This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on March 7, 2019

KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia yesterday introduced its refreshed E-Class range, led by the range-topping variant — the all-new Mercedes-Benz E350 AMG Line.

Priced at RM399,888, the E350 is joined by the E200 SportStyle Avantgarde (RM329,888) and the E300 Exclusive Line (RM379,888), exemplifying the E-Class’ portrayal of style, status and exclusivity with class and progression.

At the launch, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice president of sales and marketing Mark Raine said the E-Class is the core of the Mercedes-Benz brand and has gone through several stages of redefinition to continue carrying the wealth of top-class innovations, stylish highlights and an unimpeachable interior.

“As the vehicle of choice in the premium executive limousine segment, we are proud to introduce the all-new Mercedes-Benz E350 AMG Line to now lead the E-Class range. The locally-assembled car also comes with a four-cylinder 2.0 engine equipped with a belt-driven starter generator and the Driving Assistance Package with state-of-the-art safety technologies,” he told reporters.

He said the four-cylinder twin-scroll turbochargers allow the car to produce high torque at low engine speeds with high specific output. With this, the engine gives a total system output of 220kW (299hp) with a maximum torque of 400Nm with an addition of 150Nm boost attributed by the belt-driven starter generator, allowing it to boast an acceleration from 0-100kmh in only 5.9 seconds.

Raine said the E-Class range represents roughly about 25% of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia sales, and has been highly successful over the past years.

“The E-Class is a class of its own. It carries the modern luxury hallmark and exclusivity that is only made possible through Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president and chief executive Dr Claus Weidner in his welcome speech at the launch.

“We are very confident that with this new setup of cars and its specifications and new inventions, we will strengthen our customer base and continue our success story for the E-Class,” he added.