Sixth-Gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class Travels to the Land Down Under, Costs From $87k

The premium German manufacturer says “innovation meets tradition” in the all-new sixth-generation (W214) Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the company will send it across nationwide Australian dealerships starting later this week from AUD 131,500.

That’s the equivalent of almost $87k, but do keep in mind that the cost will rise because it’s an MRLP quotation, which means the Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price. It includes the GST (goods and services tax) plus any LCT (luxury car tax) applicable to the base or standard specification model but does not cover all “on-road costs.” It’s a lot more than in America, where the E-Class kicks off at $62,300 for the E 350 4Matic sedan, followed by the E 450 4Matic sedan, which is just $68,100.

So, now that we got the finances out of the way, for better or worse, Mercedes-Benz proposes as the entry-level model for Australia the E 300 sedan. Yep, it just keeps getting worse compared to the United States. Anyway, under the hood, there’s an “advanced and efficient” 190 kW (255 hp) turbocharged mild-hybrid petrol engine, which means it’s probably the same one as the American E 350 (192 kW or 258 hp) but without 4Motion all-wheel drive.

The revised 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission remains on par, along with the new and more powerful electronics architecture – the AI-based personalization and MBUX Superscreen “enable an array of immersive, interactive and intelligent digital user experiences.” For the first time, a Digital Vehicle Key also facilitates unlocking, locking, and starting the car with a compatible smartphone or smartwatch, but Mercedes-Benz is narrowing down the pool of options with the Apple iPhone and Apple Watch for this feature.

The E-Class and its predecessors are the stuff of legends at Mercedes-Benz – more than 16 million units have been sold worldwide since 1946, but the W214 iteration doesn’t seem to be off on the right foot. It’s not easy to make out the differences between the base models for the new and old ones if you see them from the front, and the competition is stiffer than ever, despite the perceived losing battle of sedans against other segments like crossovers, SUVs, and trucks.

However, Mercedes-Benz doesn’t go down without a fight in the Land Down Under, and for Australia, the new Mercedes-Benz E 300 gets the AMG Line exterior package as standard equipment, six metallic shades plus three optional premium paints from Manufaktur, the latest MBUX infotainment system spread out on the Superscreen fitting a 14.4-inch central display plus 12.3-inch display for the front passenger along with 5G transmission technology plus wireless smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

More than 20 functions are offered automatically with help from AI; there’s a standard 730-watt Burmester 4D surround sound system plus spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, Active Ambient Lighting, the optional Energizing Package Plus, as well as more interior space than on the previous generation thanks to the revised cabin layout and the longer wheelbase that reflects in rear-seat passenger space. Meanwhile, the trunk capacity is 540 liters or 19 cubic feet.