Lumbering out of the slush that forms the exit lane, I have time to look around. Appreciable bits are the seat controls on the door panel, with somewhat extendible thigh support that rolls out from under rather than simply extending forward. The seat, however plush at first after settling in, eventually had me fumbling to find a comfortable position 30 minutes in. That apart, the cabin is nice to be in. The sound deadening is fantastic and works admirably at helping distance the outside world. The three-zone climate control uses multiple front air vents and two in the rear centre console and one each in the pillars ― as its primary rival does.
The rear isn’t too bad, offering a good amount of head-room and shoulder space. However, this is the standard wheelbase and knee-room as well as free space for your feet isn’t as generous as its long-wheelbase sedan sibling. The centre tunnel also feels more pronounced, making its best to have a child-seat ISOFIX-ed in there ― anchorages are provided for all three seats. The seat back is 40:20:40 split-folding and that’s a priceless addition to its flexibility with all sorts of loads. Our car also had a load cover and net, which helps in some cases but does obstruct rear visibility at times. Overall, the boot volume is a useful 640 litres, expandable to as much as 1,820 litres with the second row folded down entirely. The power tail-gate is also on the list.
Manoeuvring the car was surprisingly easy. The turning circle is very compact for its length and the 4MATIC all-wheel drive, split 31:69 front to rear in right-hand-drive models, distributes the power smoothly and outstandingly adequately. Add in the stability control that monitors roll, pitch, and yaw like an angry librarian and it’s confidence-inspiring when getting on the throttle in tight spots, pulling out of lanes, and overtaking at speed.
The new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine (OM654 DE20, if you’re interested) is BS VI-compliant even with BS-IV fuel and makes a good amount of go. A peak 194 PS and a healthy 400 Nm are on tap, the latter from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm. The 9G-Tronic nine-speed auto ‘box works well to keep the engine turning over at an ideal 2,000 to 2,500 rpm for the most part, making sure there is more than enough acceleration should you feel the need to put your foot down and get a move on in a hurry. The acceleration figures in-gear aren’t too far from the saloon’s. In fact, a 10-second run from 0-100 km/h is fair enough. I need to mention it was tested in very wet conditions with the rain pouring down and Mercedes claim it will better that figure by a full two seconds. Braking was equally impressive for those conditions from 80 km/h and even 100 km/h, if you would refer to the performance table. The attention paid to sound deadening was again evident. It even smothered the sound from going over rumble-strips; something not often said. A big plus was the efficiency: it consistently showed about 10 km/l in the city.
Another interesting mention is the collision warning system. The Indian model doesn’t get the full autonomous braking deal, but a little red triangle below the right needle centre and a beeper. The triangle lit up every time I lifted off from behind a slow vehicle and the rather late beeps that followed didn’t really make a strong enough case. My braking reaction preceded the beeps every single time. However, I guess the audible warnings would help in case of greater distractions. Points for trying, then. Another bit of kit I’d love to see in here is the 360° camera from the E 350 d. It’s something much-needed for a car like the All-Terrain.
If Mercedes do launch the car ― and at its expected Rs 65-lakh tag ― it would not only have to deal with a fully loaded Volvo V90 Cross Country D5 AWD Inscription ― what is it with crossovers and long names? ― but also take part in a family feud with the E 220 d L saloon and, of course, the more powerful and butch GLE 250 d, all being priced in a tiny window. Let’s not talk about the GLC. Then again, this is Mercedes’ first-ever estate in India. If you’ve wanted an all-road estate with a star on the bonnet, your prayers have been answered. Well, they could be.
Edit: Mercedes-Benz have launched the E 220 d 4MATIC All-Terrain at Rs 75 lakh (ex-showroom)
Need to Know – Mercedes-Benz E 220 d 4MATIC All-Terrain
Price: Rs 75 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 1,950 cc, in-line four, turbo-diesel
Max Power: 194 PS @ 3,800 rpm
Max Torque: 400 Nm @ 1,600-2,800 rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Suspension: Double wishbone front, multi-link rear, three-level air suspension
Weight: 1,825 kg
