Mercedes-Benz E350 2005 review

Such is the case with the impressive new 3.5-litre V6 that first saw the light of day in the gorgeous SLK350 late last year and now resides under the bonnet of the mid-size E350 sedan.

Even better is the fact that the new donk does the same for the E-Class as it did for the SLK – makes it go really well and use less fuel into the bargain.

It is arguably the gun 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine on the planet at this point in time delivering some 200kW of power and 350Nm of torque in a smooth and unruffled way.

In the SLK, it is capable of putting down mid five second 0-100km times. In the E350 it's not quite as rapid due to size and weight penalties with the big body but the E350 still goes like a scalded cat.

The 0-100kmh time, always a good barometer to overall performance and response, is a mid six second affair but the real appeal is in refinement and mid-range response. The whole effort is aided buy a seven speed automatic that is virtually seamless in operation.

You'd expect this level of performance from Benz especially for the $124k ask and it delivers in spades.

The E350 replaces the E320 that pales into insignificance compared to the newcomer.

There's a Sports pack available for the E350 that sharpens up various functions for more enthusiastic drivers looking for an engaging feel. It comprises interior enhancements, 18in wheels, drilled discs, bigger tail pipes and body aero add ons.

Fuel consumption is down to a claimed average of 9.7litres/100km for the sedan, slightly more for the wagon.

The all alloy engine boasts variable valve timing and four valves a cylinder both of which help performance and fuel economy.

Having seven ratios in the transmission no doubt helps too and also boosts acceleration and throttle response. This tranny is never caught out in the wrong ratio and there is a sequential shift mode, side to side on the selector stick.

On a searching drive of the new E350, I found the car to be supple and steady, offering an uncanny combination of soft ride but flat cornering. The steering is too light but every other dynamic function is right on the pace.

I was particularly impressed by the silky smooth transmission and the engine pick-up. It is like a sewing machine and delivers plenty of oomph from idle to redline at 7000rpm.

The car is big and weighty at around 1700kg but there's copious rear seat legroom and the boot is large. It's great to drive, even on winding alpine roads and then backs up as a smooth sophisticate capable of carrying five in luxury.