Mercedes E350
Spend an extended period in the company of Mercedes-Benz top brass and its easy to believe that power has gone to their heads. Its almost as if theyve twigged that they can instigate a power race that only they can win, leaving the rest of the market struggling in their wake. At the top end of the model range, thats probably fair comment, but the overall effect has cascaded down amongst the sort of cars you or I might buy cars like the Mercedes E350.
In a previous incarnation, this vehicle was 224bhp worth of Mercedes E320. Although this was ample power for most, Mercedes developed a far more powerful 3.5-litre engine that found its way into bright young things like the SLK350 and it was only a matter of time before they spread it a little further across the range. With 272bhp on tap, this is a serious piece of metalwork.
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Handling and steering have been improved and the adaptive braking system has been borrowed from the S-Class. This hydraulic dual-circuit braking set-up provides better safety and comfort features. Safety is a standout E-Class feature and the latest models feature the PRE-SAFE system which primes the seatbelt and airbag if it thinks the car is about to be involved in a collision. The NECK-PRO head restraints move forward within milliseconds of a rear shunt, protecting the driver and front passenger from whiplash injuries.
Flashing brake lights are also featured, illuminating during particularly heavy braking.
"This 272bhp 3.5-litre engine is a serious piece of metalwork"
The E350s aluminium 3.5-litre V6 engine supplies a sporty soundtrack to the E-Class. Whereas the old E320s powerplant was rather lazy in its power delivery, this engine is markedly different in nature, with a more infectious feel and sharper responses. The engines four-valves per cylinder are permanently optimised, thanks to the continually adjusting intake and outlet camshafts a world first feature for a V6.
An enhanced two-stage variable inlet manifold, which automatically adjusts the length of the inlet tract for improved output and emissions control, operates without the driver noticing any changes. Drop into the drivers seat and youll be greeted by buttons, hundreds of the things, slathered all over the centre console, on the front of the steering wheel, on the fronts of the seats, by the doors, up on the head lining. Inveterate fiddlers will have found their nirvana. Almost everything seems to be adjustable, heated, ventilated, tweakable and tuneable.
The test car we drove was fitted with seats that could not only roast your backside but also waft it with cool air and massage your lower back to keep your spine supple. The side wings of the seat could even be inflated to generate a sort of Teutonic death grip. You may need them too. Rumble up behind a dawdler, spot a clear section of road ahead and plant the throttle and an extraordinary transformation occurs.
Instantaneously. The clever gearbox can drop a couple of gears and the E350s power will despatch unwary Sunday drivers with real alacrity. As with any E-Class, the faster you go, the happier the car feels. Its almost as if its shrinking around you until it feels no larger than a Focus-sized hatch.
This is a trick only the best cars can pull off and is a result of a superb chassis. The performance figures speak for themselves. With an electronically limited top speed of 155mph, the E350 will be fast enough for all but the most committed autobahn stormer. 60mph from rest will detain you for just 6.
7 seconds whilst the overall fuel consumption figure of 29.1mpg is, in the light of these figures, pretty remarkable. Even around town you should see over 20mpg while on a gentler run over 40mpg is achievable. The estate version isnt quite so economical but its still a very creditable performance.
Emissions are reasonable at 231g/km for the saloon and 236 for the estate. The estates sleek styling means that total seats-flat luggage capacity has actually fallen by 65 litres over that of the old E-Class, a shortfall that Mercedes have disguised by adding an extra 90-litre underfloor storage compartment and upping the total carrying capacity with all seats in place to 650 litres. The payload is a useful 575kg. Your dealer will want you to pay extra for the optional EASY-PACK retractable load compartment floor an idea borrowed from BMWs 5 Series Touring.
Here, the base of the estate compartment can be moved 400mm towards you at the push of a button, allowing easier reach of items at the back of the boot or creating an optional picnic bench from which you can watch the kids play football. Should you be carrying heavy loads, you should appreciate the benefits of the hydro pneumatic self-levelling suspension, a system based on fully supporting air reservoirs that keep the vehicle at the same level, regardless of load. Mercedes have tried for some time to replicate the class domination theyve enjoyed with their S-Class in other model ranges. The E-Class has long been the unsung star of the range and the E350 is possibly the most impressive model in the whole line up.
If you dont get on with the looks of the latest BMW 5-Series or Audi A6, count yourself very fortunate indeed.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Mercedes E350 range
PRICES: £37,577-£40,847 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 17
CO2 EMISSIONS: 231-236g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 6.7s/ Max Speed 155mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 20.2/ (extra urban) 39.2 / (combined) 29.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, windowbags, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4818/1822/1452mm
