2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB: Features we would have liked

Class-leading cabin space, futuristic features, serious road presence to invite a lot of envy and a great price too. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class long-wheelbase (LWB) has a lot going for it, as we discovered in our first drive review.

However, there are a few chinks in the armour that prevent it from being the perfect choice for chauffeur-driven owners.

Here’s a look at the features we would have liked in the all-new E:

Ventilated Seats

Given India’s generally hot weather conditions, ventilated seats, at least at the rear, should have been offered. Even though the rear seats are already electrically adjustable, missing out on seat ventilation isn’t cool (pun intended). This feature is handy as leather or leatherette seats feel considerably hot on the skin, especially after sitting in the sun. Ventilated seats would allow cool air to keep the body from getting sweaty. With considerably more affordable cars like the Skoda Superb and the Hyundai Elantra offering this feature, you would expect comfort tech like this to be provided on premium cars like the new E-Class.

Rear Cupholders And Trays

For all its virtues as a chauffeur-driven owner’s car¸ the E-Class LWB doesn’t get rear seat cupholders. Chances are, the owner will be enjoying a fizzy drink or fresh mug of coffee while his/her driver takes the car through city traffic on the way to the office. Where do you put your drink?

Yes, cupholders can be had as an optional extra, but when you’re paying well over half a crore for a car, you’d expect something this elementary to be offered as standard. Additionally, this car will be bought by a lot of businessmen, who get a lot of work done on the move. A fold-out tray to place a laptop or to have a quick snack on would’ve really come in handy.

Rear Infotainment Controls

While the dashboard features a 12.3-inch infotainment display, paired with a 13-speaker Burmester sound system (latter is diesel only), the only person who can control its features is the chauffeur. There is no remote control or mobile app at hand for the owner to directly control the system’s wide range of infotainment options.

Touchscreen

While you do get a touchpad to control the infotainment functions, the lack of a touchscreen reduces the ease of use as it takes some learning to understand the system navigation. Also, the lack of a touchscreen reduces the convenience of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. You can control the MB infotainment system through the scroll wheel, the touchpad (on which you can pinch and zoom), or swipe and flick your fingers using the touch pads on the steering wheel. But the variety of input options feels all the more confusing as the system doesn’t feel very intuitive to use.

Footrest

The E-Class LWB’s biggest selling-point is its legroom. It would’ve been nice if owners could get a rear seat footrest, to make for a more relaxed commute. With the air-suspension offering a comfortable ride, sunblinds rolled up and the seat reclined all the way back, the owner could blissfully sleep kilometre after kilometre with a footrest topping off the comfort quotient. No doubt, Mercedes has opted to keep this off the E-Class’ feature list to maintain some exclusivity for the S-Class.

Source: CarDekho.com