Mercedes E220d Review: India’s Most Fuel-Efficient Luxury Sedan?

TLDR: The Mercedes-Benz E220d (W214 generation) delivers ₹96 lakh worth of luxury with a fuel-efficient 2.0L diesel engine (194 HP + 23 HP mild hybrid), exceptional ride quality, class-leading rear seat comfort, and remarkable 12+ km/l city mileage. With 4,949mm length, 540L boot, Burmester audio, 18-inch wheels with 55-profile tires (crucial for Indian roads), and advanced tech throughout, it’s the ultimate diesel luxury sedan for Indian buyers prioritizing efficiency without compromising comfort. Best for: Business owners, chauffeur-driven executives, and highway cruisers seeking Mercedes status with diesel practicality.

Introduction: The ₹1 Crore Question

“Almost ₹1 crore—₹96 lakh to be precise, on-road Mumbai.”

That’s what you’ll pay for one of India’s most fuel-efficient luxury sedans. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been the go-to choice for Indian businessmen, industrialists, and executives for over 20 years, and the new W214 generation E220d continues that legacy with significant improvements over its predecessor.

After spending an entire day driving this diesel flagship through Mumbai traffic and open roads, the verdict is clear: this is the most complete E-Class in years, and possibly the best diesel luxury sedan you can buy in India today.

Engine & Performance: Efficient Power Meets Mild Hybrid Assist

Powertrain Specifications

Engine:

• 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel
• 194 horsepower (main engine)
• 440 Nm torque

Mild Hybrid System:

• 23 horsepower boost (additional)
• 205 Nm torque boost
• Total combined output provides seamless power delivery

Under the Bonnet

Opening the hood reveals a neatly packed engine bay with everything tightly organized. The level of insulation is impressive—visible acoustic damping materials on the bonnet underscore Mercedes’ focus on refinement.

This isn’t just about specifications; the engineering execution here is meticulous.

Real-World Performance Assessment

Reviewer’s Take:

“It’s not overwhelmingly powerful, but it never feels underpowered either.”

What to Expect:

Everyday Driving:

• Quick enough when you need it – overtaking is confident
• Cruising is effortless – the engine’s sweet spot
• Never feels sluggish – responsive throttle
• Perfect daily driver balance

Highway Performance:

• Proper mile-muncher – this engine thrives on long journeys
• You can drive all day without fatigue
• Stable at high speeds – planted feel
• Silent cruising – no diesel clatter

Not a Beast (That’s the E450): If you want raw power, the E450 with its 3.0L six-cylinder petrol engine is “mind-blowing” and offers BMW M340i-level performance. But the E220d is the sensible choice for those prioritizing efficiency alongside performance.

Starting Experience: The car starts very silently—you won’t get that typical diesel clatter. It’s smooth and refined from the moment you turn the key.

Fuel Efficiency: The Game-Changer

Remarkable Real-World Mileage

City Driving (Mumbai Traffic):

• 12.1 km/l average (MID display)
• Tested over 47 km
• Time taken: 2 hours 12 minutes
• Average speed: 22 km/h

“For such a big, heavy, powerful car to deliver this mileage…” – genuinely impressive.

Highway Performance: The reviewer has personal experience achieving more than 20 km/l on relaxed long highway drives with this same engine.

Range Capabilities

With Full Tank:

• 900-1,000 km range easily achievable
• Displayed range: 873 km (after 47 km city driving)
• One of the longest ranges in the luxury segment

Why This Matters:

“Germans get this right all the time.” – Diesel efficiency is where Mercedes truly shines.

Competitive Context:

• BMW 5 Series: No diesel option (petrol only)
• Audi A6: No diesel anymore (petrol only)
• Volvo: No diesel offerings

Mercedes Advantage: Diesel available across C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLC, GLE, GLS—making Mercedes the only premium brand offering comprehensive diesel options in India.

The Diesel Case for India

“If you use these cars for long drives, diesel is definitely a plus.”

For buyers doing serious highway miles, the E220d’s efficiency isn’t just a spec—it’s a game-changing ownership proposition.

Exterior Design: Understated Elegance

First Impressions

“Very, very beautiful shade” – the new color option (not available at launch) adds freshness to the lineup.

Design Philosophy

No Differentiation: The E220d looks identical to other E-Class variants (E200, E450)—maintaining uniformity across the range.

Length:

• 4,949 mm long
• “In an era, the S-Class used to be this long. Today, the E-Class gives you this length.”

Front Design

Striking Elements:

• Large Mercedes logo (prominent three-pointed star)
• Front camera positioned centrally
• LED headlamps providing excellent nighttime illumination
• Clean, uncluttered grille

Elegance Over Aggression: The E-Class doesn’t shout; it whispers luxury.

Side Profile: Sleek & Long

“The car looks very, very long from the side.”

Key Features:

• 18-inch alloy wheels (perfect size for India)
• 225/55 R18 tires (critical detail explained below)
• Pop-out door handles (rub sensor, don’t pull)
• Frameless windows with double glazing
• Clean body lines with no excessive moldings

The 55-Profile Tire Advantage

Why This Matters for Indian Roads:

“These are actually very useful for our roads because the chance of sidewall cuts is reduced due to the thicker profile.”

Context: Many luxury cars come with low-profile tires (40 or 45) that look sporty but are vulnerable on Indian roads. The E220d’s 55-profile tires offer:

• Better pothole protection
• Reduced sidewall damage risk
• Improved ride comfort
• Lower replacement costs

This is a smart, practical choice by Mercedes.

Rear Design

“I like this triangular pattern for the taillamps.”

Balanced Chrome:

• Not excessive, not missing
• Lower chrome strip adds elegance
• Clean, modern rear end

Boot Access:

• Power tailgate (rare on sedans!)
• 540-liter boot capacity (very spacious)
• 1,100mm wide opening (flat entry)
• Little hooks for bag hanging
• Underfloor storage for tools
• Space-saver spare wheel neatly positioned
• First-aid kit included

Fuel & AdBlue

Dual Fillers:

• Diesel filler cap
• AdBlue filler (for emissions control)
• Recommended diesel grades are clearly marked

Interior: Luxury Redefined

Front Cabin: Driver & Passenger Experience

“Very, very nicely done interior on the E-Class. Big improvement over the previous generation V213.”

Dashboard & Layout

Shared Architecture: The layout is shared with many Mercedes models, featuring:

• One large screen (infotainment)
• Second screen for front passenger entertainment
• Camera mounted on dashboard
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Ambient lighting throughout

Clean, Modern Design: Everything feels cohesive and premium without being overwhelming.

Seats: All-Day Comfort

“I’ve been driving this car since morning, and I’m not tired at all.”

Front Seats:

• Big, comfortable, supportive
• Light-colored upholstery (gets dirty but looks premium)
• Pillow attached to headrest (reviewer loves this feature)
• Electric adjustment with memory function
• “In fact, I’m thinking of getting one of these for my own car.”

Door Pads:

• Dual-tone finish
• Electric seat adjustment controls
• Memory function
• Power window controls
• Bottle holder
• Boot release button
• Neatly organized

Technology & Features

Infotainment:

• Very responsive touchscreen
• Easy to use interface
• Apps available
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Shared UI with other Mercedes models

Driving Modes:

• Eco Mode
• Comfort Mode
• Sport Mode
• Individual Mode

Camera System:

• 360° camera view
• Parking assistance
• Excellent visibility

Audio System:

• Burmester speakers
• “Sound quality is very good—clear, too good.”
• Premium audio experience

Additional Features:

• Fingerprint pad for security setup
• Volume control knob
• Active brake assist (can be turned off)
• Vehicle settings (adjustable comfort, driving dynamics)
• ESP Sport mode
• Ambient lighting customization (reviewer prefers red)
• Power/torque usage display

Storage Solutions

Center Console:

• Two Type-C ports (cable connected to one)
• Two cup holders
• Wireless charging pad (rotating mechanism)
• Large armrest storage (fits plenty)
• Additional Type-C port inside armrest

Adequate Storage: Enough space for daily needs without being excessive.

Rear Seat: Executive Lounge

Space & Comfort

“What an amazing place to be in. Very luxurious feel back here.”

First Impressions:

• Lots of space on offer
• Light-colored upholstery (premium but impractical)
• Big seat shape
• Very comfortable

Seat Features

Adjustment Options:

• Slide seat forward/backward
• Recline angle adjustment
• “Very perfect recline angle for me”
• Front passenger seat can be moved forward (“Boss Mode” button)

Comfort Assessment:

“The shape of the seat, the support it offers, the comfort you have sitting—this is something you have to experience.”

Amenities

Climate Control:

• Dual-zone rear climate control
• AC vents on both sides
• Separate rear climate adjustment

Charging & Storage:

• Wireless charging pad
• Additional storage compartments
• Bottle/cup holders with side grips

Power Features:

• Power sunshade (opens/closes with buttons on door pad)
• Power windows
• Burmester speakers in rear

Three-Passenger Reality

Two-Passenger Comfort: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Full marks

Middle Passenger: ⭐⭐ Not recommended

Why?

“This hump over here is too tall. The person sitting in the middle won’t be comfortable.”

The Verdict:

• Perfect for two passengers
• Not ideal for three adults
• Middle seat available but uncomfortable

Legroom & Headroom

“You can comfortably stretch your legs and sit.”

Dimensions:

• Generous legroom (can cross legs)
• Good headroom (even at 5’8″)
• Upright seating position (not claustrophobic)
• Light interior opens up the space

The Cherry on Top: Ride Quality

“For the kind of roads that we have, this car glides over potholes.”

Real-World Experience:

• “It just goes smoothly”
• Sharp bumps are filtered out
• Some bumps are felt, but softly
• Very soft ride quality
• Car glides effortlessly

Why This Matters:

Mumbai has notoriously bad roads. The fact that the E220d handles them with grace speaks volumes about suspension tuning specifically for Indian conditions.

Driving Experience: Effortless & Refined

Daily Usability

“Very easy to drive even though it is so big.”

Key Points:

• Light steering (not too heavy)
• Good turning radius (not excessive for length)
• Excellent visibility
• Length requires caution in crowded areas
• 18-inch wheels with 55-profile tires make it easier

Mumbai Traffic Test:

“I’ve been driving this car since morning… I’m not tired at all. Mumbai traffic is very bad. Today is Sunday, so it’s still a little chilled out.”

Despite challenging conditions, the E-Class remains comfortable and easy to maneuver.

Ride Quality: Class-Leading

“Ride quality is very good—very soft.”

Characteristics:

• Always stable and planted
• Excellent on bad roads
• Soft feel (not jarring, not stiff)
• Comfortable for long-distance travel

Suspension Setup: Whatever Mercedes has tuned for Indian roads, it works brilliantly.

Steering Feel

In Sport Mode:

• More responsive
• Still not heavy
• Good feedback

Size Comment:

“Steering size feels very big to me. Wish it was a bit smaller.”

Minor gripe, but doesn’t affect drivability.

Noise, Vibration, Harshness (NVH)

Refinement:

• Silent diesel engine (no clatter)
• Smooth operation
• Well-insulated cabin
• Comfortable cruising

“You know, it’s a diesel car, but you won’t get that clatter. It’s smooth, refined for sure.”

Comparison: E220d vs Competitors

BMW 5 Series

Strengths:

• Very nice car to drive
• Smooth, powerful engine
• Nicely done interior

Weakness:

• Only petrol available (no diesel)
• Less fuel-efficient for long drives

Reviewer’s Opinion:

“If you value fuel efficiency, get the E-Class E220d.”

Audi A6

Current Status:

• Outdated in Indian market
• No diesel (petrol only)
• New generation coming soon

Not a Strong Competitor Currently: Wait for the new generation before considering.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Underrated Alternative:

• Spacious
• Value for money
• Hybrid efficiency

Limitations:

• Won’t have the snob value of a Mercedes
• Interior not as modern/rich
• Different buyer segment

Reviewer’s Take:

“A very underrated car—the Toyota Camry Hybrid.”

Second-Hand S-Class

Interesting Option: Some buyers consider a used S-Class at similar price points.

Trade-Offs:

• More status
• Older technology
• Higher maintenance
• Questionable warranty coverage

The Diesel Advantage

Mercedes Diesel Lineup: C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLC, GLE, GLS—all available with diesel.

No Other Luxury Brand Offers This.

For buyers doing serious miles:

“If you use these cars for long drives, diesel is definitely a plus point.”

Generational Context: W214 vs Previous E-Classes

W212 (Favorite Generation)

“That is still one of my personal favorites. And I wish to add one to my garage some day.”

Models:

• E250 CDI
• E350
• “Very, very good cars”

Legacy:

“That’s going to be a modern classic someday—a future classic for sure.”

(Reviewer spots a W212 E250 CDI during filming—calls it “very beautiful car”)

V213 (Previous Generation)

Reviewer’s Honest Opinion:

“I was not a fan of that generation of the E-Class.”

Why?

• Lacked excitement
• Not as engaging as W212
• Felt like a step sideways, not forward

W214 (Current Generation – Reviewed Here)

“This V214 is a big upgrade.”

Improvements:

• Ride quality significantly better
• Suspension setup vastly improved
• Interior look and feel better
• Design is very nice
• Very complete package

The Redemption:

After the disappointing V213, the W214 brings back the magic that made the W212 so beloved.

E-Class DNA: Why It’s Always Been Special

The Indian Uncle’s Favorite

“E-Class has always been the favorite car of Indian uncles, Indian businessmen, Indian industrialists.”

Historical Context:

• First E-Class (W124) launched in India 20+ years ago
• Status symbol since day one
• Maintained prestige through every generation

The Perfect Middle Ground

Why E-Class Over C-Class:

• C-Class is compact (more youthful, driver-oriented)
• E-Class provides more space
• More comfort than C-Class
• More appropriate for chauffeur-driven use

Why E-Class Over S-Class:

• S-Class is very expensive (₹1.6+ crore onwards)
• Not in everyone’s reach
• E-Class provides similar design language
• Almost S-Class experience at better value

The Sweet Spot:

“The E-Class bridges the gap perfectly.”

You get:

• More space than C-Class
• Similar power (or more in E450)
• S-Class-like design
• Excellent rear seat experience
• Not inferior in any meaningful way

For Driver or Chauffeur

“Whether you want to sit in the back or in the driver’s seat, this car will not disappoint you. That is for sure.”

Dual Appeal:

• Enjoyable to drive yourself
• Comfortable to be driven in
• Best of both worlds

Ownership Considerations

Who Should Buy the E220d?

Perfect For:

✅ Business owners doing long highway drives
✅ Executives prioritizing fuel efficiency
✅ Chauffeur-driven buyers wanting rear comfort
✅ Highway cruisers racking up serious miles
✅ Status-conscious buyers on a (relative) budget
✅ Mercedes loyalists wanting diesel practicality
✅ Multi-car owners needing a comfortable daily driver

Not Ideal For:

❌ Performance enthusiasts (get E450 instead)
❌ City-only drivers with short commutes (E200 sufficient)
❌ Buyers wanting cutting-edge infotainment (BMW better)
❌ Those prioritizing sharp handling (BMW 5 Series)
❌ Budget-constrained buyers (Camry Hybrid better value)

Variant Recommendations

Reviewer’s Clear Advice:

“If you’re buying, get the E220d or E450.”

Skip the E200:

“If you’re buying the car, get the E220d or E450.”

Why?

• E200 is base variant
• Less power, less efficiency
• Doesn’t justify the price
• Limited running makes it harder to justify

E220d Sweet Spot:

• Best balance of performance and efficiency
• Justifies the premium over E200
• Practical for Indian conditions

E450 For Enthusiasts:

“E450 is mind-blowing. I actually enjoyed that car a lot.”

• 3.0L six-cylinder engine
• BMW M340i-level performance
• For those who prioritize driving pleasure

Long-Term Ownership

Reliability: Mercedes diesel engines have proven track records in India.

Service Network: Comprehensive Mercedes service coverage in major cities.

Resale Value: E-Class maintains strong resale, especially diesel variants.

Running Costs: Diesel efficiency significantly reduces fuel costs over the ownership period.

Price & Value Proposition

Pricing Details

E220d:

• ₹96 lakh (on-road Mumbai)
• Almost ₹1 crore when fully loaded

Context: This puts it in serious luxury sedan territory, competing with:

• BMW 5 Series (petrol only)
• Audi A6 (petrol only, outdated)
• Used S-Class options

The Value Question

What You’re Paying For:

• Mercedes badge and status
• Diesel efficiency (rare in luxury segment)
• Class-leading rear comfort
• Excellent ride quality
• Comprehensive features
• Proven reliability

Is It Worth It?

For the right buyer, absolutely.

If you:

• Do serious highway miles (30,000+ km/year)
• Value rear seat comfort
• Need Mercedes status
• Prioritize diesel efficiency

Then yes, ₹96 lakh is justified.

Cost of Ownership Calculation

Fuel Savings Example:

Scenario: 30,000 km/year

E220d (15 km/l average):

• 2,000 liters diesel/year
• @ ₹90/liter = ₹1,80,000/year

BMW 530i (10 km/l average):

• 3,000 liters petrol/year
• @ ₹105/liter = ₹3,15,000/year

Annual Savings: ₹1,35,000

Over 5 years: ₹6,75,000 saved in fuel alone

This makes the diesel premium completely worthwhile for high-mileage owners.

Final Verdict: The Ultimate Diesel Luxury Sedan

Strengths Summary

✅ Exceptional fuel efficiency (12+ city, 20+ highway)
✅ Class-leading rear comfort (perfect for executives)
✅ Excellent ride quality (tuned for Indian roads)
✅ 900-1,000 km range (diesel tank advantage)
✅ 55-profile tires (practical for potholes)
✅ Silent, refined diesel (no clatter)
✅ Spacious cabin (4,949mm length)
✅ 540L boot (practical for luggage)
✅ Power tailgate on sedan (rare feature)
✅ Burmester audio (premium sound)
✅ Mercedes status (20+ year legacy in India)
✅ Only diesel luxury sedan (unique selling point)
✅ Big improvement over V213 (W214 redemption)
✅ Easy to drive (despite size)
✅ Well-insulated (quiet cabin)

Weaknesses

❌ Price (₹96 lakh is significant investment)
❌ Steering size (feels large to some)
❌ Middle seat hump (three-passenger comfort compromised)
❌ Light upholstery (impractical, gets dirty)
❌ Not performance-focused (E450 for that)
❌ Shared infotainment (not unique to E-Class)
❌ Size in tight spaces (requires caution)

Who Wins: E220d vs Competitors

vs. BMW 5 Series:

• E220d wins on: Efficiency, rear comfort, diesel option
• 5 Series wins on: Driving dynamics, infotainment, sporty feel

vs. Audi A6:

• E220d wins decisively (A6 is outdated)

vs. Toyota Camry Hybrid:

• E220d wins on: Status, luxury, features
• Camry wins on: Value, reliability reputation

vs. Used S-Class:

• E220d wins on: Warranty, modern tech, fuel efficiency
• S-Class wins on: Ultimate status, more space

Reviewer’s Personal Take

“This is a very good all-rounder, I would say. And way better than the previous generation, the V213.”

“I was not a fan of that generation of the E-Class. I loved the W212—that is still one of my personal favorites.”

“And then came this V214, which is a big upgrade in terms of ride quality, suspension setup, interior look and feel, design. A very complete package.”

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Fuel Efficiency: 10/10 (Best in class)
Rear Seat Comfort: 9/10 (Excellent, hump limits middle seat)
Ride Quality: 9/10 (Superb for Indian roads)
Performance: 7/10 (Adequate, not exciting)
Features: 9/10 (Comprehensive, nothing missing)
Design: 8/10 (Elegant, but conservative)
Value: 8/10 (Justified for high-mileage users)
Driving Dynamics: 7/10 (Comfortable, not sporty)

Overall: 8.5/10 – The best diesel luxury sedan in India, period. No other premium brand offers diesel efficiency combined with Mercedes luxury and comfort.

Conclusion: The Diesel Flagship India Needs

In an era where diesel is disappearing from the luxury segment, the Mercedes-Benz E220d stands as a lone wolf—the only comprehensive diesel option across C, E, S, GLC, GLE, and GLS segments.

For the Indian buyer who:

• Does serious highway miles
• Values fuel efficiency
• Needs Mercedes status
• Prioritizes rear seat comfort
• Appreciates German engineering

There is simply no alternative.

The E220d isn’t perfect. It’s not as exciting to drive as a BMW 5 Series. It’s not as cutting-edge as the latest Audi. It’s certainly not cheap at ₹96 lakh.

But it is complete. It balances efficiency with luxury, comfort with status, practicality with prestige in a way no other car currently can.

The W214 E220d isn’t just the best diesel luxury sedan in India—it’s the ONLY one that matters.

And for the right buyer, that’s worth every rupee of that ₹96 lakh price tag.

Top Reasons to Avoid the Mercedes E220d

Have you driven the Mercedes E220d? Are you considering one over the BMW 5 Series? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Special thanks to MotorBeam for the comprehensive test drive footage that made this review possible.