At a time when most luxury carmakers are steadily moving away from diesel engines, Mercedes-Benz India stands out as one of the few still backing them. The E-Class – India’s best-selling luxury sedan – has had a diesel under its hood since the first W124 hit our roads, and that legacy continues with the sixth-gen model - the E 220d. So, I spent some time with it to see if the diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz E-Class Long Wheelbase (LWB) still holds its own in a market that’s quickly shifting towards EVs, promising both efficiency and luxury.
BEHIND THE WHEEL EXPERIENCE
How is the Mercedes-Benz E 220d for those who also like to take the wheel every now and then?
If you’re someone who likes to take the wheel of your E-Class every now and then, and not just enjoy the back seat, what’s under the hood will matter to you. Mercedes-Benz clearly still sees value in diesel, but under today’s stringent emission norms, making something big and brawny is easier said than done. So, what you get in the E 220d is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel paired with the brand’s familiar 9-speed automatic gearbox.
You get a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel paired with the brand’s familiar 9-speed automatic gearbox
Now, on paper, it might be a bit modest in size, but the engine still packs quite a bit of punch. 440 Nm of peak torque is what you can get from this engine, and most of it comes in from as low as 1800 rpm. If you have owned or driven the pre-BS6 E-Class diesel, then you might yearn for a stronger mid-range; however, the torque pull is still nice and smooth, and making those quick overtakes on the highway will be easy.
The Mercedes-Benz E 220d can reach 100 kmph from nought in 7.6 seconds
At 194 bhp, the max power output might just seem adequate on paper, but it’s only a few ponies short of what the petrol version has to offer. But the performance is almost identical. Under ideal conditions, you can reach 100 kmph from nought in 7.6 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 238 kmph. Also, like the E 200, here too, you get some electric boost courtesy of the 48V mild hybrid system. Essentially, an extra dose of power and torque, for a short duration, to make up for the turbo lag.
Also Read: Mercedes-Benz W124 vs New E-Class: Modern Classic Meets Best Seller
All that said, there’s a faint rumble of a diesel engine that seeps through, along with a slight buzz, which you can sense in the cabin. It never feels harsh or unrefined, but it reminds you that this isn’t a petrol motor.
ON ROAD MANNERISMS
There's no active suspension, but Mercedes' Agility Control with selective damping does a fine job
When it comes to luxury sedans, comfort is key, and the E 220d LWB delivers on that front. The ride feels smooth and supple despite the added weight of the diesel engine, thanks to its well-tuned suspension setup. You don’t get active suspension here, but I didn’t find myself missing it. The standard system, which Mercedes calls Agility Control with selective damping, does a fine job. It uses multiple sensors to read the road surface and adjusts damping accordingly. What that means is the E 220d can simply glide over most urban imperfections with ease.
The E 220d can simply glide over most urban imperfections with ease
That said, the long wheelbase of the E-Class, at just over three metres, does bring a small caveat. The long wheelbase does make you cautious around taller speed breakers. I managed to graze the underbody a couple of times, so it’s something you’ll need to keep in mind when driving over uneven patches.
The long wheelbase does make you cautious around taller speed breakers
The E 220d also handles surprisingly well. It’s not something that’ll blow your mind, but it feels composed and sure-footed, whether you’re cruising at triple-digit speeds or taking a corner with a bit more enthusiasm than usual. The steering too feels well-judged; light and easy around town, and progressively weightier as the speeds climb, giving you a good sense of control.
Also Read: Mercedes-Benz E-Class E450 Review: Is It A Sleeper?
IN-CABIN FEEL & REAR-SEAT EXPERIENCE
The E 220d gets a display-heavy, almost buttonless dashboard featuring the futuristic MBUX Superscreen
There’s no change in the cabin design, layout, or features in this diesel version compared to the E 200. You get the same display-heavy, almost buttonless dashboard featuring the futuristic MBUX Superscreen that merges the central infotainment display with the passenger touchscreen. There’s also a digital driver display, a multifunction steering wheel, ambient lighting, black ash wood trim on the centre console, and beige upholstery.
All seats get electric adjustment, there's a 4D Burmester surround sound system and more
Feature-wise, all seats get electric adjustment, and the driver gets memory function as well. You can use the wireless charging pad or the Type-C USB to charge your phone, and you get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well. The dual-pane panoramic sunroof elevates the luxury quotient of the car, and the 4D Burmester surround sound system does give you a premium audio experience, but there are some misses as well.
The dual-pane panoramic sunroof elevates the luxury quotient of the car
For a car that’s primarily chauffeur-driven, the lack of seat ventilation, massage functions, and a rear infotainment control unit makes the E-Class feel a bit short-changed.
The rear seats recline up to 36 degrees, and you get a fold-down centre armrest with a wireless charger
That said, Mercedes hasn’t ignored those who prefer the back seat. The Chauffeur Package comes standard on the E 220d, adding to the sense of comfort and indulgence. The rear seats recline up to 36 degrees, with electric thigh support extenders, soft neck pillows, and a fold-down centre armrest with an integrated wireless charger.
Rear passengers can also move the front seat electrically for added legroom, and operate the sunroof, window blinds, and rear windshield blind, making the back seat the true highlight of the E-Class.
LOOKS & STYLING
We get to see the E 220d in a new, striking Verde Silver paint job
The E-Class has come a long way in terms of design and styling, and if there’s one word to describe it, it’s elegant. Visually, apart from the E 220d badge, there’s little to distinguish this diesel version from the petrol-powered E 200. You get all the familiar cues - digital headlamps, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, flush-fitting door handles, and plenty of chrome detailing across the exterior.
Mercedes offers 18-inch light-alloy wheels, flush-fitting door handles, and plenty of chrome detailing
What’s new, though, is this striking Verde Silver paint job, a refreshing change from the usual white, black, and silver tones we’ve come to associate with the E-Class. In fact, this has become my new favourite colour on a Mercedes-Benz.
VERDICT
Mercedes-Benz E 220d LWB is only about Rs. 2 lakh dearer than the petrol-powered E 200
At Rs. 80.40 lakh (ex-showroom), the Mercedes-Benz E 220d LWB is only about Rs. 2 lakh dearer than the petrol-powered E 200 – a small premium for what’s arguably the more complete package. You get a torquier and more efficient engine that delivers near-identical performance to the petrol, while offering the same level of comfort, technology, and safety. More importantly, it remains the only car in its segment to still offer a diesel engine – something that gives it a distinct edge in today’s market.
The Mercedes-Benz E 220d is all about long-distance comfort, strong torque delivery, and effortless cruising
Yes, the long-term future of diesel powertrains in India is uncertain, and policies like the Delhi-NCR 10-year rule are clear reminders of that. And the North, being a strong market for luxury vehicles, is also the reason why most rivals have gone petrol-only. But if you’re someone who values long-distance comfort, strong torque delivery, and the effortless cruising ability that diesels do best – and aren’t overly worried about ownership beyond a decade – the E 220d makes a very strong case for itself.
Photos: Pawan Dagia
