I used to get excited whenever Friday arrived, for apart from heralding the weekend, I would also usually ride to work.
Lately, however, Fridays have become my “chill day”. Blue skies are great for riding, but melting under the searing sun is a turn-off. After a hectic week, Fridays mean a leisurely drive and a quieter day at work.
And when given a choice between getting dishevelled and sweaty or cruising to the office in an E200 Exclusive, I’m picking the latter. My smile grew wider as I walked towards a car that made me feel like I had a board meeting to attend.
THE BALANCED ONE
The E200 comes in either Avantgarde, Exclusive, or AMG Line. Avantgarde is the starting point, Exclusive is the middle variant, while AMG Line is the top specification with tasty goodies that include sports suspension and a Burmester audio system.
Frankly, Avantgarde and Exclusive have pretty much the same equipment. Yet among the three, Exclusive has the most “Mercedes” blend of luxury, technology, refinement and performance.
Much of this is down to the Exclusive’s design, which is classier and more restrained. It eschews the big tristar on a tristar motif grill (on the Avantgarde and AMG Line) for horizontal bars, thus resembling the flagship S-Class limousine.
And for traditionalists, the Exclusive is also the sole version with the iconic tristar bonnet ornament. Some may think this makes the car look old, but for many, it is what makes a Mercedes look like a Mercedes.
Inside, the E200 Exclusive features the third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system and Superscreen, which provides high-resolution displays for the front passenger and driver. It also loads faster and is more intuitive than before thanks to the “zero-layer” design.
However, Mercedes should eliminate the haptic buttons on the steering wheel and revert to conventional physical ones instead. The ones here can be maddening to use, especially when you try to select one function but end up activating another. Dedicated buttons for cycling through your playlist instead of touch controls would be better, too.
Also better is the Exclusive’s genuine leather upholstery, which feels nicer than the synthetic Artico leather in the Avantgarde models. Interestingly, this test unit is upholstered in optional nappa leather that feels even plusher.
Then there’s the striking mood lighting, which can be configured to display either single or multiple hues. The effect is particularly dramatic at night and makes the interior feel like a refined, high-tech lounge.
STIRRING FEELINGS
Most E-Class drivers love the model not just for the luxury and safety features, but for the badge cachet and resale value as well. However, there is an invisible, yet equally tangible aspect to the E-Class as well: It’s how it makes you feel.
To some, it’s like driving your success story. To others, it’s the feeling of shiokness that the latest E200 gives. To these drivers, there’s an emotionality to the proceedings.
The E200 AMG Line was impressive not just because of its tech, but also because it can learn the driver’s routines. Driving the E200 Exclusive, with its more “conservative” character, made me feel like I sat on the company board as an independent director. For three days, I pictured important documents and serious discussions in the office that awaited my attention.
There was no need to feel anxious, of course. On the go, the E200 Exclusive is an oasis of calm, insulating me from the noise and pollution of the outside world. In this saloon, the only things I’ll hear are my favourite tunes and humorous conversations.
From time to time, I deployed the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine’s 201bhp and 320Nm of torque to pass meandering traffic. There’s a rorty engine note as the power swells and carries the car forward.
The motor’s delivery is linear, propelling the sedan from rest to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds. Would a straight-six unit be better still? Yes, but this is more than adequate for the office commute.
Without sports suspension the ride should be pliant, with rapid directional changes resulting in the car bobbing about. However, while the latter is true, the former was marred by the optional 20-inch wheels. These look great, but cannot round off speed bumps, so it’s best to stick with the standard 19-inch rims.
COMPELLING REASONS
Like Goldilocks, the E200 Exclusive is “just right”. It has enough oomph, a pliant ride, user-friendly tech, and a look that pleases traditionalists. Among its non-AMG siblings, it’s the one that feels like a junior S-Class.
Some cars thrill you with their performance, while others wow you with their equipment and luxurious trimmings. This one, however, convinced me to save the bike ride for the weekend, while indulging my unfulfilled corporate high-flyer fantasies.
Badge cachet? Residual value? Symbol of success? The E200 Exclusive can be these. But it’s ability to bring emotionality to the driving experience is ultimately what makes it the most compelling variant in the family.
This story was first published on Sgcarmart.
Mercedes-Benz E200 Exclusive 2.0 (A)
ENGINE 1999cc, 16-valves, inline-4, turbocharged, mild hybrid
MAX POWER 201bhp at 5800rpm
MAX TORQUE 320Nm at 1600-4000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 110.1bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 9-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 7.5 seconds
TOP SPEED 240km/h
CONSUMPTION 14.3km/L (combined)
PRICE INCL. COE From $413,888
AGENT Cycle & Carriage Industries
