Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2005 Review

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 TORQUE

Power source

THE 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 home

THE 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 sport

A 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.