The 1796cc, E200K motor is the same unit that powers the C200K compressor. This compact motor is a whole 800cc smaller than the larger 2.7-litre motor. Also down on cylinders, from six to four, the E200K seems to have its work cut out. Salvation, however, comes in the form of a supercharger or Kompressor in German, which bumps power up to 158bhp, not too far off the V6’s 167.

 

The strong low rpm response of the Kompressor engine is a pleasant contrast to the laziness of the V6-powered E. Power is available on demand even at low engine speeds, and the big E-class seems quite happy running around in city traffic. It excels in part-throttle responses, and as a result feels quite drivable in the real world.

 

Flat-out acceleration tests revealed that the E200K leaves much to be desired in a straight line, the 1.6-tonne kerb weight and the reduced power slowing it down by quite a margin. 100 kilometers an hour takes 13.16 seconds, almost three seconds more than the V6, with 150 needing a total of 33.13 seconds. By this time, the E240 has floated past and left the area entirely. The E200K however, like almost every Merc saloon on sale in India, proved it had no trouble cracking the 200kph mark.

 

The E200K also set no records as far as fuel efficiency in the class are concerned. It returned 6.2 kilometers in city conditions, the supercharged motor actually proved less fuel efficient in comparison with the V6 motor.

 

There is little doubt that the W211 package is a class act. The fresh exteriors look better and better as the days roll on. The brilliant chassis, with its aluminum suspension arms, ‘Sensotronic’ brake-by-wire system and very direct steering make the E-class a car to drive as well as be driven in. The fresh-faced interiors are still a joy to behold, and this is one of the best-looking sedans around.

 

There are a few new interesting bits too, on loan from the mighty S-class, seen first on the E200K, but which will certainly make their way into the other models in the range. Rear seat passengers now get digitally-adjustable air-con controls, and there are now air-con vents incorporated in the B-pillar. Lock the doors from the outside and the external mirrors now fold automatically.

 

The E200K comes in the top-of-the-line Elegance spec level, which means you get leather interiors and all the goodies you find in the more expensive diesel and V6. The smaller four-cylinder power plant simply doesn’t have that velvet feel or the effortless performance of the V6, which for a typical E-class buyer, we feel, is certainly worth the extra cash.

Filed under: Mercedes Cars in India