Detractors may say that Mercs are losing out to the Beemers and Benders of the world. Yet there’s something about this tri-starred machine that draws you back… Again and Again!

As the four globular lights flanking its radiator stare at you, you feel they want to strike up a conversation. Perhaps they are too tired. Tired of shouldering a legacy for over a decade. Tired of staying put in the arclights day in, day out. Guess its time to end their agony and bestow the Merc E class with a new look. Let them rest and usher in the new era that Daimler brought in with the C class. A facelift, that’s the need of the hour. But then, the E220 still holds on and has it in it to sway your senses, with its sheer good looks. One last time… The last ever?

Styling

Apart from the headlamps, which belong to a bygone era, every inch screams newness. Glossy finish, swank interiors, droolicious lines… It has the zing of the c(z)ar of luxe! The colours could have been a bit more eye catching in the interiors though. With its intricately designed dash and an easy-to-figure-put keypad, there is nothing really that one needs a manual for.

Drive Pleasure

Now, this is something you just don’t need to get worked up about. Be it A gentle trot at a speed of 40 kph or a mighty lug and tug at an awe inspiring pace of 180 kph, you’ll feel as snug as a bug in a rug! Call-it the push or the pull of its 2.2 litre engine… It surely does know how to make you move. Not once will you feel as if you are handling a heavy beast; just a few deft touches and vroom!

All in all, if a car that’s an huge as this can take up to speeds in excess of 18o kph and still return you a fuel efficiency of a neat 10 kpl, you’ll say, “Pretty neat, dude!”

WAR OF THE SPECS!