China - Mercedes launches locally made, long wheelbase E Class facelift

06/09/2013 - 17:09 | ,   | Anjan Ravi

Regular readers are aware that at the 2013 Auto Shanghai, the Mercedes-Benz E Class L was shown, which is nothing but the long wheelbase version of the E Class. Mercedes has now conducted the market launch for the E Class L (at the ongoing Chengdu Motor Show) shortly after the start of local production.

2014 Mercedes E Class Long Wheelbase production China
Production of the 2014 Mercedes E Class Long Wheelbase has commenced in China. Seen here is the 'Sport Sedan' model.

The E Class L has been tailor-made for the Chinese market, which happens to be the second biggest E Class market for Mercedes-Benz (the first being the USA). Last year, Mercedes sold a record 40,000 units of the E Class in China alone! Beijing Benz Automotive Company (BBAC) is the sole manufacturer of the long wheelbase executive luxury sedan.

2014 Mercedes E Class Long Wheelbase E260L
E Class L has been christened the E260L.

The rear seat legroom has been enhanced by 14cm, while Mercedes claims the E Class L to have the "longest rear seat cushion" in its class. Rear seat passengers can also adjust the front passenger seat and the panoramic sunroof through dedicated buttons. Two variants of the E Class L have been launched - 'Sedan' and 'Sport Sedan'.

While the 'Sedan' gets a 3D radiator grille in a 'three-louvre' look with the Mercedes logo on the bonnet, the 'Sport Sedan' gets a centrally positioned logo on the grille.

2014 Mercedes E Class Long Wheelbase front
Seen here is the E Class L 'Sedan' variant with the logo placed on the bonnet.

Mercedes also announce in this press release that the BBAC facility is being expanded to make the upcoming GLA Class.

2014 Mercedes E Class LWB Image Gallery from 2013 Auto Shanghai

Press release on Page 2.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E Class L - Press Release

[Head to Scribd if you're unable to view the document.]

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