2005 Mercedes-Benz E350 Reviews

While the new BMW 5 Series is not far off the E-Class in the sales race, the addition of the E350 to the range has given the Benz plenty of ammunition. The new 3.5-litre V6, also beneath the snout of the SLK and soon to power other models, generates 200kW of power – a 21 per cent increase over the outgoing 320.But its maximum torque of 350Nm has more impact, available from 2400rpm through 5000rpm. The new V6 is teamed with a seven-speed gearbox, which may seem like an overly large number of ratios given the excellent torque spread of motor, but the seven ratios keep the engine within its most usable range of revolutions.The sound system is one of the better ones, but the brake-by-wire system still lacks pedal feel.The information systems, controlled by the buttons on the wheel, provide a myriad of functions – even a compass – with the trip computer leaving little to chance when it came to examining the V6's thirst.At the end of my 900km in the $124,500 E350, it's overall fuel consumption figure was a frugal 9.3 litres/100km, with an average speed of 62km/h. The 80-litre tank had carried sufficient fuel to look after more than 800km of driving, including some metropolitan work, a hand-timed 0-100km/h sprint which showed MB's 6.9 second claimed time is on the money, and the odd test of overtaking abilities.SMALL TORQUEPower sourceTHE new V6 engine has variable camshaft adjustment on both the intake and exhaust sides, as well as a variable-length intake manifold that is engine-speed sensitive. The new engine is able to deliver 87 per cent of its maximum 350Nm of torque at 1500rpm.At homeTHE Mercedes-Benz E-Class has found more than 6000 Australian homes since August, 2002. Over 45 per cent of Australian customers opted for the E320 over this period of time.New sportA SPORTS package is now available for all petrol models except the E240. Features include 18in alloy wheels, silver-painted brake callipers and perforated discs at the front, polished stainless steel oval exhaust tailpipes, a four-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons, stainless steel pedals and footrest, and sports-tuned suspension and exhaust systems.

In fact, the new engine and transmission in the Mercedes-Benz E350 will take a lot more enthusiasm from the driver.Mercedes has engineered the E350 for a low level of by-drive noise with just a hint of V6 harmonics in the cabin.Yet the 3.5-litre powerplant introduced in the S-Class last year has 25kW more power than its E320 predecessor with a wide spread of 350Nm of torque.So even when it is copping a caning from an enthusiastic driver, passengers would not be able to discern an appreciable increase in engine volume in the cabin.And the power comes on smoothly, thanks to the seven-speed gearbox, called 7G-TRONIC, which was introduced last year.It will down-change up to four gears at a go, so a punch from the right foot instantly yields results.The E320 was the multiple winner of The Courier-Mail Luxury Car of the Year segment over several years before the category was dropped last year. And most of its elements remain to win strong approval from those in the market for a luxury saloon. There is a luxurious cabin with plenty of leg room for all passengers, soft leather upholstery and a high level of walnut-trimmed appointments.Both driver and front passenger seats have electrical adjustment with three memory positions and the driver's side even incorporates steering wheel, mirrors and seat.That means if you are swapping vehicles it only takes the push of a button to have all the driving ergonomics just how you like them, no matter who was in the car before you.The sound system is truly high-fidelity and able to be fully appreciated, thanks to the quiet cabin.And a larger 80-litre tank now means you can stay in that luxury leather-lined cabin longer. The Elegance Package also features: light alloy 13-hole design wheels, auto dimming interior and driver's side exterior mirror, burr walnut trim with chrome highlights, illuminated vanity mirrors, and seatbelts and steering wheel that matches the colour to interior appointments.Mercedes currently is weathering a storm of 1.3 million recalls worldwide which has affected SL and E-Class vehicles.In Australia, 12,228 cars will be affected including the E350.Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman Toni Andreevski said two matters related to the electronic brakes which were a safety recall.He said other matters of voltage regulation and alternator operation would be handled when the car went in for its routine service.However, he pointed out that Dr Eckhard Cordes, who took over as head of Mercedes-Benz in October 2004, was determined to return the German marque's quality reputation to the top of its field.

Not when the V6 in question puts out almost as much power and torque as much larger eight cylinder engines.What's more, it's so smooth.This is the same engine that has been finding its way into other Benz models as they have been upgraded, notably the super slick SLK 350.The 3.5-litre V6 supersedes the previous 160kW 3.2-litre power plant, taking the car to an entirely new plain.The new aluminium engine puts out 21 per cent more power and 11 per cent more torque, at 200kW and 350Nm.Maximum torque is available from a low 2400rpm and 87 per cent of kicks in from 1500rpm, providing plenty of oomph for overtaking.As a result the car can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.Equally amazing is the E350's outstanding fuel economy which in our test car averaged 11.3 litres per 100km.With the trip computer showing 530km and distance to empty at 250km, this gives the car a range of close to 800km.That's impressive, particularly for a car of this size.Transmission is a tipshift style seven-speed auto, with comfort and sport settings.That's two more cogs (count them) than the previous model.We had a play with he tip shift which is useful for retarding the car's speed on long downhills.But really, with this many gears and an engine of this calibre it is just easy and almost as satisfying to leave the tranny in D.While we're on the subject of the trans- mission, we do have one gripe.With the car parked at the top of an embankment, reverse gear was very slow to take up, forcing us to hit the brakes to prevent the car from rolling over the edge and down the hill.Definitely not a good look.We tried a second time with the same result, eventually having to gun the engine and nearly running into a car behind us in the process.Inside and out the finish is first rate, with simple easy to read dials.We particularly liked the dash setting which gave a constant readout the car's direction and name of the street, without the need to make reference to the satellite navigation.About the only thing we found disappointing about the car (at least Mrs Riley did) was the lack of heated front seats.The cheaper Volkswagen that we gave up for the big Benz had them.Would have liked more storage up front too. Finding places for everything from the VeeDubb was a challenge.The E350's standard equipment is extensive and includes climate air and leather upholstery, and driver and front passenger electrically adjustable seats, with three memory positions (driver's side incorporates steering wheel, mirrors and seat).Safety gear includes six airbags, ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and the car scores a five-star safety rating.COMAND (cockpit management and data) system is also standard and includes DVD navigation and DVD player.The Mercedes-Benz E350 is priced form $124,500. 

Such is the case with the impressive new 3.5-litre V6 that first saw the light of day in the gorgeous SLK350 late last year and now resides under the bonnet of the mid-size E350 sedan.Even better is the fact that the new donk does the same for the E-Class as it did for the SLK – makes it go really well and use less fuel into the bargain.It is arguably the gun 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine on the planet at this point in time delivering some 200kW of power and 350Nm of torque in a smooth and unruffled way.In the SLK, it is capable of putting down mid five second 0-100km times. In the E350 it's not quite as rapid due to size and weight penalties with the big body but the E350 still goes like a scalded cat.The 0-100kmh time, always a good barometer to overall performance and response, is a mid six second affair but the real appeal is in refinement and mid-range response. The whole effort is aided buy a seven speed automatic that is virtually seamless in operation.You'd expect this level of performance from Benz especially for the $124k ask and it delivers in spades.The E350 replaces the E320 that pales into insignificance compared to the newcomer.There's a Sports pack available for the E350 that sharpens up various functions for more enthusiastic drivers looking for an engaging feel. It comprises interior enhancements, 18in wheels, drilled discs, bigger tail pipes and body aero add ons.Fuel consumption is down to a claimed average of 9.7litres/100km for the sedan, slightly more for the wagon.The all alloy engine boasts variable valve timing and four valves a cylinder both of which help performance and fuel economy.Having seven ratios in the transmission no doubt helps too and also boosts acceleration and throttle response. This tranny is never caught out in the wrong ratio and there is a sequential shift mode, side to side on the selector stick.On a searching drive of the new E350, I found the car to be supple and steady, offering an uncanny combination of soft ride but flat cornering. The steering is too light but every other dynamic function is right on the pace.I was particularly impressed by the silky smooth transmission and the engine pick-up. It is like a sewing machine and delivers plenty of oomph from idle to redline at 7000rpm.The car is big and weighty at around 1700kg but there's copious rear seat legroom and the boot is large. It's great to drive, even on winding alpine roads and then backs up as a smooth sophisticate capable of carrying five in luxury.