The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long been a benchmark for luxury sedans, especially for those who prefer to be chauffeured. In India, the long-wheelbase version is the standard offering, and with this new seventh-generation model, Mercedes has raised the stakes in terms of comfort, luxury, and technology.

The new design doesn’t stray far from what has worked for Mercedes in the past. It’s a safe, polished look. The E-Class is the best-selling Mercedes in India. Why mess with a formula that works? But despite the overall familiar look, there are a few updates: Stylish tail lamps, pop-out door handles.

One of the most significant changes is its extended length and longer wheelbase. It’s put to good use inside the cabin, where the new E-Class shines brightest. The overall sense of space is amplified by the large windows and panoramic sunroof. There’s no skimping on high-quality materials -- wood, metal, and premium plastics.

The tech is next-level, but designed to deliver an air of opulence. The star of the show is the edge-to-edge superscreen, which adds a futuristic touch. Ambient lighting sweeps through the cabin, elevating the whole experience. There’s wireless charging and a four-zone climate control system. However, controlling the aircon system now requires going through two steps on the touchscreen, a needless extra layer of complexity.

The chauffeur package, which allows rear passengers to move the front seat forward for more legroom, adds to the sense of luxury for those in the back seat. To feel like the boss, sit in the rear left or boss seat, and control the blinds for both rear windows, rear screen and sunroof.

The rear seats are the highlight. Spacious and plush, they recline and offer extendable thigh support. The backseat experience sets the E-Class apart, especially when compared to rivals such as the 5 Series, which lacks these premium touches.

On the road, the E-Class is more about effortless comfort than thrilling performance. The base E200 is powered by a two-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 200 bhp and 320 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a smooth nine-speed automatic gearbox, offering seamless gear shifts and a relaxed driving experience. While it won’t win any drag races, Mercedes claims a 0-100 km/h time of 7.5 seconds, which is respectable.

The suspension works beautifully, giving a refined, floaty feel. However, on rougher surfaces, you begin to feel more movement from the suspension, like it’s constantly working to smooth things out. It’s here that the BMW 5-series, with its plusher ride, has the edge.

So, should you buy the new E-Class? If you’re in the market for a luxury sedan that’s designed to pamper rear-seat passengers, then yes. It’s a no-brainer. It may not be the most exciting car to drive, but for its target audience, it delivers in all the right areas. It’s spacious, packed with features, and offers a rear-seat experience that’s hard to beat. For the quintessential luxury experience, the E-Class remains the top pick.

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