Latest Merc E-Class models arrive

First versions of the new restyled Mercedes-Benz E-Class have arrived in Ireland and can now be seen in dealer showrooms around the country, writes Trish Whelan.

The new range comes in two distinctly different design formats. First come the Classic and Elegance versions with their traditional triple-louvre grille and bonnet-mounted star; both are elegantly crafted to appeal to those traditional and loyal E-Class customers whose purchases have accounted for half of all Mercedes-Benz cars sold in Ireland.

Alongside these comes a third very different CLS-inspired Avantgarde version aimed at a younger, sportier buyers who have never owned a Merc before now. This version has punchier lines, squat looks, a sports style grille and inset three-pointed star.

The price package broadly compares to the outgoing range. Among the diesels, the E200 CDI launches at €44,540 (ex-works) with annual road tax of €270 while the more powerful E220 CDI launches at €47,110 with road tax of €270. Third in the trio of diesels, an E250 CDI, launches at €49,495 with road tax of €270.

Pictured (left) is the interior of the E220 CDI Elegance Automatic version that we took for a short drive at the launch.

Two petrol versions are the E200 BlueEFFICIENCY version at €47,015 with annual road tax of €390, and the E300 BlueTec Hybrid Automatic at €53,020 with annual road tax of €190. This model is only available in automatic.

Prices quoted are for Classic versions in all cases. Prices for Elegance and Avantgarde cars will carry a small premium and will be announced as models arrive.

Pictured above at today's launch are Stephen Byrne and Ciaran Allen of Mercedes-Benz.