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Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI BlueEfficiency 3.0 V6 (A) Review
04 Jul 2011|23,768 views
It seems that diesel-powered passenger cars are rising and they're rising rapidly. Like hybrids and electrics, it's an evolving and competitive trend that cannot be avoided. Similarly to the awe-inspiring Volkswagen GTI and GTD, Mercedes-Benz provides its customers with both petrol as well as diesel-powered versions for its E-Class.
Over a decade ago, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class became our 'white horse' with its diesel engines. Passengers were sceptical about hailing the luxurious cab due to its unknown pick-up price while drivers were busy cancelling or changing their cars' colour codes as no one wanted to be seen driving a white E-Class. Although we still see the Mercedes-Benz E-Class plying our local roads as cabs today, no one bothers anymore. Being cheap and ugly aren't exactly the reasons but, instead, it's due to the fact that they have already grown old and are being replaced with the ninth and latest generation model.
Dubbed as the W212, this Mercedes-Benz E-Class has an offering of the Charged Gasoline Injection (CGI) as well as the Common rail Direct Injection (CDI) engines - aka diesel-powered engines - opening up more doors for customers who prefer the idea of going green. After all the recent diesel-powered cars that we've been driving, the curiosity to find out if the E350 CDI can out-perform its petrol-powered sibling was overwhelming. Thus, reviewing the Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI BlueEfficiency was simply an inevitable circumstance.
Exterior
On first glance, the E350 is long and sleek, sharing a profile of a coupe rather than a saloon. The V-shaped bonnet is further complimented by the radical four independent headlamps that seem to be a better modified version from the previous
Over a decade ago, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class became our 'white horse' with its diesel engines. Passengers were sceptical about hailing the luxurious cab due to its unknown pick-up price while drivers were busy cancelling or changing their cars' colour codes as no one wanted to be seen driving a white E-Class. Although we still see the Mercedes-Benz E-Class plying our local roads as cabs today, no one bothers anymore. Being cheap and ugly aren't exactly the reasons but, instead, it's due to the fact that they have already grown old and are being replaced with the ninth and latest generation model.
Dubbed as the W212, this Mercedes-Benz E-Class has an offering of the Charged Gasoline Injection (CGI) as well as the Common rail Direct Injection (CDI) engines - aka diesel-powered engines - opening up more doors for customers who prefer the idea of going green. After all the recent diesel-powered cars that we've been driving, the curiosity to find out if the E350 CDI can out-perform its petrol-powered sibling was overwhelming. Thus, reviewing the Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI BlueEfficiency was simply an inevitable circumstance.
Exterior
On first glance, the E350 is long and sleek, sharing a profile of a coupe rather than a saloon. The V-shaped bonnet is further complimented by the radical four independent headlamps that seem to be a better modified version from the previous
 |
oval-shaped ones, immediately creating a wide stance and a futuristic look for the luxury saloon.
While it somehow lacks the muscular purpose of the Audi A5 Sportback, the E350's striking front grille that's surrounded by a whole lot of chiselled lines make it unashamedly aggressive. But it has to be the string of diamond-looking fog lights that give the overall face a stylish and expensive outlook.
Unlike the front where drastic changes are sported, the transformations on the rear are more subtle. Still, it's easy to see that the taillights now extend to the boot area and are now more angular and appear to be like gemstones carved out with precision. Contoured lines that give the car a stable stance continue to flow throughout the body and they sure do not give the car justice through a two-dimensional photograph. It's an amazing work of art when the car is viewed in person, forcing you to wonder if the shell was made from just one entire mould.
Its newfound brawniness is accentuated by its sharp, bold and contemporary styling. The car's low stance enhances its stable and confident looks even when parked beside an Audi A5 and it simply makes many fellow German wheelers seem ordinary on the road.
 |
Interior
A high driving position facing a neat but no less posh dashboard is easily arrived at when you slip in, courtesy of the electric seat and adjustable steering wheel. From there, visibility is superb, even for a pint-sized guy like me. It's so easy to judge distances because of the bonnet arrowed downwards.
Occupants will hardly find cheap plasticky bits in the cabin that bears the 'Avantgarde' label on the centre console. The quality and fit and finish are admirable, with matt silver finishing on the door panels and buttons that feel expensive to the touch. While you spend time being behind the steering wheel bearing the three-pointed star, you don't feel like a high-roller but, instead, a certain exclusivity.
It's a car that helps ease your mind after a long day in the office, more so if you're the passenger. The cabin is a serene and comfortable place to be in. Seats are cosseting to the core and they provide ample head and legroom all round. Regardless of the distance travelled in this cavalier, occupants are bound to enjoy the royal treatment with road and wind noise down to bare minimum.
A high driving position facing a neat but no less posh dashboard is easily arrived at when you slip in, courtesy of the electric seat and adjustable steering wheel. From there, visibility is superb, even for a pint-sized guy like me. It's so easy to judge distances because of the bonnet arrowed downwards.
Occupants will hardly find cheap plasticky bits in the cabin that bears the 'Avantgarde' label on the centre console. The quality and fit and finish are admirable, with matt silver finishing on the door panels and buttons that feel expensive to the touch. While you spend time being behind the steering wheel bearing the three-pointed star, you don't feel like a high-roller but, instead, a certain exclusivity.
It's a car that helps ease your mind after a long day in the office, more so if you're the passenger. The cabin is a serene and comfortable place to be in. Seats are cosseting to the core and they provide ample head and legroom all round. Regardless of the distance travelled in this cavalier, occupants are bound to enjoy the royal treatment with road and wind noise down to bare minimum.
And not forgetting that the E350 sips on black gold, the clatter is almost nonexistent it makes you wonder if it's really a CDI badge attached behind and not a CGI.
Much thought was also given to the boot area. Although it appears to be somewhat small when viewed from the outside, it's deep enough to haul your golf and shoe bags. And if want to keep your cabin document-free, the slot in the boot may just be a fresh alternative for you.
Much thought was also given to the boot area. Although it appears to be somewhat small when viewed from the outside, it's deep enough to haul your golf and shoe bags. And if want to keep your cabin document-free, the slot in the boot may just be a fresh alternative for you.
 |
The Drive
One would expect the diesel-fuelled car to be a sloth but in real world driving conditions the E350 has a whole lot of punch to it that can knock you out cold. It's no surprise actually, given the fact that the 3.0-litre is powered by a monstrous V6 that packs a maximum power of 265bhp and a stunning figure of 620Nm of torque.
Torque is literally on tap that's not lost even in cog changes. Exert pressure on the accelerator pedal and the executive saloon completes the naught to hundred timing in 6.2 seconds but it never fails to feel quicker than what the official time would suggest. We reckon it's this instantaneous response that truly sets the car apart from its peers.
The steering provides feedback and remains obedient and alert to the driver's commands but it could do with more weight. It feels a tad too light for enthusiastic driving and doesn't inspire enough confidence to push it through a series of bends. And should you decide to be stubborn, the safety features on board won't.
The Attention Assist System that came with the test car sounded the alarm when a hazardous lane change was spotted And when it detected a drop in attention, the steering wheel vibrated to alert me - a feature that drivers can certainly use on our back-to-back road conditions.
One would expect the diesel-fuelled car to be a sloth but in real world driving conditions the E350 has a whole lot of punch to it that can knock you out cold. It's no surprise actually, given the fact that the 3.0-litre is powered by a monstrous V6 that packs a maximum power of 265bhp and a stunning figure of 620Nm of torque.
Torque is literally on tap that's not lost even in cog changes. Exert pressure on the accelerator pedal and the executive saloon completes the naught to hundred timing in 6.2 seconds but it never fails to feel quicker than what the official time would suggest. We reckon it's this instantaneous response that truly sets the car apart from its peers.
The steering provides feedback and remains obedient and alert to the driver's commands but it could do with more weight. It feels a tad too light for enthusiastic driving and doesn't inspire enough confidence to push it through a series of bends. And should you decide to be stubborn, the safety features on board won't.
The Attention Assist System that came with the test car sounded the alarm when a hazardous lane change was spotted And when it detected a drop in attention, the steering wheel vibrated to alert me - a feature that drivers can certainly use on our back-to-back road conditions.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI is fast and frugal while retaining its elegance on the road. Although the car impressed us with its performance as a diesel drinker, the annual tax may prove to be a tad tough to swallow. Drivers will be paying $6,104 per annum for the E350 CDI instead of $3,164 for the petrol-fuelled E350.
But if you reckon that's worth being green, the stealthy E350 CDI is an alternative for drivers with a taste for automotive excellence.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI is fast and frugal while retaining its elegance on the road. Although the car impressed us with its performance as a diesel drinker, the annual tax may prove to be a tad tough to swallow. Drivers will be paying $6,104 per annum for the E350 CDI instead of $3,164 for the petrol-fuelled E350.
But if you reckon that's worth being green, the stealthy E350 CDI is an alternative for drivers with a taste for automotive excellence.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
It seems that diesel-powered passenger cars are rising and they're rising rapidly. Like hybrids and electrics, it's an evolving and competitive trend that cannot be avoided. Similarly to the awe-inspiring Volkswagen GTI and GTD, Mercedes-Benz provides its customers with both petrol as well as diesel-powered versions for its E-Class.
Over a decade ago, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class became our 'white horse' with its diesel engines. Passengers were sceptical about hailing the luxurious cab due to its unknown pick-up price while drivers were busy cancelling or changing their cars' colour codes as no one wanted to be seen driving a white E-Class. Although we still see the Mercedes-Benz E-Class plying our local roads as cabs today, no one bothers anymore. Being cheap and ugly aren't exactly the reasons but, instead, it's due to the fact that they have already grown old and are being replaced with the ninth and latest generation model.
Dubbed as the W212, this Mercedes-Benz E-Class has an offering of the Charged Gasoline Injection (CGI) as well as the Common rail Direct Injection (CDI) engines - aka diesel-powered engines - opening up more doors for customers who prefer the idea of going green. After all the recent diesel-powered cars that we've been driving, the curiosity to find out if the E350 CDI can out-perform its petrol-powered sibling was overwhelming. Thus, reviewing the Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI BlueEfficiency was simply an inevitable circumstance.
Exterior
On first glance, the E350 is long and sleek, sharing a profile of a coupe rather than a saloon. The V-shaped bonnet is further complimented by the radical four independent headlamps that seem to be a better modified version from the previous
Over a decade ago, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class became our 'white horse' with its diesel engines. Passengers were sceptical about hailing the luxurious cab due to its unknown pick-up price while drivers were busy cancelling or changing their cars' colour codes as no one wanted to be seen driving a white E-Class. Although we still see the Mercedes-Benz E-Class plying our local roads as cabs today, no one bothers anymore. Being cheap and ugly aren't exactly the reasons but, instead, it's due to the fact that they have already grown old and are being replaced with the ninth and latest generation model.
Dubbed as the W212, this Mercedes-Benz E-Class has an offering of the Charged Gasoline Injection (CGI) as well as the Common rail Direct Injection (CDI) engines - aka diesel-powered engines - opening up more doors for customers who prefer the idea of going green. After all the recent diesel-powered cars that we've been driving, the curiosity to find out if the E350 CDI can out-perform its petrol-powered sibling was overwhelming. Thus, reviewing the Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI BlueEfficiency was simply an inevitable circumstance.
Exterior
On first glance, the E350 is long and sleek, sharing a profile of a coupe rather than a saloon. The V-shaped bonnet is further complimented by the radical four independent headlamps that seem to be a better modified version from the previous
|
oval-shaped ones, immediately creating a wide stance and a futuristic look for the luxury saloon.
While it somehow lacks the muscular purpose of the Audi A5 Sportback, the E350's striking front grille that's surrounded by a whole lot of chiselled lines make it unashamedly aggressive. But it has to be the string of diamond-looking fog lights that give the overall face a stylish and expensive outlook.
Unlike the front where drastic changes are sported, the transformations on the rear are more subtle. Still, it's easy to see that the taillights now extend to the boot area and are now more angular and appear to be like gemstones carved out with precision. Contoured lines that give the car a stable stance continue to flow throughout the body and they sure do not give the car justice through a two-dimensional photograph. It's an amazing work of art when the car is viewed in person, forcing you to wonder if the shell was made from just one entire mould.
Its newfound brawniness is accentuated by its sharp, bold and contemporary styling. The car's low stance enhances its stable and confident looks even when parked beside an Audi A5 and it simply makes many fellow German wheelers seem ordinary on the road.
|
Interior
A high driving position facing a neat but no less posh dashboard is easily arrived at when you slip in, courtesy of the electric seat and adjustable steering wheel. From there, visibility is superb, even for a pint-sized guy like me. It's so easy to judge distances because of the bonnet arrowed downwards.
Occupants will hardly find cheap plasticky bits in the cabin that bears the 'Avantgarde' label on the centre console. The quality and fit and finish are admirable, with matt silver finishing on the door panels and buttons that feel expensive to the touch. While you spend time being behind the steering wheel bearing the three-pointed star, you don't feel like a high-roller but, instead, a certain exclusivity.
It's a car that helps ease your mind after a long day in the office, more so if you're the passenger. The cabin is a serene and comfortable place to be in. Seats are cosseting to the core and they provide ample head and legroom all round. Regardless of the distance travelled in this cavalier, occupants are bound to enjoy the royal treatment with road and wind noise down to bare minimum.
A high driving position facing a neat but no less posh dashboard is easily arrived at when you slip in, courtesy of the electric seat and adjustable steering wheel. From there, visibility is superb, even for a pint-sized guy like me. It's so easy to judge distances because of the bonnet arrowed downwards.
Occupants will hardly find cheap plasticky bits in the cabin that bears the 'Avantgarde' label on the centre console. The quality and fit and finish are admirable, with matt silver finishing on the door panels and buttons that feel expensive to the touch. While you spend time being behind the steering wheel bearing the three-pointed star, you don't feel like a high-roller but, instead, a certain exclusivity.
It's a car that helps ease your mind after a long day in the office, more so if you're the passenger. The cabin is a serene and comfortable place to be in. Seats are cosseting to the core and they provide ample head and legroom all round. Regardless of the distance travelled in this cavalier, occupants are bound to enjoy the royal treatment with road and wind noise down to bare minimum.
And not forgetting that the E350 sips on black gold, the clatter is almost nonexistent it makes you wonder if it's really a CDI badge attached behind and not a CGI.
Much thought was also given to the boot area. Although it appears to be somewhat small when viewed from the outside, it's deep enough to haul your golf and shoe bags. And if want to keep your cabin document-free, the slot in the boot may just be a fresh alternative for you.
Much thought was also given to the boot area. Although it appears to be somewhat small when viewed from the outside, it's deep enough to haul your golf and shoe bags. And if want to keep your cabin document-free, the slot in the boot may just be a fresh alternative for you.
|
The Drive
One would expect the diesel-fuelled car to be a sloth but in real world driving conditions the E350 has a whole lot of punch to it that can knock you out cold. It's no surprise actually, given the fact that the 3.0-litre is powered by a monstrous V6 that packs a maximum power of 265bhp and a stunning figure of 620Nm of torque.
Torque is literally on tap that's not lost even in cog changes. Exert pressure on the accelerator pedal and the executive saloon completes the naught to hundred timing in 6.2 seconds but it never fails to feel quicker than what the official time would suggest. We reckon it's this instantaneous response that truly sets the car apart from its peers.
The steering provides feedback and remains obedient and alert to the driver's commands but it could do with more weight. It feels a tad too light for enthusiastic driving and doesn't inspire enough confidence to push it through a series of bends. And should you decide to be stubborn, the safety features on board won't.
The Attention Assist System that came with the test car sounded the alarm when a hazardous lane change was spotted And when it detected a drop in attention, the steering wheel vibrated to alert me - a feature that drivers can certainly use on our back-to-back road conditions.
One would expect the diesel-fuelled car to be a sloth but in real world driving conditions the E350 has a whole lot of punch to it that can knock you out cold. It's no surprise actually, given the fact that the 3.0-litre is powered by a monstrous V6 that packs a maximum power of 265bhp and a stunning figure of 620Nm of torque.
Torque is literally on tap that's not lost even in cog changes. Exert pressure on the accelerator pedal and the executive saloon completes the naught to hundred timing in 6.2 seconds but it never fails to feel quicker than what the official time would suggest. We reckon it's this instantaneous response that truly sets the car apart from its peers.
The steering provides feedback and remains obedient and alert to the driver's commands but it could do with more weight. It feels a tad too light for enthusiastic driving and doesn't inspire enough confidence to push it through a series of bends. And should you decide to be stubborn, the safety features on board won't.
The Attention Assist System that came with the test car sounded the alarm when a hazardous lane change was spotted And when it detected a drop in attention, the steering wheel vibrated to alert me - a feature that drivers can certainly use on our back-to-back road conditions.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI is fast and frugal while retaining its elegance on the road. Although the car impressed us with its performance as a diesel drinker, the annual tax may prove to be a tad tough to swallow. Drivers will be paying $6,104 per annum for the E350 CDI instead of $3,164 for the petrol-fuelled E350.
But if you reckon that's worth being green, the stealthy E350 CDI is an alternative for drivers with a taste for automotive excellence.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI is fast and frugal while retaining its elegance on the road. Although the car impressed us with its performance as a diesel drinker, the annual tax may prove to be a tad tough to swallow. Drivers will be paying $6,104 per annum for the E350 CDI instead of $3,164 for the petrol-fuelled E350.
But if you reckon that's worth being green, the stealthy E350 CDI is an alternative for drivers with a taste for automotive excellence.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Car Information
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon E350 CDI Avantgarde Diesel (A)
CAT B|Petrol|16.4km/L
Horsepower
198kW (265 bhp)
Torque
620 Nm
Acceleration
-
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon
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