Mercedes threw everything but the kitchen sink at replacing the new E-class, it seems to have blended traditional cores E-class values like safety, packaging and limo-ride quality with new found qualities like excellent handling, first rate comfort creatures, environmental credentials and a cabin infused with high-quality materials.
Crucially it comes more than a year ahead of the next generations of BMW 5-series and Audi A6. And it needs to formidable as there seems to be large grounds that need to be recovered. The out-going bug-eyed model was dogged with quality and even image problems.
This week’s featured E 300 centrals its exterior design on the stunning Fascination concept car from last year’s Paris show. The rakish-modernist cues like the Rhomnboid headlamps, crease sharp suited lines and the pointy front-end gives the E-class it’s most distinctive frontal appearance since the W124 (1985-1995) E-class.
Rear guards attempts to evoke memories of the 1953 “Ponton” Mercedes and the upright c-pillar does impart a greater sense of formality and conservatism, the E 300 marries E-class ancestors cues and current Mercedes design signatures very successfully. Little fussy in places but nonetheless a very smart looking E-class.
Despite have a slightly busy exterior design, the large sedan has something in common with the green boots, Toyota Prius. No, it’s not the forecoming diesel hybrid versions. Rather it’s how aerodynamic the E-class is; a co-drag of 0.25, which is better than any other luxury sedan. For the record, it would take the hunchback-looking Prius to match that.
Powering the E 300 is a 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine that majors on refinement as it certainly does not feel as fast as 231 horsepower would have led you to believe. The V6 needs to be revved to deliver, somewhere above 4500 rpm, where the acoustic refinement that is not quite up to the Mercedes standard. Add the super smooth seven-speed auto transmission and the long travel accelerator to the equation; it cements the E-class “gentlemen” setup under most driving situations.
While the previous model feels a bit stodgy to drive and is akin to terminal understeer and body roll, the new E 300’s driving experience has been transformed into a well-judged dynamic driving package. The speed sensitive steering has more weight and feel than key rivals like the Audi A6 and BMW 5-series.
Despite retaining the similar setup of Macpherson front axle/multi-link rear, the E 300 has achieved a vast improvement. Featuring the ‘direct control’ dampers first seen on the C-class, Mercedes has given the E-class’s handling abilities to be on par with the BMW 5-series, while maintaining a limo-like ride. Seems like the boys are still on a roll after the successful C-class, the E-class may not have the most explosive engine plant, but it does everything else better than it’s key rivals.
In face of a stylish Audi A6 interior and the techy BMW’s interior, Mercedes finally has an interior that is modern and contemporary. First, for all V6 models, the gearbox is on the column to create space for the biggest pairs of cupholders from a European car maker. (Americans will love this Merc!) The command system is intuitive to operate and in general, the ergonomics is spot on. Other than these basics, the conversation piece would be ‘soft waterfall lighting’ along the trailing edges of the trimwork. For some time now, E-class interior had always been solid and spacious. Now add stylish, well toyed-up and sumptuous to feel.
The E 300 is an epitome of dynamic balance, a sublime ride comfort wrapped in a sensible and now, rather stylish and clever package. If Pleasantville ever exist, this Benz will be in it. If they can stomach the S$220,888 price tag and that is without raiding the options list.
For now, the boys at Mercedes can rest easy in Pleasantville, where the economy is always on the upward trend. Job well done.
| Engine | 2,996 V6 |
| Transmission | Seven-speed automatic |
| Wheels Driven | Rear |
| Max. Power | 231 bhp@ 6000rpm |
| Max. Torque | 300 Nm@2500-5000 rpm |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.4 secs |
| Top speed | 242 km/h |
| Fuel Economy | NA |
| CO2 Emissions | NA |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) / Weight | 4868 mm X 1854mm X 1470 mm / NA |
| Price with COE* | S$220,888 |