2017 Mercedes E-Class E350d Engine and Performance

The 3.0 litre V6 diesel motor in the E350d is brilliant. It is so refined that it is super silent in the cabin. The insulation levels are fantastic and even when you stand outside next to the car, the clatter is not very prominent. Acceleration from the word go is super smooth and there is no roughness even at the red line. Instead you do get a nice engine note that is pleasant on the ears. The nine speed dual clutch gearbox is an absolute gem and the E-Class cruises in a delightful manner at 1500 rpm in Comfort. Dynamic Select offers five driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and individual. The engine develops 258 bhp at 3400 rpm and a very healthy 620 Nm torque that comes in from just 1600 rpm.  This car is really meant to be driven in a sedate manner, that’s the best way to enjoy the new E-Class. But still if you need that kick, the Sport and Sport+ modes should find your fancy. The car is quick and you soon forget that you are driving a five metre long luxobarge. It suddenly shrinks around you. Mercedes claims a 0 to 100 kph timing of 6.6 seconds and it has a top speed of 250 kph.

2017 Mercedes E-Class E350d Handling and Safety

Handling is a bit of a mixed bag. There is noticeable body roll in Comfort mode and you suddenly feel the size of the vehicle. We would recommend Sport and Sport+ modes for spirited driving where the steering feels better, suspension feels more tight and body roll is under control. The new Mercedes E-Class features air suspension all round, although only in the E350d. In Comfort mode, the ride feels like you are on a magic carpet floating in the air. The suspension just soaks up the bad patches and undulations on our roads. The ground clearance can be raised by 25 mm via a button on the centre console and that helps clearing some nasty speed breakers that you may encounter. That said, the E-Class didn’t scrape any of the speed breakers that we drove over.

On the safety front, the new E-Class comes with 7 airbags. Additionally, it gets the PRE-SAFE safety system, Adaptive Brake Lights, Electronic Stability Control and Attention Assist.

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