By Andy Hum

ACCORDING TO AN official source, prices for the new E 200 Elegance will start from $186,888 and the top-of-the-line E 350 AvantGarde will cost $262,888.

Also available in the new E-Class range are the E 250 Elegance ($196,888) and E 250 AvantGarde ($204,888).

This puts the E-Class (naturally) in close competition with main rival, the BMW 5 Series. The models 520i, 525i and 530i retail at $170,800, $191,800 and $241,800 respectively so the E 200, expected to be the biggest seller, is more expensive than its Bavarian rival the 520i.

In addition, the new E-Class Coupe will also be launched locally soon at a price of $212,888 for the E 250 CGI Coupe and $277,888 for the E 350 Coupe.

All prices quoted here include COE.

Highlights include new engines for the E 200 and the E 250, which replaces the E 230.

Mercedes has dropped the supercharged 1.8-litre engine for the outgoing E 200, replacing it with a more powerful turbocharged unit. The new in-line four makes 20Nm more torque, so 0-100km/h times have been reduced from 9.4 seconds to 8.7 seconds.

Also new is the turbocharged 1.8-litre in-line four in the E 250 (the E 230 has a 2.5-litre V6). Producing 204hp and 310Nm of torque, it gets the E 250 from 0-100km/h in a quick 7.7 seconds, yet has a respectable fuel consumption rating of 13.7km/l.

Official Mercedes-Benz dealer, Cycle and Carriage, is expected to launch the car in August and the first units should be delivered in September. Interested customers may place their orders with Cycle and Carriage immediately.