Almost autonomous at S$21,000

Spec an E-Class right and it will make your life behind the wheel much easier

One thing we should point out is that the test unit provided by Mercedes-Benz had quite a bit of additional equipment over the standard E 200 Exclusive model, S$28,500 more to be precise, and it does change the nature of the experience considerably.

The main draw of the new cockpit, the dual 12.3-inch active displays, are a S$4,100 option, while the full-featured Comand Online infotainment system is a whopping S$11,200. The Burmester sound system costs S$4,100 but sounds fantastic.

In terms of dynamics though, the standard E 200 models lack the adaptive air suspension system (Air Body Control, S$9,100) which would make the contrast of switching between drive modes less obvious, while also being better than conventional suspension in most regards.

If all that sounds horribly expensive, in the world of paid-for luxury car options, it is pretty much in the ball park. But it is not really a case of dealers making a killing, as any optional features also incur the full gamut of local taxes such as the mystical Additional Registration Fee (ARF). Arguably, all the options listed here add usefulness to the car. In contrast, you could blow S$12,900 on purely cosmetic carbon fibre trim for the AMG Line model, for instance.

Yet, if we had an extra S$21,000, we would spend it on the Driving Assistance Package Plus (S$11,500) and Distance Pilot Distronic (S$9,300). Why? Because it will turn the E 200 into an almost-autonomous vehicle.

The first system helps you steer — helps, but does not take over the job entirely, and your hands are required to be on the wheel at all times — at speeds of up to 130kmh, while the latter keeps speed automatically, or if there is a car in front of you, a safe distance away. It means you can “drive” the car from zero to 130kmh without touching the accelerator or brake pedals, and with less steering input.

Having tested this system in a fully-loaded E 300 model at the car’s international debut in Portugal earlier this year, we can say it works quite well at reducing overall driver load. And the Driving Assistance Package also helps you to steer while avoiding obstacles when you need to swerve quickly, plus it includes additional airbags that help if someone T-bones the side of your car.

As we have seen, luxury car options do not come cheap, but much of it is tax, and there are some genuinely useful add-ons to be found. Expressed as a percentage of the entire vehicle’s price, they are not a huge amount and in the case of the advanced assistance systems of the E-Class, it is far cheaper than hiring a full-time driver when you want to do less. DERRYN WONG