The E-Class L is unmistakably an E-Class, but it does boast some distinctive styling characteristics that make it stand out. First, the C-pillar gets Mercedes Mercedes ’ triangular window treatment seen on other sedans like the S-Class. The roofline also slopes at a lesser angle than the standard E-Class, giving rear passengers more headroom and an easier entry into the car.
Of course, the rear doors are longer by more than five inches, adding to both the visual and actual length of the car. There’s also a unique chrome emblem on the D-pillar. The car carries all the design cues and features as the standard (yet recently updated) 2017 E-Class like the “double eyebrow” design see in the LED daytime running lights. Likewise, the tow versions of LED highlights are available: the standard LED set and the Multibeam LED headlights with 84 individually activated high-performance LEDs.
The front fascia retains the E-Class’ four main openings: the upper grille, the lower center grille, and the two side intakes. A double-bar design on both the upper grille and the two side grilles help give the car extra visual width. Out back, LED taillights are present regardless of which headlight package is ordered. The lower rear fascia is brightened by a lengthy chrome strip that runs between the chrome-tipped exhaust outlets. The horizontal bar is mimicked further up, with a long chrome accent piece running above the license plate. Mercedes didn’t specify what wheel options are offered, but expect to see several varieties of 20- to 22-inch wheel options.
The accommodations inside the E-Class L are well appointed with leather coating nearly everything, while wood and metal act as accents. Up front, the dashboard is all E-Class. Despite the added length, the front seats and their surroundings don’t change. This means the driver still has the dual 12.3-inch screens that display both vehicle information and entertainment selections. The wide dashboard features plenty of high-end materials and excellent build quality that continues onto the center console. A myriad of buttons and knobs are complemented by the rotary dial and scribble pad for controlling soft keys within the infotainment system. The car certainly carries a high-tech feel that well-to-do Chinese customers love.
In back, rear seat passengers now enjoy an extra 5.3 inches of additional legroom. There is room for three, but most E-Class L sedans will likely chauffeur two adults back here. The center armrest folds down, making the bench feel more like two executive recliners. Customers can opt for adding a heating element under the armrest’s leather. There’s also an optional wireless cell phone charger and touch screen controller. The rear seats are also power-operated, giving outboard passengers the ability to recline. Unlike the S-Class Maybach Maybach , however, there is no footrest offered here.
Likewise, you’ll have to upgrade to the Maybach if you’d like the built-in wine cooler found in the Maybach. Thankfully there’s still Maybach touches within the cabin, including the LED accent lighting with 64 different color options. The E-Class L is definitely a welcomed middle ground between the standard E-Class and the more opulent S-Class and outrageous S-Class Maybach. It’s too bad Mercedes is restricting the car to the Chinese market.
Mercedes has yet to divulge much information on the powertrain options within the E-Class L. We do know, however, the car will be available with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and the nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.
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