A pictorial history of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class by the top-guns of M-B Malaysia (MBM)

Though not truly a big fan of the top-brass guys (and gals) at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) and especially the way they mistreat customers and potential customers alike (some Merc dealers too, as rumoured), I must admit the 3-D holographic-esque presentation at the launch of the new W212 E-Class was really something to be savoured as unique and classy among the many car launches we get annually in Malaysia. The free-flowing wine, champagne, cognac and beers were not too bad either! :)

Click on all pictures to get a bigger image of the W110 (Tailfin) right through to the W211 predecessors! I guessed my shutter would have missed one or two circa 2nd World War models, but what the heck...I reckon the Tailfin is what most will remember as one of the most iconic great great grandfather of the E-class!

Here's looking forward to perhaps owning a E200 GGI or E250 CGI - both turbocharged -sometime in 2010 or 2011?

Mercedes-Benz W212 E-Class launched in Malaysia

It's finally here, the all-new E-Class (W212) being launched by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) at a glitzy evening function at the Palace of Golden Horses. To begin with only the E300 V6 will be available for sale immediately, priced at RM458,888.

The mass-market E200 CGI (estimated to retail about RM370k) will only be available sometime April 2010, along with the E250 CGI (circa RM410k) at about the same time. Both variants will have the same 1.8L lump in different state of tune and turbo-boost - along with direct injection - churning out 184hp/270Nm and 204hp/310Nm respectively. In contrast the E300 is powered by a naturally-aspirated 3.0L V6 pumping out a combo of 231hp/300Nm. Both the 4-cylinders E-Class only make do with 5 A/T 'box while the V6 will sport Merc's 7G-Tronic.

2009/10 Mercedes-Benz (W212) E-Class undisguised!

Spotted over at paultan.org are a few of the latest leaked images of the upcoming 2009/10 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a full replacement model due for next year's Geneva debut. At the front (in E500 guise) , it appeared decently refreshed and stately - as an E-Class should rightfully be - though somewhat Lexus GS300-ish, if not for the trademark Benz grille.

The side profile cuts a swage line to be in tune with the rest of the M-B saloons i.e. the W204 C-Class and of course, the W221 S-Class.



Coming to the rear is where For Wheels reckon that Daimler AG designers lost their plot or fell asleep at their respective workstations! Or did the Computer Aided Design (CAD) software failed them? I could recall that I was awed with the new W211 when M-B refined it into something modern yet classy in 2003, versus the clunky W210. Remember that sleek W211 E-Class in 'Men In Black II'? So desirable that I eventually committed to hire purchasing one in 2006.

All hope may not be lost though, I am pretty sure it will look more convincing in the metal come Q3/Q4 2009 when launched in Malaysia. Knowing how some Conti designs do look better with age, with conditioned acceptance as we see more of them on the road. But does Mercedes-Benz have to relive its W124 era so much - applying much retro cues for the W212's butt - as it boasted returning to the E's solid-built state of the 1980s?

Will the M271 (E18) of the E200 get a turbocharger instead of the trusty but 'over-worked' Kompressor? Anyone for a brand new W212 E200T with direct fuel injection pushing higher torque and more power output?

Forget the fancy Park Assist, Panoramic Roof, Keyless Go et al, the new W212 E200 deserves both DFI/GDI plus modern turbocharging! Errr...maybe even a more flexible 7-G Tronic 'box to go with it?