Mercedes-Benz E350 2005 review: snapshot

In fact, the new engine and transmission in the Mercedes-Benz E350 will take a lot more enthusiasm from the driver.

Mercedes has engineered the E350 for a low level of by-drive noise with just a hint of V6 harmonics in the cabin.

Yet the 3.5-litre powerplant introduced in the S-Class last year has 25kW more power than its E320 predecessor with a wide spread of 350Nm of torque.

So even when it is copping a caning from an enthusiastic driver, passengers would not be able to discern an appreciable increase in engine volume in the cabin.

And the power comes on smoothly, thanks to the seven-speed gearbox, called 7G-TRONIC, which was introduced last year.

It will down-change up to four gears at a go, so a punch from the right foot instantly yields results.

The E320 was the multiple winner of The Courier-Mail Luxury Car of the Year segment over several years before the category was dropped last year. And most of its elements remain to win strong approval from those in the market for a luxury saloon. There is a luxurious cabin with plenty of leg room for all passengers, soft leather upholstery and a high level of walnut-trimmed appointments.

Both driver and front passenger seats have electrical adjustment with three memory positions and the driver's side even incorporates steering wheel, mirrors and seat.

That means if you are swapping vehicles it only takes the push of a button to have all the driving ergonomics just how you like them, no matter who was in the car before you.

The sound system is truly high-fidelity and able to be fully appreciated, thanks to the quiet cabin.

And a larger 80-litre tank now means you can stay in that luxury leather-lined cabin longer. The Elegance Package also features: light alloy 13-hole design wheels, auto dimming interior and driver's side exterior mirror, burr walnut trim with chrome highlights, illuminated vanity mirrors, and seatbelts and steering wheel that matches the colour to interior appointments.

Mercedes currently is weathering a storm of 1.3 million recalls worldwide which has affected SL and E-Class vehicles.

In Australia, 12,228 cars will be affected including the E350.

Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman Toni Andreevski said two matters related to the electronic brakes which were a safety recall.

He said other matters of voltage regulation and alternator operation would be handled when the car went in for its routine service.

However, he pointed out that Dr Eckhard Cordes, who took over as head of Mercedes-Benz in October 2004, was determined to return the German marque's quality reputation to the top of its field.