Taken Around the Benz With Sheer Delight in the new E220d

Prashirwin Naidu

As one can attest, I’m simple with my taste in cars; on that note, I love Porsche, and that’s just about it. Sure, the love for Beemer (even though our iffy relationship is thankfully on the mend) is there and the Benz, too.

However, as a motoring scribe journalist, one can quickly get tired of having different pieces of metal each week.

But this week, it was no more. I had been given the keys to the luxurious, big, beautiful, classy Mercedes-Benz E220d. It’s sure to sweep you off your feet regarding its presence, performance and comfortable cabin.

Wielding the E220d, it felt refined in every way. Sturdy on-road, agile enough and has the right amount of power when needed.

Funny enough, the 2.0L four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine was silent; one or two friends asked if it was electric. Of course not.

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But I was impressed by how it handled and conducted itself on the open roads. It’s like a presidential suite on wheels, and by no means do I like tooting the horn; there were one or two things that left me a little meek.

Since it’s paired with a mild hybrid system, it’s efficient. I yielded 5.6l/ 100km on highway commutes while watching it into Eco mode,

but dialling it up into Sport, and if you’re an eager beaver like I was, you can relish the power that you get—precisely 160kW and 640Nm of torque to play with. Spitired prancing around gave a modest 8l/100km. Not too shabby, indeed.

I also fancied the slick 9-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, although the Auto/start system is not my cup of tea. Once it switches the motor off and you must get going at a four-way stop, it pulls the vehicle back once power is cut.

If one could praise where it’s due, it would be the AGILITY CONTROL suspension, with selective damping translating into a smooth ride.

Now, the elephant in the room: It’s not cheap. In fact, our test unit is priced at R1,541,260 before options, and with options, it comes to R2,171,660.

I know it does make the heart feel sore. But fear not, my happy readers of eSwatini. I’ve got you covered.

Its design was sweet and easy on the eyes; it’s not as clunky as the yesteryear E-class, looks bolder, and commands respect wherever it goes.

It is kitted out to the nines with the AMG Line exterior. black hue, and Night Package, which further adds to the blacked-out aesthetic for a bolder stance, fancy 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels.

Inside was where I felt at peace, serene, my mind could wander while listening to soulful music from the Isley Brothers and pumpin’ up the volume through the stunning Burmester Sound `system- a real treat and,

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of course, paired with massaging seats for front occupants as well as heated/ Ventilated too- rear occupants also get that- no massaging though, sorry.

In this whole tech age, we’re in, Mercedes decided to keep it clean and give us screens galore; however, our test unit did have the superscreen-meaning your passenger has a screen to play with, too; it’s another R64k, but was content with the single 14.4-inch screen.

The new MBUX system is straightforward and does the job; Navigation came as another optional extra. Also, I see the premium plus package was a lot, precisely R200k.

Among other cool tidbits, Ambient lighting plus brand logo projection, Wireless charging, a USB Package for seamless connectivity, Keyless entry and start and an electric boot. Luxury comes at a price, sadly.

For safety measures, keep in mind one has to keep on adding like ours had, Driving Assistance Package Plus (R55,500 optional) for enhanced autonomous driving features, Active Distance Assist,

Active Parking Assist and Reversing camera, Collision Prevention Assist Plus Knee airbag, Mercedes-Benz emergency system for additional security, GUARD 360° Vehicle Protection with anti-theft alarm and interior monitoring.

• Rear-wheel drive layout maintains classic E-Class dynamics. 
• Engineering Package (R64,000 optional) for enhanced performance. 
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist (608) for better visibility. 
• Tyre pressure monitor system (475) for added safety. 

Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance 

• Conclusion: A Legacy of Power and Precision 

• The E220d delivers efficiency, luxury, and cutting-edge tech, making it stand out in the executive sedan segment. 
• Pricing remains a sticking point, with the E220d AMG Line starting at R1,541,260 before optional extras. 
• Fully specced with options like the Premium Plus Package and MBUX Superscreen, the price climbs significantly, making its BMW 520d M Sport rival a compelling alternative. 

 

The E220d AMG Line starts at R1,541,260 before optional extras. 

• Adding key options: 
• AMG Line exterior – R105,000 
• Premium Plus Package – R202,500 
• MBUX Superscreen – R64,000 
• Engineering Package – R64,000 
• Night Package – R26,500 
• 21-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels – R41,400 
• Driving Assistance Package Plus – R55,500 
• Leather Package – R40,000 
• 3D driver’s display – R22,600 
• MBUX augmented reality navigation – R8,900 
• Final price after options: R2,171,660. 
• This places it significantly above its BMW 520d M Sport rival, making value-for-money a crucial consideration for potential buyers. © Higher Education Media