The Mercedes-Benz E220d is now the last diesel luxury sedan in its segment, as all its rivals have switched to petrol-only options. It uses the familiar 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 197 hp of power, almost identical to the petrol version. The performance figures are also very close, with a mere 0.1-second difference in the 0-100 km/h time. Where the diesel really shines is in torque, producing 440 Nm of torque, about 120 Nm more than the petrol. This gives the E220d a strong pull at low revs, especially up to 3,200 rpm, which makes urban driving and overtaking a lot easier. Both the petrol and diesel variants also come with a 48V mild-hybrid system, which makes initial acceleration easier. Drive modes like Comfort, Eco, Personal and Sport let you tailor the experience, while the 9-speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and helps keep revs low at highway speeds.
The improvements in the E220d are a testament to the fact that it comes at a lower price. At idle, some vibrations can be felt in the seats and steering, and during acceleration, the diesel drone is clearly visible, unlike the smooth petrol E200. Still, the cabin remains well insulated from wind and road noise, and with music on, the engine noise isn’t too disturbing. Driving comfort remains impressive, with a suspension setup that handles rough city roads and speed bumps very well for a sedan. On the highway, the car can go around 850-900 km on a single tank, which is a big advantage of the diesel, which offers a long range.
Inside the cabin, the E220d petrol continues the E-Class’ luxurious and tech-rich cabin. It has a triple-screen layout, Burmester 4D audio, an in-car camera for video calls, an app library, four-zone climate control and many more features. The boot is practical at 540 litres thanks to the spare wheel mounted under the floor. A highlight of the E-Class, rear seat comfort remains excellent. The long wheelbase provides plenty of legroom and headroom, while reclining seats with cushions and electronic blinds enhance the experience. The Driver’s Package adds features such as a wireless charger, additional storage and rear seat control so that the front passenger seat can be pushed forward for maximum space.
In terms of handling, the E220d is not sporty, but it is light and easy to drive with options to strengthen the steering and use paddle shifters. Unlike the E450, it does not get rear-wheel steering or 4MATIC all-wheel drive. In terms of design, it looks similar to the petrol E200, with the only difference being the E220d badge. The new Verde Silver paint shade adds a new option to the colour palette.
Priced at around ₹80.5 lakh, the E220d has no direct diesel rival. Its strengths are smooth torque, long range and practicality, but it misses out on the simplicity of the petrol engine. A big consideration for buyers is that there is a 10-year life limit for diesel in NCR, which can hurt resale value. For those who prioritize refinement and long-term ownership security, the petrol is a safer bet. But if range, torque and practicality are most important, the E220d remains a sensible and balanced choice, continuing the E-Class diesel legacy.
