
The Mercedes E-Class advertises itself as a unique car that’s engineered unlike any of the others. This may have been the case with the W124, but it might not be as much with the E-Class vehicle. Offered in four body styles: estate, convertible, coupe, or saloon, the E-Class is also diversified in terms of engine capability. The latest addition is the E300 BlueTec Hybrid. This engine combines the E250CDI’s 201bhp diesel and the 27bhp electric motor. A 0.8kWh lithium ion battery powers the motor.
Pros
The current E-Class design combines both new and old design elements. There’s the familiar angular lines of the C-Class; for the other model, there’s the traditional three-box saloon profile. Although the saloon appear slightly dumpy in the darker colours, the other three models look more attractive from doing away with the high set boot and chunky C-Pillar. The front still sports a similar frontal theme until the A-pillar, yet this time there are sleeker finishes to the rear.
The estate’s larger size is maximized, with the interior capacity much larger and the third row bench added to turn it into a seven seater. There’s also a sportier look for the Avantagardes, while the Sports get larger wheels and an AMG-like bodystyling. Other great details in the E-Class include better airflow for a cleaner interior.
The interior effortlessly combines form and function. The rear seats are more than comfortable and offer enough space for tall passengers. This is quite an improvement for the convertible and coupe models. The boots on all variations have better luggage capacity and are square shaped for better bulk storage.
The best engine in the Mercedes E-Class is the 250CDI. Don’t be fooled by its specs: at 201bhp, it can arrive at 60mph in 7.7 seconds. Although not as exciting as other faster engines, this isn’t the kind of engine you drive fast for kicks. Since the E-Class targets a more practical market, then the specs do more than initially expected. The vehicle also performs well while overtaking and it doesn’t feel off along cross-country routes. Overall, E-Class engines offer a refined performance via its top-notch aerodynamics. Road and wind noise is also kept quiet, so you won’t need to worry about distractions on wider and emptier roads. If you want something gaster than the 250CDI, then the E300 BlueTec arrives at 62mph in just 7.5 seconds. The small difference could mean a lot for certain drivers. Compared to the 250, however, the E300 feels smoother and more efficient to drive. You can maintain any speed smoothly with both these engines and transition into a stop thanks to the modulated brake pedal.
Cons
There are some downsides to the design. There are no standard folding seats at the rear of the estate. The interior also sports poor visibility along the saloon’s rear, making it difficult for drivers to see adjacent cars. The driving position is also offset but thankfully the adjustment for the height and back make up for this minor mishap. You just have to adjust the seat accordingly to find the best angle for your body and height.
What do you think?
(Average rating: 5 , Total rates: 2 )