Mercedes-Benz India launched the E-Class long wheel-base (LWB) facelift priced from INR 6,360,000 ex-showroom India. The E-Class is one of the best-selling luxury sedans in India and has a rich history here, as it has managed to sell close to 46,000 units since its debut in 1995. The E-Class comprises 30 percent of Mercedes-Benz India’s sales. Adding another feather in Mercedes-Benz’s cap, in 2017 India became the first country in the world to get the E-Class LWD right-hand drive version. The extended version is 205 mm longer than the standard E-Class ensuring more cabin space, especially for the rear passengers. The 2021 E-Class is available in three variants—E 200 at INR 6,360,000, E 220d at INR 6,480,000 and the top-of-the-line E 350d at INR 8,090,000, all ex-showroom India. For the first time in India, Mercedes-Benz has also introduced the sporty avatar of the E 350d in the AMG Line.
At the launch, Martin Schwenk, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “The E-Class remains one of the most successful products in our portfolio, and a much anticipated one. With the new E-Class, we seamlessly combine rear-seat luxury, wide space owing to the LWB, various comfort features with that of latest generation telematics, avant-garde design and exciting driving dynamics. The new E-Class once more raises the benchmark significantly in the luxury saloon segment and we are confident of its stellar market performance and continuing its segment leadership.”
Going by Mercedes-Benz’s latest design language, the E-Class looks a lot bolder than its outgoing model with a more imposing front fascia and angular-shaped LED headlights. The luxury sedan sports an all-black front grille, but the standard versions have two chrome lines running across the mesh, while the AMG Line showcases a metal-studded grille with a single chrome line making the ‘Three-Pointed Star’ logo more prominent. The front bumpers have been redesigned and look aggressive, especially on the E 350d with its larger air vents.
Coming to the side profile, the E-Class remains more-or-less untouched apart from a newly designed set of 17-inch alloy wheels and, as expected, the AMG Line boasts of larger 18-inch ones. The rear has been spruced up with new triangle-shaped LED tail lights, which reminds us of the S-Class.
The 2021 E-Class is offered in six different colours—Designo Hyacinth Red, Mojave Silver, High-tech Silver, Polar White, Obsidian Black and Selenite Grey. The first three are new paint schemes. It also comes with a 3-year standard warranty.
Step inside and the two 12.3-inch screens grab all the attention. One screen is the all-digital instrument cluster and the other is the multimedia touchscreen unit, which is equipped with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) that lets you control different features like the navigation system with the help of intuitive voice commands. It can also be paired to Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Apart from this, the other major update is that the steering wheel now comes with touch control buttons. As this is the long wheel-base E-Class, additional focus is given on the comfort of the rear passengers as the sedan now comes with a touchscreen pad neatly tucked inside the central armrest. And, of course, the rear seats recline as well. It comes fully loaded with features like a 590W Burmester sound system, two wireless phone chargers, a panoramic sunroof and leather upholstery while the 350d comes standard with air suspension.
The E-Class is available in three different engine options. The E 200d is powered by a 1,991 cc, 4-cylinder in-line petrol engine that pumps out 194 bhp at 5,500-6,100 rpm with 320 Nm at 1,650-4,000 rpm. The entry-level diesel, the E 220d gets a 1,950 cc, 4-cylinder in-line diesel motor with 192 bhp of power at 3,800 rpm and a healthy torque of 400 Nm at 1,600- 2,800 rpm. The top-spec 350d churns out 282 bhp at 3,400-4,600 rpm and a colossal torque of 600 Nm at 1,200-3,200 rpm. The AMG Line trim is powered by a 2,925 cc 6-cylinder diesel powerplant. All three are mated to a 9-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
In terms of competition, the E-Class LWB goes up against the Audi A6, the BMW 5 Series, the Jaguar XF and the Volvo S90. (MT)
Maruti Suzuki India, AU Small Finance Bank Launch Suhana Safar Initiative
- By MT Bureau
- July 02, 2026
AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, to introduce 'Suhana Safar', a scheme that links Recurring Deposits (RD) to auto loans. The initiative is aimed at first-time car buyers and applies to the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio and WagonR models.
Under the programme, customers open an RD account with AU Small Finance Bank and deposit a monthly amount equivalent to the future car EMI for 3 to 6 months. Upon maturity, the accumulated funds, which have earned interest, are used as the down payment for the vehicle, after which the bank provides the auto loan.
The scheme allows customers to save and earn interest while demonstrating repayment capacity before committing to a loan. The bank also uses this process to evaluate creditworthiness.
AU Small Finance Bank offers RD interest rates of 4.75 percent to 7.40 percent per annum for the general public, and 5.25 percent to 7.90 percent per annum for senior citizens.
Skoda Kodiaq RS Launched At INR 6.69 Million In India
- By MT Bureau
- July 02, 2026
Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has introduced the new Kodiaq RS, the first SUV to carry the performance-focused RS badge in the Indian market at INR 6.69 million (ex-showroom).
The company limited the initial release to 50 units, which were sold out within six minutes of launch. This release aligns with the 50th anniversary of the RS badge and the 125th year of the brand’s motorsport history.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge represents an iconic performance legacy. Bringing it to our flagship 4x4, all-terrain, 7-seater SUV combines luxury, capability and motorsport DNA in one offering. The overwhelming response, with all units sold out in minutes, reflects the strong enthusiasm among customers.”
The Kodiaq RS features a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive. The vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 231 kmph.
The vehicle is equipped with progressive steering and the latest-generation Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) Plus, which allows drivers to adjust damping characteristics. The Driving Mode Select offers multiple settings, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow and a dedicated Off-Road mode.
The exterior includes black accents on the grille frame, mirrors, window frames, roof rails, and the D-pillar. The front features a bumper with black elements and a horizontal light strip in the grille. The rear includes a full-width reflector, blacked-out lettering, and stainless-steel exhaust tips. The SUV is fitted with 20-inch Elias alloy wheels and is available in Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.
Honda Cars India Reports 5,243 Unit Wholesales In June 2026
- By MT Bureau
- July 01, 2026
Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced wholesales of 8,788 units in June 2026.
In the domestic market, the company sold 5,243 units and 3,545 units for export, which marks 71.5 percent YoY, when the company sold 4,618 units domestically and exported 506 units.
Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, "The launch of new City and India Premiere of global SUV Honda ZR-V has generated strong momentum for our overall sales including Amaze and Elevate during June, driven by healthy customer demand and a positive market response. With Monsoon conditions expected to improve during July, we hope to sustain this positive momentum in the months ahead.
“The deliveries of ZR-V are also scheduled to begin from July. It will draw discerning new customers and prospects into Honda showrooms, enhancing our premium brand appeal and unlocking new growth opportunities,” he added.
Renault India Reports 4,063 Unit Wholesales For June 2026
- By MT Bureau
- July 01, 2026
French automotive company Renault India has recorded 4,063 domestic wholesale units in June 2026, a 55 percent YoY increase compared to the previous year. This also marks the 10th consecutive month of double-digit growth for the company.
Interestingly, for H1 CY2026, the company reported sales of 25,844 units, representing 61 percent YoY growth.
During June, Renault India began exports of the Duster, dispatching 750 units to South Africa. The company stated that this performance reflects customer response to its product strategy and demand across its portfolio.
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