here – a staggering achievement that stretches from behind the steering wheel all the way to the passenger store with three distinct sections: the driver cluster with the usual barrage of gauges, shortcuts and controls; the main 12.3-inch central display where the car’s extensive range of infotainment and smartphone integration options are handled, and the OLED front passenger screen where one can amuse themselves with music, games and more.
There’s even a selfie and video camera perched on top of the dashboard – perfect for capturing those family days out without running the risk of a fine for using your phone or worse.
No stones are left unturned with the rest of the interior, with ARTICO man-made leather seats, a panoramic sliding sunroof, black piano lacquer trim and brown open-pore maple wood accents that provide an elegant contrast. The car also features active ambient lighting with 64 colours, which is perfect for those moments when you want to feel like you’re driving in your own private lounge – because why not?
As with any Mercedes, safety is at the forefront. Blind Spot Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, and Collision Prevention Assist Plus are just a few of the features that ensure you stay safe no matter where the road takes you.
The Mercedes E-Class is the perfect blend of style, technology and performance. It glides effortlessly over smooth highways while still offering enough power to make the drive exciting. Not only that, but it’s packed with so much tech that it never lets you forget what driving should be: fun.
For more information, check out the Al Haddad Motors Mercedes showroom in Tubli or call 17 785-454.
