Mercedes-Benz E350 2012 Review

The standard gear in the midsized Mercedes is as extravagant as the pricetag. The $133,000+ spend is around $12,000 dearer than the comparable Audi A6 and $3000 up on a BMW 535i. In short, the E350 is a car that tells the world you're in business and doing alright, thanks very much.

DESIGN

Sharper and stronger lines tapering up from front to back give the E-Class a more angular look. It's not as aggressive as a Beemer, but there's enough understated menace to steer well clear if you're not holding the keys.

Horizontal bands of wood, leather and chrome in the interior reinforce to the impression of space and luxury and the faint but distinct clicks as the dials Harman Kardon sound system is cranked up highlights the attention to detail.

TECHNOLOGY

The E-Class has picked up some clever toys and the E350 rolls standard with blind spot and lane departure assistance. The reversing camera is standard and displays on a hi-res seven-inch infotainment screen. The engine is a 200kW/350Nm 3.5-litre six-cylinder that runs through a silicone-smooth seven-speed auto transmission.

SAFETY

Eleven airbags inflate the Merc's safety credentials but it's the software and sensors that should stop them from deploying. On the E350 that runs from adaptive brakes that automatically dry themselves, a driver fatigue warning system, the Pre-Safe system that sets the seat belt tensioners according to the occupants' size and lane departure and blind spot warnings. 

Toss in the fact this 1.7-tonne beast is built from the ground up to protect you and the E-Class is a safe choice.

DRIVING

Compromises are for people who can't afford cars in this class. In the case of the Merc there's enough grunt to handle traffic light launches but it is 70-100km/h overtaking where the engine's 350Nm shines.

The default suspension mode is lightly biased to comfort compared to the 5 Series, but flick the suspension switch and it tightens as quickly as the passenger's grip on the grab rail. Wind noise is a whisper over the A-pillars at highway speed and the E-Class would make a classy interstate commuter.

VERDICT

The strength of the four-cylinder engines is rightly attracting new owners but for those who can afford it, the V6 powerplants (petrol and diesel) are a treat. That will only improve when the direct injection V6 arrives late this year with more power and torque but fuel use down from 9.4 litres to around 7 litres. Bring it on.

Mercedes-Benz E350

Price: From $132,635. 
Warranty: 3 years roadside, unlimited km.
Economy: 8.5 l/100km; 199g/km CO2.
Safety Equipment: 11 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP. 
Crash rating: 5 stars.
Engine: 225kW/370Nm 3.5-litre 6 cylinder.
Transmission: seven-speed sports automatic, rear wheel drive.
Body: Sedan 4-door, 5 seats.
Dimensions: 4868mm (L); 1854mm (W); 1472mm (H); 2874mm (WB)
Weight: 1735kg.
Tyre size: 245/40 R18, Alloy.
Spare tyre: Space saver/Temporary.