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Mercedes-Benz E300 Avantgarde (A) Review
13 Oct 2009|53,121 views
Six years after the debut of the last E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has introduced an all new generation model of its executive saloon. And once again, there have been mixed opinions about the exterior design of the new generation being too bold and somewhat awkward, with some others who think it’s probably the best looking E-Class yet.
Funny, considering that the E-Class Coupe, which sports a similar front section, has been unanimously voted by critics as one of the better looking cars from the German automobile manufacturer in recent times.
What’s new?
Outwardly, the ninth generation E-Class is instantly recognizable as a Mercedes even though the dynamic front end features a new iteration of the previous E-Class models’ twin headlamp treatment. The three-pointed star sits proudly on the heavily sculpted bonnet in classic Mercedes style.
There’s a bit of the S-Class along the flanks but it is no less distinctive along the sides thanks to a prominent feature line and accentuated wheel arches. If there’s one angle where the new car looks a tad nondescript, it is from the rear. If not for the badges and the tail lamps, the rear could well be mistaken for a BMW or even a Japanese model.
Fitted with the optional AMG sports styling kit and large wheels on the test car here, the new saloon actually manages to look both sporty and purposeful, although not as dynamic as say, the E63 AMG variant.
Funny, considering that the E-Class Coupe, which sports a similar front section, has been unanimously voted by critics as one of the better looking cars from the German automobile manufacturer in recent times.
What’s new?
Outwardly, the ninth generation E-Class is instantly recognizable as a Mercedes even though the dynamic front end features a new iteration of the previous E-Class models’ twin headlamp treatment. The three-pointed star sits proudly on the heavily sculpted bonnet in classic Mercedes style.
There’s a bit of the S-Class along the flanks but it is no less distinctive along the sides thanks to a prominent feature line and accentuated wheel arches. If there’s one angle where the new car looks a tad nondescript, it is from the rear. If not for the badges and the tail lamps, the rear could well be mistaken for a BMW or even a Japanese model.
Fitted with the optional AMG sports styling kit and large wheels on the test car here, the new saloon actually manages to look both sporty and purposeful, although not as dynamic as say, the E63 AMG variant.
 |
Figures and driving it
The top spec V6 model, the E300 is the model tested here. As its moniker suggests, the E300 is powered by Mercedes' commonly used 3.0-litre V6 lump. With 231bhp on tap, the motor manages to pull the 1,735kg E-Class to 100km/h in a respectable 7.4 seconds although the 3.5-litre V6 lump in the E350 manages to accomplish that a second faster. Top speed is electronically limited to 247km/h.
 |
On the road, the Mercedes bent-six offers effortless performance thanks to a flat plateau of pulling power of up to 300Nm through its rev range. It's a seamless affair when going quickly in the E300 - the engine is short of drama in the way it does things and it does so in a refined and hush-hush fashion as well.
Hooked up to the V6 is Mercedes’ commonly used 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox. It is a smooth shifting transmission that suits the car’s character rather well.
New to the E-Class is a steering column mounted gear selector. It’s a cinch to use but you’d need to press a button on the centre console to swap between the gear change modes. As you’d expect, steering mounted paddle shifters are standard.
The Mercedes’ rear-wheel drive chassis offers balanced, composed and surefooted road dynamics even though it could do with a tad more sharpness in the way it turns into corners.
Hooked up to the V6 is Mercedes’ commonly used 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox. It is a smooth shifting transmission that suits the car’s character rather well.
New to the E-Class is a steering column mounted gear selector. It’s a cinch to use but you’d need to press a button on the centre console to swap between the gear change modes. As you’d expect, steering mounted paddle shifters are standard.
The Mercedes’ rear-wheel drive chassis offers balanced, composed and surefooted road dynamics even though it could do with a tad more sharpness in the way it turns into corners.
The steering is a competent tool, offering sufficient feel to the palm of your hands through the wheel. The E-Class’ planted stance on all road conditions gives its occupants a reassuring and hewn from solid feel.
Ride is hugely impressive in the Mercedes - the suspension insulates the occupants from all manner of road bumps at any given speed. This despite the test car riding on 18-inch low profile rubber. You can cruise comfortably at speed whole day in this car and still arrive very fresh at your destination.
Interior and safety
There’s a new interior on the inside. The dashboard is a departure from the previous E-Class’ thanks to the large LCD screen in the middle for the COMAND system.
Ride is hugely impressive in the Mercedes - the suspension insulates the occupants from all manner of road bumps at any given speed. This despite the test car riding on 18-inch low profile rubber. You can cruise comfortably at speed whole day in this car and still arrive very fresh at your destination.
Interior and safety
There’s a new interior on the inside. The dashboard is a departure from the previous E-Class’ thanks to the large LCD screen in the middle for the COMAND system.
 |
The new model is not lacking in the build quality and perceived luxury departments. With the new E-Class, Stuttgart has lifted its game in the build quality stakes tremendously and the new model has benefited from this.
Rear legroom is even better than the old model with headroom not lacking either. The boot is well-shaped and generously sized. For added convenience, there’s a separate tray underneath the bootlid to store odds and ends.
Safety is high on the new model’s agenda. It comes with safety aids like ATTENTION ASSIST, NECK-PRO hwad restraints, Brake Assist, ESP, a plethora of airbags and so on. The test car was fitted with further options like DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control.
Rear legroom is even better than the old model with headroom not lacking either. The boot is well-shaped and generously sized. For added convenience, there’s a separate tray underneath the bootlid to store odds and ends.
Safety is high on the new model’s agenda. It comes with safety aids like ATTENTION ASSIST, NECK-PRO hwad restraints, Brake Assist, ESP, a plethora of airbags and so on. The test car was fitted with further options like DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control.
Better than the rest?
The new E-Class is a step forward in every way from its popular and highly desirable predecessor. It’s not hard to see why this new model will be the new class leader in the local game.
So if the car’s bold lines are relatively easy to swallow, you’d be hard-pressed to pass this over another. All I know is the next BMW 5 Series has to be really good to surpass this one.
The new E-Class is a step forward in every way from its popular and highly desirable predecessor. It’s not hard to see why this new model will be the new class leader in the local game.
So if the car’s bold lines are relatively easy to swallow, you’d be hard-pressed to pass this over another. All I know is the next BMW 5 Series has to be really good to surpass this one.
Six years after the debut of the last E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has introduced an all new generation model of its executive saloon. And once again, there have been mixed opinions about the exterior design of the new generation being too bold and somewhat awkward, with some others who think it’s probably the best looking E-Class yet.
Funny, considering that the E-Class Coupe, which sports a similar front section, has been unanimously voted by critics as one of the better looking cars from the German automobile manufacturer in recent times.
What’s new?
Outwardly, the ninth generation E-Class is instantly recognizable as a Mercedes even though the dynamic front end features a new iteration of the previous E-Class models’ twin headlamp treatment. The three-pointed star sits proudly on the heavily sculpted bonnet in classic Mercedes style.
There’s a bit of the S-Class along the flanks but it is no less distinctive along the sides thanks to a prominent feature line and accentuated wheel arches. If there’s one angle where the new car looks a tad nondescript, it is from the rear. If not for the badges and the tail lamps, the rear could well be mistaken for a BMW or even a Japanese model.
Fitted with the optional AMG sports styling kit and large wheels on the test car here, the new saloon actually manages to look both sporty and purposeful, although not as dynamic as say, the E63 AMG variant.
Funny, considering that the E-Class Coupe, which sports a similar front section, has been unanimously voted by critics as one of the better looking cars from the German automobile manufacturer in recent times.
What’s new?
Outwardly, the ninth generation E-Class is instantly recognizable as a Mercedes even though the dynamic front end features a new iteration of the previous E-Class models’ twin headlamp treatment. The three-pointed star sits proudly on the heavily sculpted bonnet in classic Mercedes style.
There’s a bit of the S-Class along the flanks but it is no less distinctive along the sides thanks to a prominent feature line and accentuated wheel arches. If there’s one angle where the new car looks a tad nondescript, it is from the rear. If not for the badges and the tail lamps, the rear could well be mistaken for a BMW or even a Japanese model.
Fitted with the optional AMG sports styling kit and large wheels on the test car here, the new saloon actually manages to look both sporty and purposeful, although not as dynamic as say, the E63 AMG variant.
|
Figures and driving it
The top spec V6 model, the E300 is the model tested here. As its moniker suggests, the E300 is powered by Mercedes' commonly used 3.0-litre V6 lump. With 231bhp on tap, the motor manages to pull the 1,735kg E-Class to 100km/h in a respectable 7.4 seconds although the 3.5-litre V6 lump in the E350 manages to accomplish that a second faster. Top speed is electronically limited to 247km/h.
|
On the road, the Mercedes bent-six offers effortless performance thanks to a flat plateau of pulling power of up to 300Nm through its rev range. It's a seamless affair when going quickly in the E300 - the engine is short of drama in the way it does things and it does so in a refined and hush-hush fashion as well.
Hooked up to the V6 is Mercedes’ commonly used 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox. It is a smooth shifting transmission that suits the car’s character rather well.
New to the E-Class is a steering column mounted gear selector. It’s a cinch to use but you’d need to press a button on the centre console to swap between the gear change modes. As you’d expect, steering mounted paddle shifters are standard.
The Mercedes’ rear-wheel drive chassis offers balanced, composed and surefooted road dynamics even though it could do with a tad more sharpness in the way it turns into corners.
Hooked up to the V6 is Mercedes’ commonly used 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox. It is a smooth shifting transmission that suits the car’s character rather well.
New to the E-Class is a steering column mounted gear selector. It’s a cinch to use but you’d need to press a button on the centre console to swap between the gear change modes. As you’d expect, steering mounted paddle shifters are standard.
The Mercedes’ rear-wheel drive chassis offers balanced, composed and surefooted road dynamics even though it could do with a tad more sharpness in the way it turns into corners.
The steering is a competent tool, offering sufficient feel to the palm of your hands through the wheel. The E-Class’ planted stance on all road conditions gives its occupants a reassuring and hewn from solid feel.
Ride is hugely impressive in the Mercedes - the suspension insulates the occupants from all manner of road bumps at any given speed. This despite the test car riding on 18-inch low profile rubber. You can cruise comfortably at speed whole day in this car and still arrive very fresh at your destination.
Interior and safety
There’s a new interior on the inside. The dashboard is a departure from the previous E-Class’ thanks to the large LCD screen in the middle for the COMAND system.
Ride is hugely impressive in the Mercedes - the suspension insulates the occupants from all manner of road bumps at any given speed. This despite the test car riding on 18-inch low profile rubber. You can cruise comfortably at speed whole day in this car and still arrive very fresh at your destination.
Interior and safety
There’s a new interior on the inside. The dashboard is a departure from the previous E-Class’ thanks to the large LCD screen in the middle for the COMAND system.
|
The new model is not lacking in the build quality and perceived luxury departments. With the new E-Class, Stuttgart has lifted its game in the build quality stakes tremendously and the new model has benefited from this.
Rear legroom is even better than the old model with headroom not lacking either. The boot is well-shaped and generously sized. For added convenience, there’s a separate tray underneath the bootlid to store odds and ends.
Safety is high on the new model’s agenda. It comes with safety aids like ATTENTION ASSIST, NECK-PRO hwad restraints, Brake Assist, ESP, a plethora of airbags and so on. The test car was fitted with further options like DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control.
Rear legroom is even better than the old model with headroom not lacking either. The boot is well-shaped and generously sized. For added convenience, there’s a separate tray underneath the bootlid to store odds and ends.
Safety is high on the new model’s agenda. It comes with safety aids like ATTENTION ASSIST, NECK-PRO hwad restraints, Brake Assist, ESP, a plethora of airbags and so on. The test car was fitted with further options like DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control.
Better than the rest?
The new E-Class is a step forward in every way from its popular and highly desirable predecessor. It’s not hard to see why this new model will be the new class leader in the local game.
So if the car’s bold lines are relatively easy to swallow, you’d be hard-pressed to pass this over another. All I know is the next BMW 5 Series has to be really good to surpass this one.
The new E-Class is a step forward in every way from its popular and highly desirable predecessor. It’s not hard to see why this new model will be the new class leader in the local game.
So if the car’s bold lines are relatively easy to swallow, you’d be hard-pressed to pass this over another. All I know is the next BMW 5 Series has to be really good to surpass this one.
Photos by Adrian Wong
Car Information
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon E300 Avantgarde (A)
CAT B|Petrol|10.8km/L
Horsepower
188kW (252 bhp)
Torque
340 Nm
Acceleration
7.4sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon
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