Believe it or not, there are still people who rather have a Benz over an AMG. After all, the Mercedes brand sits on the plush leather-wrapped foundations laid out by its executive saloons of yore, a group of core models of which the E-Class is an integral member.

This is why we’re positively receptive of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s decision to make the W213 E-Class available in Exclusive trim at a time when 20-inch alloys and the corporate branding that occupies half the front grille are all the rage. For now, at least. Specifications may change once local assembly begins later this year, so enjoy driving with the view of the three-pointed star standing majestically at the edge of the front end while you can.

It’s not all old school, though. Bring your view closer and you’re treated to the pièce de résistance of the W213 E-Class, its fully digital ‘Widescreen Cockpit’. At a glance, it may look like a couple of iPads mounted lazily on a dashboard that’s otherwise classically Benz, but it doesn’t take much driving to appreciate how the graphics and layout of the two screens – instrument cluster and infotainment – blend seamlessly with the comfort-biased Exclusive-spec cabin. Proper Mercedes fare, if you may.

The E250’s output may not be as extravagant as its interior, but the two-litre mill puts out enough punch – max torque kicks in early from 1,200rpm – to get the 4.9-metre Merc up to a brisk cruising speed in a few blinks. The 9-speed auto is smooth and scalable, making sure power delivery is always on point however you’re dressed, whether the fabric of the day is tweed or Alpinestars. Our only powertrain complaint is that the four-potter can get a tad too vocal by class standards when pushed.

If you want to unwind in the rear quarters for a change – trust us, you will be tempted – don’t be afraid to let the spouse or even your college-going child take over as the Mercedes E250’s long list of equipment goes beyond its touch points to address safety concerns with its Pre-Safe suite of accident-limiting features. If you don’t trust their parking skills, you can turn to the Park Pilot system which parks the 1.8-metre-wide saloon pretty accurately within clearly drawn lines.

These are a few of the W213’s many tech marvels which help elevate the Mercedes-Benz E250 to a whole new level without losing sight of its core deliverables, class and comfort. It’s a car we’d be more than happy to drive or be driven it, which is bang on the money for something that slots between the C and S-Class. Lovely.

Specs
Engine: 1,991cc, 4-cylinder turbo, 211bhp, 350Nm
Economy: NA
Performance: NA
Weight: 1,605kg
Price: RM425,888

VERDICT: 8/10
Exclusive-trim E250 presents W213’s fancy tech with the luxurious allure of traditional Mercs. A sublime combo.

{gallery}MercE250_W213{/gallery}