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Posted on: Jul 04 2007

Mercedes-E-Class

The latest Merc in the stable came here just a few months after it made its debut in Europe, replacing the solid but unspectacular old E-class. Launched in 2002, it heralded a return to Mercedes-Benz's traditional build quality, while reaching new heights of driver enjoyment.

Design, Engineering and Interiors:
The E-class is a clean, handsome design, with sleek, flowing lines. It has the old E's four oval headlamps, but these are now sleeker and flattened, which look more sporty, the entire nose is smaller and lower, the rear very purposeful and muscular. This is the epitome of the modern Mercedes — solid-looking, yet with a new aggression and panache.

The E is a superbly engineered car, one of the safest in the world, and with typical Merc electro-wizardry under the very tough but surprisingly light metal. It uses aluminium extensively, and is much more weight-effective than the old car, but is even safer. This uses the radical Sensotronic Brake Control system seen in the SL500, which brakes each wheel individually, to provide excellent braking and balance, as well as the usual ABS and ESP systems.

The cabin is very impressive — slightly tighter than the old car but far more charming and modern. With an art deco-meets-the-new-millennium design, the fascia looks stunning. It is superbly crafted, and quality standards are easily what you'd expect from a Mercedes, save for a few buttons which look flimsy.

Attention to detail and equipment lists are both outstanding, and it's a clear, intuitive environment for the driver. The dials are excellent — with innovative, bar-like fuel and temperature gauges that save space.

Performance, Fuel Economy and Handling:  
The E-class is available with two petrol engines: the E200K and the new E280, and one new diesel, the E280 CDI. Power on the E280CDI is up to 190bhp from 173bhp on the E270 CDI, and its low-end torque is unbelievable. Being a V6, the engine is very refined, more so than the E270CDI. The best bit is that it’s a diesel, and fuel economy is decent too.

The E200 K petrol is the entry-level car, sharing an engine with the smaller C200 K, the ‘affordable’ step into E-class luxury. This engine is probably just a bit too small, and doesn’t have the effortless performance, so much a part of the E’s character. Performance is adequate, but overtaking takes some effort, and even efficiency goes down because the engine has to strain so much. As a result, it only manages 6.2 and 9.9kpl.

The E280 is powered by a 3.0-litre V6, which puts out a whopping 231bhp — this engine is extremely refined, and is a relatively low-compression engine, which is better suited to Indian fuel. Large-bore pistons are used for quick responses to throttle inputs. The creaminess of the engine is quite amazing — even the red line is reached with only a muted purr.

The five-speed automatic works seamlessly in city traffic, but although it has more than enough power, it’s not a tarmac-ripper. Fuel economy is decent. Where the E truly excels is in its dynamics. This is one of the first Mercs truly designed for driving pleasure, and it is a huge leap over the old E. It is sharp, accurate and responds superbly, the steering well weighted and returning the right amount of feedback. It also feels unshakeable at high speeds, and rolls very little, even during spirited cornering. It’s a big car, but it shrinks around you, and has immense grip, which makes it highly confidence-inspiring.
The E-class rides somewhat stiffly, especially at low speeds, where the suspension will jiggle you softly, even rock the car from side to side. This harshness disappears at speed, and overall, road quality is perceptible, but comfort levels remain high. The E280 CDI has been given a stiffer suspension to handle all the power, which makes for a slightly harsher ride than in the other two, but even this is barely perceptible.

Verdict:
At this price, you expect blue-riband service and quality, but of late there have been reliability issues with these cars. Plus, servicing and spares are astonishingly expensive, and running costs in general are very high. Discounts are non-existent.
Source: autocarindia.com