The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class L is a longer wheelbase version of the company's midsize sedan. Built in China and available exclusively to this market, the 2021 E-Class L is based on the latest, facelifted W213-generation sedan. The long-wheelbase model is 140 mm (5.5 inches) longer than the standard sedan and all of that extra wheelbase goes into the rear compartment, which translates into more legroom for rear-seat passengers. What sets it apart from the regular E-Class? Let's find out in the review below.

What makes the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class L special?

Just like its predecessor, the updated E-Class L is just a slightly longer E-Class. It sports the same exterior design, but the wheelbase is a bit longer. In this case, the E-Class L comes with an extra 140 mm (5.5 inches) added to its length, measuring a total 5,056 mm (199 inches). Mercedes-Benz doesn't specifically say how many of those inches go into the wheelbase, but all 5.5 should be there. Compared to the outgoing E-Class L, the refreshed sedan is 22 mm (0.86 inches) longer, which is negligible.

Everything else remains identical to the standard E-Class, but the extended wheelbase model obviously benefits from all the upgrades the came with the facelift. The mid-cycle upgrade isn't a massive departure from the outgoing model, but it looks fresh thanks to a few important changes. The E-Class now features thinner, horizontal headlamps inspired by the GLE and a mildly revised front bumper.

The profile is one angle that remains unchanged, but this isn't surprising for a facelift from Mercedes-Benz. Around back, the taillights are the most dramatic change. Inspired by the latest CLS, they’re narrower toward the license place recess and wider toward the fenders. The facelift also includes new wheel designs and new exterior colors, but there might be different for the Chinese market. Overall, the E-Class LWB looks a bit sportier than before, but it remains the elegant midsize sedan we all know.

Thanks to the longer wheelbase, the E-Class L benefits form extra legroom compared to the regular sedan. Mercedes-Benz did not release specific figures, but there should be an extra five inches of legroom for rear-seat passengers, which is enough to stretch out comfortably.

As far as new materials go, you can now pick from upholstery combos like Magma Grey/Neva Grey, Black/Nut Brown, and Magma Grey/Macchiato Beige, but there's also trim in either silver ash wood, burr walnut fondant, brushed aluminum, or aluminum with carbon grain. Tech-wise, the E-Class L now comes with a pair of 10.25-inch displays for the infotainment system and instrument cluster, but you can also choose the larger 12.3-inch screen.

The E-Class L also comes with new and enhanced active safety systems, as follows:

-* New steering wheel with capacitive hands-off detection

-* Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adjustment

-* Active Stop-and-Go Assist

-* Active Steering Assist

-* Active Brake Assist; in the Driving Assistance Package now also with turning maneuver function

-* Active Blind Spot Assist – now also with exit warning

-* Parking Package in conjunction with 360° camera: newly expanded side view and for the first time automatic parking not only in parallel and end-on parking spaces, but also on marked areas

As before, the E-Class L is available in E 200 and E 300 trims, both powered by turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines and 48-volt EQ Boost systems. The base model cranks out 194 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, which is similar to the previous model. The E 300 takes output up to 255 horses and 273 pound-feet of twist, a 13-horsepower increase over the outgoing version.

Mercedes-Benz could also offer the E 180 trim, a less powerful version restricted to some markets in Asia. Powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder, it comes with 154 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque on tap. The German company has yet to announce whether the E-Class L will also be sold with plug-in hybrid drivetrains. Diesel and AMG versions are out of question for now.

Pricing should starts from around CNY450,000, which convers to around $68,900 as of December 2020. The range-topping model will retail from a little over CNY500,000, the equivalent of at least $77,000.

While not available in other markets, the E-Class L is a very important model for Mercedes-Benz in China. The Asian country has been the company's biggest market in terms of sales since 2015, with its sales having doubled there through 2019. The E-Class L had a big contribution, as it saw double-digit growth over four years to the point where one of every two E-Class models sold worldwide in 2019 was a long-wheelbase version in China. That's impressive to say the least.