Amit Saraswat 
The India-bound Mercedes-Benz E-Class L, which is a long-wheelbase iteration of the standard E-Class, recently made its debut in China. The new E-Class L is likely to launch in the second half of 2024.
While we are yet to receive the dimensions, the new E-Class L is longer than the standard model. Its increased length is apparent by looking at the extended rear doors and a separate quarter glass over the regular E. Apart from the extended length, its overall design remains similar to the standard model. While the E-Class doesn’t get an AMG derivative, it does offer an AMG Line body kit, featuring sportier bumpers, grille and alloy wheels.
It’s a similar story on the inside too — a larger interior ambience with the same sci-fi equipment. Firstly, the E-Class L also features the gigantic “superscreen” setup, which incorporates a 12.3-inch driver’s display, a 14.4-inch infotainment display and an optional front passenger display. What’s unique to the E-Class L is the powered rear seats with leg support extension. The same set of features are also likely to make their way to the India-bound E-Class as well.
It is interesting to note that India is the only market to have the E-Class L in the right-hand-drive format, with China and other international markets getting the long-wheelbase model in the left-hand-drive configuration. The current generation of the E-Class is sold in India via the completely knocked-down route (CKD). We expect Mercedes-Benz India to continue with the local assembly to keep the costs competitive.
While Mercedes-Benz is yet to reveal the specifications of the China-spec E-Class L, the India-spec E-Class is likely to continue with the same 2.0L turbo petrol engine, 2.0L turbo diesel and 3.0L turbo diesel engine. Those wanting to have more performance may get served the imported AMG 53 and 63 models with the standard wheelbase.
