What's the news?
The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class has officially gone on sale in Ireland with a starting price of €52,850 for the E 200 d Avantgarde model. A realignment of the different trim grades means that the range will now start at Avantgarde, with Exclusive offering a higher and more classically themed car, while the rage-topping AMG Line will cater for those seeking something a little sportier looking.
The good news is that the E 220 d Avantgarde model, likely to be the most popular choice for Irish buyers, actually sees a price reduction of €850 compared to the model it replaces, while Mercedes-Benz says that it has added over €7,000 worth of options to the standard specification. This includes full leather interior, satellite navigation, reversing camera, ambient lighting (which features 64 different colours to choose from), Keyless Start, Park Pilot, Mirror Pack, Seat Comfort Pack including heated seats and Dynamic Select. Mercedes-Benz is also only offering the new E-Class with its slick nine-speed automatic transmission.
Pricing for the mid-level E 220 d Exclusive will start from €55,210 while the E 220 d AMG will start at €57,650. Those seeking a more powerful diesel engine can opt for the E 350 d, which uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 and will be priced from €66,900.
Mercedes-Benz has high aspirations for the new E-Class and says that it plans to double E-Class sales in Ireland over the next 18 months. We were impressed by how well the new car performed during its international launch, so take a look at our full review of the E 220 d here.
Commenting on the launch of the new E-Class to the Irish market today, Ciaran Allen, Sales Manager for Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars Ireland, said: buoyed by an unprecedented level of interest and a bank of pre-launch orders far into treble-digit territory, the new E-Class will play an important role in underpinning the position of Mercedes-Benz as flag-carrier in the luxury segment." He added: "It will redefine standards in the business-class, not least in its outstanding specifications and highly competitive price-to-value proposition"