Mercedes-Benz
Malaysia (MBM) has expanded the locally-assembled (CKD) W213 E-Class range with
the launch of the E 300 AMG Line. In April last year, the company introduced
CKD versions of the E 200 Avantgarde, E 250 Avantgarde and E 250 Exclusive, so
this latest addition basically completes the E-Class CKD quartet. The E 300 CKD
effectively replaces the E 350 e plug-in hybrid, though the C 350 e will remain
for now.
Pricing-wise, the E
300 AMG Line CKD is priced at an estimated RM 388,888, which is a lot less than
the CBU version (RM 458,888). However, keep in mind that the CBU’s price tag
still included the goods and services tax (GST), and MBM’s zero-rated GST price
list did not include the E 300 AMG Line. Nonetheless, if we perform a rough
calculation and deduct 6% from the CBU’s price at the time (RM 431,355), it is
still a substantial amount of savings.
In terms of
specifications, the CKD model is almost identical to the CBU with one glaring
difference – there are 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels instead of 19-inch AMG
five twin-spoke units. Beyond that, you’ll still get Multibeam LED headlamps, a
panoramic roof, hands-free boot access, AMG Line package and Night Package,
though heads-up display has been dropped.
Moving inside,
there’s an Artico leather-covered dash, Nappa leather seat upholstery, wireless
mobile phone charger, widescreen cockpit (two 12.3-inch screens), COMAND Online
system, Touch Controls on the steering wheel, centre console controller and
13-speaker Burmester surround sound system with nine channels of amplification.
Other items on the
kit list include Keyless-GO, a 360-degree camera, Dynamic Select with five
modes (Comfort, Eco, Sport and Sport+ and Individual), Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto support, three-zone automatic climate control and paddle shifters.
Under the bonnet
remains the M 274 DE 20 AL 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine
that churns out 241 hp and 370 Nm of torque. Paired with the engine is
Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission, with
power being sent to the rear wheels – zero to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.
