Mercedes-Benz E350 2009 review

Mercedes-Benz has been making cars for more than a century and the E-Class or its derivatives for 60 years.

The company is about to launch the ninth generation of what is the quintessential Benz family sedan and also a sporty two door coupe version of the same to replace the CLK. It’s a totally new vehicle from the low rolling resistance tyres up and contains advanced technology to make the E-Class better to drive, safer, use less fuel, more comfortable, last longer and be easier to service. In other words, the new E-Class ticks all the boxes regarding car ownership.

Design

Called the W212 series, the new E-Class has exterior design features carried over from the first model way back when. The sexy new wedge shape sedan body not only tips its hat to the past around the side and rear mudguard areas but also scythes through the air at a world beating 0.25Cd aerodynamic rating – the most efficient shape in modern production cars bettered only by the E-Coupe which is one point better than the sedan at an incredible 0.24Cd. It allows the cars to use less fuel as well as cutting interior noise.

New E-Class is only slightly larger than the previous model but offers better interior space thanks to superior design and new technology.

Equipment

There are plenty of goodies, including direct control suspension offering Comfort, Sports or Airmatic in the top of the range model. Direct control steering changes the front wheel’s response depending on speed using an Australian designed Bishop system.

New standard features across the range include attention assist that monitors driver fatigue, ambient lighting, nine air bags, LED mirror mounted repeater lights and a central controller for various car functions including the high-end audio system, now with integrated USB connectivity.

The sedan is a five seater with an optional four seat layout while the coupe is strictly a four seater. Both have large boots and a space saver spare. The sedan’s fold down rear seat is a handy feature. Numerous options are available including night vision assist, Distronic radar cruise control, reversing camera and plenty more.

Efficient technolgy

Benz has taken steps to make the new E-Class greener by implementing its BlueEfficiency technology on all four cylinder models and the diesel V6. These include aerodynamic aids with a flat undertray, an on-demand alternator, direct fuel injection, smaller capacity force fed engines, so called “eco” power steering, regulated fuel pump, low rolling resistance tyres, optimised air conditioning and other measures. Engine stop/start is not available with automatic transmission.

Running costs should be checked with service intervals out to 25,000km. On the road, both sedan and coupe are superb cars to drive with the sportier coupe a real treat. The new E-Class could easily be a benchmark for the modern four door sedan and two door coupe, it’s that good.

Variants

Two versions of the E-Class will be available in a couple of weeks: Avantgarde and the Elegance with the former having a sporty flavour and the latter more aligned with comfort and luxury. It’s reflected in the wheel sizes and interior décor/features.

Drivetrains

The E-Class will initially launch with two petrol powered models, the 200kW E350 3.5-litre V6 and the 285kW E500 V8. Both are equipped with a seven-speed G-tronic automatic transmission with paddle sequential shift. Drive goes to the rear wheels through various modulations including electronic stability control.

Other models will follow later in the year including three diesels: the 220CDI, the 250CDI, both with a 2.2-litre twin turbo four cylinder diesel engine (the 250 generates 150kW and a whopping 500Nm of torque) and a 350CDI with a 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6. A 250 CGi model with direct fuel injection and turbo charging will also become available at the same time.

The coupe runs a similar spread of powertrains and features.

Pricing

Prices will start at $80,900 for the E220CDi sedan and $94,500 for the 250CGi Coupe. Some models fall under the 7.0-litre/100km fuel economy trigger point to get a reduction in Luxury Car Tax.