For too long, the extended chassis limousine has relied upon its additional length, darker window tints and sober colouring – usually black – to provide the visual impact and sheer physical presence that is expected of such cars.

But with the arrival from Binz of its six door take on the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class, form has at last been given its head to redefine the language of the limousine.

“To give credit where credit is due, the inspiration behind this vehicle comes from Mercedes-Benz’s own CLS model, whose coupe-inspired rearwards-rising window lines have since been mirrored on the new E-Class. On the Binz six door limousine, repeating these style cues over an increased length of coachwork actually enhances this impression of dynamism, making for a complete body style that looks as though it was designed that way straight off the drawing board”, comments Binz UK sales director Kevin Smith.

Looks however, are not everything, and beneath the elegance, are some hard commercial reasons for choosing the big Binz. “Compared to other offerings in this sector, the Binz limousine offers diesel power options for both significant fuel savings, and also CO2 emissions reductions that thanks to Mercedes-Benz BlueEFFICIENCY technology yield significant tax rating advantages – especially for the entry-level 2.2 litre CDi model”, Kevin Smith explains.

Adding that, “From the standpoint of corporate liability too, the presence of an EU-wide Certificate of Conformance for each model is an operators guarantee that all E-Class safety and environmental protection systems have been appropriately recalibrated, and tested and quality assured so as to operate as they should over the vehicle’s lifespan”

The first Binz 2010 E-Class based 6-door limousines are now being delivered to UK customers, with initial orders focusing upon the 8 seat models within the range.

Though this is expected to be the configuration chosen by most of its customers, Binz will also be offering a more exclusive and luxurious driver plus 5 passenger version with paired individual seats separated by a centre console.