What are the differences between the imported Mercedes-Benz E and the domestically produced Mercedes-Benz E?
2 Answers
There are several differences between the imported Mercedes-Benz E and the domestically produced Mercedes-Benz E: 1. The body design is different; Imported Mercedes-Benz: The body dimensions are 4947*1860*1470mm, with a wheelbase of 2939mm. Domestically produced Mercedes-Benz: The body dimensions are 5065*1860*1490mm, with a wheelbase of 3079mm. The domestically produced Mercedes-Benz has a larger body. 2. The car models are different; Both the imported and domestically produced Mercedes-Benz E-Class offer 1.5T and 2.0T turbocharged engines to choose from. Imported Mercedes-Benz: The 2.0T engine is mainly available in coupe models. Domestically produced Mercedes-Benz: The 2.0T engine offers luxury, fashion, and sporty model options. 3. The vehicle configurations are different; Imported Mercedes-Benz: Features include rear and side sunshades, as well as xenon headlights and interior reading lights. Domestically produced Mercedes-Benz: Includes an automatic braking system, blind spot monitoring, a panoramic camera, and a panoramic sunroof. 4. The parts configurations are different; Imported Mercedes-Benz: Parts are produced by German industries. Domestically produced Mercedes-Benz: Some parts are provided by foreign-funded enterprises' factories in China, while others are supplied by domestic enterprises' factories.
In my opinion, there are significant differences between the imported Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the domestically produced one. The most obvious distinction is the price—the imported version is typically 20-30% more expensive due to tariffs, shipping costs, and complicated import procedures, which makes it a consideration for those on a tight budget. The domestically produced model, manufactured in the Beijing plant, is more affordable, with frequent promotions and discounts that allow you to save money for additional premium features. Space is a strong point of the domestic version, with a deliberately extended wheelbase that provides ample legroom in the rear seats. As someone who frequently chauffeurs family members, I’ve heard both kids and elderly passengers praise the comfort. The imported version has a shorter wheelbase, resulting in more limited rear space, which can lead to back discomfort on long trips. The configurations are nearly identical, but the domestic model has a suspension tuned for the Chinese market—softer for better shock absorption in urban driving—and optimized navigation and voice recognition systems with higher accuracy for Chinese. The imported version offers a more authentic driving experience, with firmer handling and stability during high-speed cornering, though at a slightly higher fuel consumption. For maintenance, the domestic version has cheaper parts and widespread 4S service centers, making upkeep easier, while the imported model involves longer waits for parts and higher costs. Overall, if practicality and cost-efficiency are priorities, the domestic E-Class is the better choice; but if driving pleasure is the goal, the imported version is more appealing to me.