MBIL faced the heat: Launches E220CDi & E230

[Sahil]

Sales figures clearly show the 5 series has dented E-class sales big time! Was about time Mercedes did something about it and i think they have made a smart move:

E220CDi = 39lakhs ex-showroom mumbai
E230 = 43.6 ex-showroom mumbai

Review:Top Story - In E minor - Business Standard Motoring

I expected MBIL to fight back BMW with the E350 & E320CDi, but i guess they have made a wise decision by launching lower spec engines to drive volumes.
The E200K has been discontinued (finally!) and the E220CDi is the prefect replacement as buyers would love the additional power and economy.

If MBIL had launched the higher spec models and were to go on a power war with BMW, the 535i and 535d would blow the E power horses out once again.

Would be interesting to see how BMW reacts to this, the only model that could be released from their stable would be a 520d to fight the E220CDi.... but i guess BMW already has its hands full with orders backlogged to over 5 months, so they can sit back for the moment.

Last but not the least...the E finnnnnnally gets Xenons & Seat memory ! God bless competition !!

[GTO]

Woohoo! You bet Mercedes is feeling the heat from BMW. I have been pleasantly surprised to see BMW's phenomenal progress in the desi luxo-barge segments. Not only has the 5 series consistently outsold the E-Class, but the total sales of BMW for 07-08 were within a breath of that for Mercedes.

As much as I like the classic shape of the current E, it is just not that competitive a car. Small interiors (more so after the new C!!), lack of gizmos and the fabulous 5 series have seen its sales stagnate.

No one is going to miss the underpowered E200K, while everyone will welcome the E220. Its got much more power than 95% of its owners are ever going to need, though it will lack in refinement compared to the 6 cylinder E280.

Last but not the least...the E finnnnnnally gets Xenons & Seat memory ! God bless competition !!

Can say that again!

P.S. Audi could learn a thing or two from BMW's success. They arrived much later than Audi did, but are already close to the top gun position.

[Maverick1977]

Audis have consistently been good, but unfortunately this is one territory where the BADGE makes a big difference.

[iraghava]

Originally Posted by Sahil

Last but not the least...the E finnnnnnally gets Xenons & Seat memory ! God bless competition !!

Damn Right! I think Merc have a fight on their hands now after having the field to themselves for more than a decade. This should spice things up even more as time progresses. What I like about BMW right now also is that they're not sitting on their initial success and are being pro-active in bringing out new versions/trims etc. & as a result Merc is being forced to react & match them.

As for Audi, I don't know what they're doing but an A4 costing 45L is not good strategy IMO. Plus, I also think their marketing/badge appeal needs some serious improvement. And if the initial reports are right, they desperately need to shore up their after sales service.

[aaggoswami]

Good move, but this should have arrived earlier. The E is certainly due for a replacement. Good that it fianlly gets Xenon.
Its fun watching what is going to be BMW new blow to Mercedes-Benz.

[ac 427]

Merc has taken India for granted. BMW has not.
Even Audi has upgraded the a4.

All the companies that have taken India for granted have fallen flat on their face.

Having said that things will get interesting now. now merc has atlest some chance of competing the 5 series.

[hanmust]

Originally Posted by Sahil

Would be interesting to see how BMW reacts to this, the only model that could be released from their stable would be a 520d to fight the E220CDi.... but i guess BMW already has its hands full with orders backlogged to over 5 months, so they can sit back for the moment.

Last but not the least...the E finnnnnnally gets Xenons & Seat memory ! God bless competition !!

Friend at Cochin dealership told me that BMW has already started to sell power down 5-series as 520d.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by hanmust

Friend at Cochin dealership told me that BMW has already started to sell power down 5-series as 520d.

Are you sure about this? I don't see anything related to the 520D on their website. The 520D is an entirely different 4 cylinder engine (vis a vis the 525D) and would require ARAI testing prior to release.

Either ways, if they are indeed offering the 520D, its only good news for buyers who don't need the 525's power. BMW must have been quick to react!

[ecclipse78]

BMW is indeed bringing in the 520d and 530d.

The 525d has been discontinued, as on date.

[Sahil]

Originally Posted by ecclipse78

BMW is indeed bringing in the 520d and 530d.

The 525d has been discontinued, as on date.

what?? i seriously have my doubts on this...the 525d was the best selling model...why would they discontinue it? the 530d would be more expensive too

[lamborghini]

@Sahil - well, people who really don't need the excess power will get the 520d at a lower price and those who want the power have the 530d at a higher price.

[maxbhp]

Originally Posted by Sahil

Sales figures clearly show the 5 series has dented E-class sales big time! Was about time Mercedes did something about it and i think they have made a smart move:
...........

• Well I feel Mercedes has really lost its old charm in India.
• BMW has gained lot of popularity and respect even among people who aren't much into automotive.
• The front end of E class is clearly looking dated in comparison to its junior class whereas 5 series is still looking sharp and fresh.

[deepakvrao]

How does the on road price of an E compare with a 5?

[ecclipse78]

Sahil, pls check with you local BMW dealer.

I know this for sure and have booked a 530d, coming in Aug.

520d will be approx. 42 lacs and 530d is approx. 49 lacs.

Also, they will be launching a 530d Highline with nightvision, sports steering and 18 inch wheels ( as the 530i ). This is the car I'm getting.

[Sahil]

Originally Posted by ecclipse78

Sahil, pls check with you local BMW dealer.

I know this for sure and have booked a 530d, coming in Aug.

520d will be approx. 42 lacs and 530d is approx. 49 lacs.

Also, they will be launching a 530d Highline with nightvision, sports steering and 18 inch wheels ( as the 530i ). This is the car I'm getting.

Are these ex-showroom prices? If so the 520d is almost replacing the 525d! thats not a good move to replace with a lower powered model.

is 49 lakhs the price of the highline or regular 530d?eitherways it too steep...a 525d can be chipped to out perform the 530d for around 50k as both use the exact same engine nd other components...only ECU is mapped differently.

530d is a monster no doubt but i think its too early for them to intoduce it now coz am sure none of the 525d are complaining on the power,infact my dad complains its too powerful at times it scares him ...if the E320cdi were here it would make sense