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7 Sep 2009

Pleasantville: Mercedes-Benz E 300 (Avantgarde)

Mercedes-Benz E 300 is the eight-generation E Class with tomorrow’s technology wrapped in a styling that carries references to the model’s rich heritage. 

Make: Mercedes Benz 

Model: E 300 (Avantgarde)

Release Date: August 2009

Price: S$220,888

Mercedes threw everything but the kitchen sink at replacing the new E-class, it seems to have blended traditional cores E-class values like safety, packaging and limo-ride quality with new found qualities like excellent handling, first rate comfort creatures, environmental credentials and a cabin infused with high-quality materials. 
Crucially it comes more than a year ahead of the next generations of BMW 5-series and Audi A6. And it needs to formidable as there seems to be large grounds that need to be recovered. The out-going bug-eyed model was dogged with quality and even image problems. 
This week’s featured E 300 centrals its exterior design on the stunning Fascination concept car from last year’s Paris show. The rakish-modernist cues like the Rhomnboid headlamps, crease sharp suited lines and the pointy front-end gives the E-class it’s most distinctive frontal appearance since the W124 (1985-1995) E-class. 
Rear guards attempts to evoke memories of the 1953 “Ponton” Mercedes and the upright c-pillar does impart a greater sense of formality and conservatism, the E 300 marries E-class ancestors cues and current Mercedes design signatures very successfully. Little fussy in places but nonetheless a very smart looking E-class.   
Despite have a slightly busy exterior design, the large sedan has something in common with the green boots, Toyota Prius. No, it’s not the forecoming diesel hybrid versions. Rather it’s how aerodynamic the E-class is; a co-drag of 0.25, which is better than any other luxury sedan. For the record, it would take the hunchback-looking Prius to match that.  
Powering the E 300 is a 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine that majors on refinement as it certainly does not feel as fast as 231 horsepower would have led you to believe. The V6 needs to be revved to deliver, somewhere above 4500 rpm, where the acoustic refinement that is not quite up to the Mercedes standard. Add the super smooth seven-speed auto transmission and the long travel accelerator to the equation; it cements the E-class “gentlemen” setup under most driving situations. 
  
While the previous model feels a bit stodgy to drive and is akin to terminal understeer and body roll, the new E 300’s driving experience has been transformed into a well-judged dynamic driving package. The speed sensitive steering has more weight and feel than key rivals like the Audi A6 and BMW 5-series. 
Despite retaining the similar setup of Macpherson front axle/multi-link rear, the E 300 has achieved a vast improvement. Featuring the ‘direct control’ dampers first seen on the C-class, Mercedes has given the E-class’s handling abilities to be on par with the BMW 5-series, while maintaining a limo-like ride.  Seems like the boys are still on a roll after the successful C-class, the E-class may not have the most explosive engine plant, but it does everything else better than it’s key rivals. 
In face of a stylish Audi A6 interior and the techy BMW’s interior, Mercedes finally has an interior that is modern and contemporary. First, for all V6 models, the gearbox is on the column to create space for the biggest pairs of cupholders from a European car maker. (Americans will love this Merc!) The command system is intuitive to operate and in general, the ergonomics is spot on. Other than these basics, the conversation piece would be ‘soft waterfall lighting’ along the trailing edges of the trimwork. For some time now, E-class interior had always been solid and spacious. Now add stylish, well toyed-up and sumptuous to feel. 
The E 300 is an epitome of dynamic balance, a sublime ride comfort wrapped in a sensible and now, rather stylish and clever package. If Pleasantville ever exist, this Benz will be in it. If they can stomach the S$220,888 price tag and that is without raiding the options list. 
For now, the boys at Mercedes can rest easy in Pleasantville, where the economy is always on the upward trend. Job well done.  
Engine 2,996 V6 
Transmission Seven-speed automatic
Wheels Driven Rear
Max. Power 231 bhp@ 6000rpm
Max. Torque 300 Nm@2500-5000 rpm
0-100 km/h 7.4 secs
Top speed 242 km/h
Fuel Economy NA
CO2 Emissions NA
Dimensions (L x W x H) / Weight 4868 mm X 1854mm X 1470 mm / NA
Price with COE* S$220,888

讀者回應

回應#1於於2009-09-07 15:41被作者刪除。
2. 2009-09-07 18:48  
Something makes me think 'Lexus', upon first glance....
3. 2009-09-08 16:08  
True, the exterior's clunky-clumsy apperance is more an Asian trait, albeit its more tickling than the glibby appearance of the whole Audi family that is so boring in Europe by now, it feels like a slippery eel.
Put in the lack of any real green credentials that match those of its arch rival BMW and you quickly understand why the Eclass is not selling well at all here. But ok, Asian auto nitwits will probably just by it for the bonnet.
4. 2009-09-08 23:39  
The rear is ugly.
5. 2009-09-09 04:57  
still the same taste, headlamp modified!
6. 2009-09-09 04:58  
looks more for uncle or auntie....
7. 2009-09-09 10:13  
dears it is an exquisite car, one ride in it will shut everyone up... we are localizing the instrument panel and I must admit its the toughest quality standards we have ever had to adhere to.. a major challenge

another great article from Linus!
8. 2009-09-11 23:57  
I think the old W211 E-Class was still a fantastic car, and I'm not a big fan of Mercedes' new direction in both exterior and interior design. I guess that would make me the odd one out though :S
9. 2009-09-12 09:09  
the e class coupe is mouth watering. . v nice.
10. 2009-09-20 04:31  
Weak design inside and out, boring engines. Coasting on the brand's reputation.
11. 2009-09-20 10:46  
meh
12. 2009-09-30 17:20  
darlings, i had the opportunity to touch and feel the new e-class when i was in singapore recently, at paragon shopping centre to be exact. of course i was excited and interested to find out more about the new interior as i read so much on how solid it was and how much the interior have been improved upon but alas it was not up to the general hype nor my expectation. it looked and felt like a bigger version of the new c-class which i regretably bought after many years of loyal bmw ownership. so sweeties, i guess i will be reverting back to bmw when the new 5-series comes out. ps no doubt the new c-class and e-class are beautifully designed, especially the exterior but the drive is no where as rewarding as a beemer.

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