The E is a marvelously 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 broadly, 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 breaks each wheel individually, to provide excellent braking and balance, as well as the usual ABS and ESP systems. 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.

 

The cabin is very impressive — slightly tighter than the old car but far more charming and modern. It is superbly crafted, and quality standards are maintained. The rack and pinion steering delivers razor sharp turn-ins but it falls a bit short of the drive-by-brain feel that has made BMWs the ultimate driving machines. But do remember that the ride quality on offer and handling is already overlapping 5 Series territory, and that too, quite comfortably. 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.

 

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 incredible. Being a V6, the engine is very refined, more so than the E270CDI. The diesel’s fuel economy is decent.

 

The E200 K petrol is the entry-level car, sharing an engine with the smaller C200 K. 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 enormous 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.

 

Standard 7G-TRONIC, the world first mass produced seven-speed automatic gearbox, also plays a big role in improving accelerative performance, reducing the time taken for the 100kmph sprint and also contributing to better roll-on figures. Kick downs are much quicker with the transmission going down two gears, if necessary, for instance from seventh to fifth and fifth to third to deliver better acceleration by skipping on two intermediate shifts. Shift quality, already of a very high order, improves still further with barely discernible shifts and it also incorporates a manual over-ride function where you can go through the six ratios by tapping the gear lever left or right. The gearbox uses a magnesium casing, again a first in volume production, to reduce weight.

 

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.

 

The E-class rides somewhat stiffly, especially at low speeds, where the suspension will wiggle 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.

Filed under: Mercedes Cars in India