We awarded Mercedes’ new executive saloon five stars in 2.0-litre E 220d diesel form, thanks to its vastly improved refinement and tech. But can the more powerful V6 diesel in the E 350d follow in its sibling’s footsteps?
It has the same classy cabin and strong build quality as the E 220d, while buyers opting for the larger engine get plenty of extra kit. Air-suspension is standard, as is the upgraded COMAND Online sat-nav system with a larger 12.3-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus larger 18-inch alloy wheels.
The AMG Line version we drove also features sportier styling and even bigger 19-inch alloys, but despite the wheels, the E-Class feels compliant with the suspension in Comfort mode. With 254bhp and 620Nm of torque available from the 3.0-litre V6, the car covers 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds, while the spread of torque gives effortless overtaking performance, helped by the nine-speed auto box’s seamless shifts.
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Push the throttle to the floor, and you get a hushed rumble as the engine revs. The long-legged performance suits the car’s loping ride nicely – in fact, it’s so refined that it builds speed deceptively quickly. However, the E-Class isn’t the most dynamic exec saloon around. Weighing 120kg more than the entry-level E 220d, the E 350d doesn’t turn in quite as keenly as its sibling, but at least the quick steering enables you to lean on the available grip.
It feels planted and safe, too, but comfort and quality are where this car’s main talents lie. Tech like Mercedes’ autonomous Drive Pilot is part of the £1,695 Driving Assistance Plus pack, and it makes long journeys a breeze. The automatic lane changing function isn’t available in the UK, though.
With a 540-litre boot, the E-Class offers as much luggage space as the Jaguar XF and 20 litres more than the BMW 5 Series, while there’s also more room inside than in its rivals.
In fact, the cabin is one of the saloon’s biggest draws. Go for the twin 12.3-inch displays, and these combine with the sumptuous, tech-filled interior to make the car feel like the most upmarket choice in its class.
- Model: Mercedes E 350d AMG Line
- Price: £44,930
- Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel
- Power: 254bhp
- Torque: 620Nm
- Transmission: Nine-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
- 0-62mph: 5.9 seconds
- Top speed: 155mph
- Economy: 54.3mpg
- CO2: 136g/km
- On sale: Now