Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Limited has just launched the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W123) facelift in the Kingdom. There are 3 variants available which are the E300e Avantgarde, E220d AMG Sport, and E300e AMG Dynamic. Prices for the updated E-Class start at THB 3.19 million.

The E-Class facelift made its global debut in March 2020 and apart from a redesigned exterior, the updated E-Class also received a brand-new engine and some improved technology.

Apart from the Avantgarde variant, the Thai-spec E-Class comes equipped with an AMG bodykit which gives the executive sedan a sporty look. Meanwhile, the E300e AMG Dynamic comes with Multibeam LED intelligent headlights which feature 84 LED bulbs on each side.

While the AMG variants of the E-Class come with an elegant diamond radiator grille, all 3 variants no longer feature the trademark ‘gunsight’ hood ornament which is dropped for this facelift.

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the updated Thai-spec E-Class gets two variants for its petrol-hybrid powertrain. Both the E300e Avantgarde and E300e AMG Dynamic are powered by an improved M254 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder (211 PS/350 Nm).

Paired with an electric motor, the engine produces 320 PS and 700 Nm. Top speed for both petrol-hybrid E-Class variants is 250 km/h while 0-100 km/h is complete in 5.7 seconds.

Meanwhile, the E220d AMG Sport is powered by an OM654 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The diesel engine is rated environmentally-friendly under the Euro 6 standard and produces 194 PS and 400 Nm. It has a top speed of 240 km/h and can do a century sprint from rest in 7.3 seconds.

Both engines are paired to an improved and lighter 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission which Mercedes-Benz claims to save up to 6.5% of fuel.

Inside, the E-Class is resplendent with luxurious comfort. Leather upholstery fills the cabin complete with ambient lighting and there are 64 colours that you select depending on the mood.

Also, a new feature on the updated E-Class would be the 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel with touch control which is available as standard on all variants of the Thai-spec E-Class.

Next on the safety front, the Thai-spec E-Class comes with ADAS as standard on all three variants which includes Blind Spot Assist, Exit Warning, active cruise control, and Parktronic with Active Parking Assist.

On the other hand, the 360-degree camera is only available on the E300e AMG Dynamic while the other two variants only come with a reversing camera.

Although we reported that the E-Class facelift was spotted in Malaysia late last year, it appears that we have to wait a little bit longer due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Could that waiting time be ending sooner? Watch this space.