Topic: Test Drive: 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 4Matic Sedan

[Autos_Editor]

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan is a classic executive sedan, but might be too mild-mannered for many luxury shoppers.

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[tpl]

I think that is the best looking M-B I have seen for years. I could see the budget running to one of those but I agree with the review that the diesel would be even better... but that becomes an E350 Bluetec at $6k more.

Anyway with tax it is still nigh on $70K

[OliverD]

It's unfortunate that MB doesn't offer 4Matic and a diesel powertrain together in the E-class.

Also, now that a four-cylinder diesel is offered in the GLK, it might make sense to offer C250 and E250 Bluetec models here.

[Northernridge]

Nice review. You guys have described the exact reasons that I bought the Berlin taxi, I couldn't have found better words (I guess that's why you're the pros). I've had mine since May and other than the car being a little too large (did you notice how wide it seemed?) and a few quibbles I've been happy.

My last car was the previous body E300 with the old 3.0 and it was a little sluggish which is part of the reason I went with the 350...the DI 3.5 is a decent engine. The Sport/Economy button only affects the transmission as far as I know but it really changes the behaviour of the car. My car also has the 'sport' option (they need a more accurate word) which includes larger cross drilled front brakes, stiffer suspension and 18" wheels...I think the net is a slightly worse ride, less attractive wheels...slightly tighter in the corners though.

Fun sidebar: When I bought my new car the E300 had just arrived at the dealership and I had to argue with two MB sales people that the new E300 had a 3.5 and not the old 3.0. They insisted that I was wrong and the engine was still the 3.0. Best part was that they were shocked/aghast that a MB customer would even assert a technical spec. detail.

Twice now I've opted for AWD over the diesel...I always second guess this decision until winter comes. I love driving the car on cold days with snow-packed roads (with snows). Mercedes has figured out winter performance plus the car (at least my previous one) easily overcomes our -35c temps with fast, thorough interior heat, best heated seats I've ever experienced and of course the heated steering wheel.

Interesting the mileage you experienced (10.7?) After 4,500km I've averaged 10.2 and I think I'm heavy on the gas pedal.

Anyhow, there are other good cars in the this segment (5 Series and I'm increasingly curious about the new GS) but the E350 makes for a fantastic daily driver for me...great way to begin and conclude the workday.

[Mike]

I love the pop-up hood ornament

[redman]

Nice review. You guys have described the exact reasons that I bought the Berlin taxi, I couldn't have found better words (I guess that's why you're the pros). I've had mine since May and other than the car being a little too large (did you notice how wide it seemed?) and a few quibbles I've been happy.

My last car was the previous body E300 with the old 3.0 and it was a little sluggish which is part of the reason I went with the 350...the DI 3.5 is a decent engine. The Sport/Economy button only affects the transmission as far as I know but it really changes the behaviour of the car. My car also has the 'sport' option (they need a more accurate word) which includes larger cross drilled front brakes, stiffer suspension and 18" wheels...I think the net is a slightly worse ride, less attractive wheels...slightly tighter in the corners though.

Fun sidebar: When I bought my new car the E300 had just arrived at the dealership and I had to argue with two MB sales people that the new E300 had a 3.5 and not the old 3.0. They insisted that I was wrong and the engine was still the 3.0. Best part was that they were shocked/aghast that a MB customer would even assert a technical spec. detail.

Twice now I've opted for AWD over the diesel...I always second guess this decision until winter comes. I love driving the car on cold days with snow-packed roads (with snows). Mercedes has figured out winter performance plus the car (at least my previous one) easily overcomes our -35c temps with fast, thorough interior heat, best heated seats I've ever experienced and of course the heated steering wheel.

Interesting the mileage you experienced (10.7?) After 4,500km I've averaged 10.2 and I think I'm heavy on the gas pedal.

Anyhow, there are other good cars in the this segment (5 Series and I'm increasingly curious about the new GS) but the E350 makes for a fantastic daily driver for me...great way to begin and conclude the workday.

Having experienced new diesels in Europe, I could see your desire to want one here but the fact that you live in a -35c climate at times of the year. I think the petrol version was your best bet, considering diesels gelling properties at extremely cold temps. I'm aware of anti-gelling agents, but you would also have to plug in your diesel daily/nightly via block heater for optimum starts.

[Soram6275]

It's unfortunate that MB doesn't offer 4Matic and a diesel powertrain together in the E-class.

Also, now that a four-cylinder diesel is offered in the GLK, it might make sense to offer C250 and E250 Bluetec models here.

Currently no four-cylinder diesel is offered in the GLK, at least not for the 2012 model and not in Canada.

[Snowman]

I think that is the best looking M-B I have seen for years. I could see the budget running to one of those but I agree with the review that the diesel would be even better... but that becomes an E350 Bluetec at $6k more.

Anyway with tax it is still nigh on $70K

  Best looking Benz but I have always liked the E Class.

[Fobroader]

AWD is overated  

[Northernridge]

AWD is overated  

I checked the manual, the E63 has an actual button on the console to shut off the ESP. I have to delve into the driver safety functions in the menu display to find and disable it on the 350.

In summary...no hope (AWD) multiplied by no hope (can't readily access the ESP shut off) = no drifting.

[Fobroader]

AWD is overated  

I checked the manual, the E63 has an actual button on the console to shut off the ESP. I have to delve into the driver safety functions in the menu display to find and disable it on the 350.

In summary...no hope (AWD) multiplied by no hope (can't readily access the ESP shut off) = no drifting.

Im just kidding, Id take a 4Matic if I was buying a Benz as well, drifting is all fun and great, but living in the praieries, 400 horsepower+rwd=put it in the barn for the winter. Id much rather have a car I can use year round.

[Mike]

AWD is overated  

I checked the manual, the E63 has an actual button on the console to shut off the ESP. I have to delve into the driver safety functions in the menu display to find and disable it on the 350.

In summary...no hope (AWD) multiplied by no hope (can't readily access the ESP shut off) = no drifting.

I was quite surprised when I found an actually button to disable the ESP on the SLK 55 AMG

[Northernridge]

AWD is overated  

I checked the manual, the E63 has an actual button on the console to shut off the ESP. I have to delve into the driver safety functions in the menu display to find and disable it on the 350.

In summary...no hope (AWD) multiplied by no hope (can't readily access the ESP shut off) = no drifting.

I was quite surprised when I found an actually button to disable the ESP on the SLK 55 AMG

I was embarrassed the other day when someone posted the thread about driving with the ESP off...I realized that I didn't even know how to do that on my car! Had to read the manual when I got home.

What have I become?

[Fobroader]

AWD is overated  

I checked the manual, the E63 has an actual button on the console to shut off the ESP. I have to delve into the driver safety functions in the menu display to find and disable it on the 350.

In summary...no hope (AWD) multiplied by no hope (can't readily access the ESP shut off) = no drifting.

I was quite surprised when I found an actually button to disable the ESP on the SLK 55 AMG

I was embarrassed the other day when someone posted the thread about driving with the ESP off...I realized that I didn't even know how to do that on my car! Had to read the manual when I got home.

What have I become?

I think the bigger problem is why the hell MB would make it that difficult to shut off the nannies!!!

[OliverD]

It's unfortunate that MB doesn't offer 4Matic and a diesel powertrain together in the E-class.

Also, now that a four-cylinder diesel is offered in the GLK, it might make sense to offer C250 and E250 Bluetec models here.

Currently no four-cylinder diesel is offered in the GLK, at least not for the 2012 model and not in Canada.

It's a new model for 2013: http://www.autos.ca/first-drives/first-drive-2013-mercedes-benz-glk-class/

[huota]

Nice review. You guys have described the exact reasons that I bought the Berlin taxi, I couldn't have found better words (I guess that's why you're the pros). I've had mine since May and other than the car being a little too large (did you notice how wide it seemed?) and a few quibbles I've been happy.

On our recent trip to Berlin, we caught the previous generation E-class taxi on the way to the hotel. On way back to the airport we caught the current model and I can confirm that the backseat is more accommodating (wider) for three people than the previous model. 

[nsmyhte]

How come this thing has less power than the old non-direct injected engine which had 268hp.  Does Mercedes really think they can insult our intelligence and that we'll buy anything with a 3-pointed star on it?

[OliverD]

How come this thing has less power than the old non-direct injected engine which had 268hp.  Does Mercedes really think they can insult our intelligence and that we'll buy anything with a 3-pointed star on it?

Because it's an entry level model that's priced significantly less than the E350. Makes more sense to use this motor than the less powerful 3.0 they used before. This same 3.5 liter motor is also in the 2013 C300, FWIW.

[nsmyhte]

How come this thing has less power than the old non-direct injected engine which had 268hp.  Does Mercedes really think they can insult our intelligence and that we'll buy anything with a 3-pointed star on it?

Because it's an entry level model that's priced significantly less than the E350. Makes more sense to use this motor than the less powerful 3.0 they used before. This same 3.5 liter motor is also in the 2013 C300, FWIW.

Why couldn't they just keep the old 268hp engine as the base engine?  That 3.0L was a boat anchor anyways so I'm glad Mercedes finally droped it. 

251hp from a 3.5L engine is pathetic by 2012 standards, especially from Mercedes.  Correct me if I'm wrong but this may be the least powerful 3.5L engine in any 2012 car.  Mercedes should be ashamed.

[Vanstar]

My business partner has a 2011 E350 and I have driven it a lot. For a middle-aged suit type like him (or me for that matter) the car is perfect. It is easy to drive and feels like a tank.

But $70,000 for one of these? No way this car is worth that kind of money. A Hyundai Geneses 3.8 retails at around $42,000. All the Acura Lexus and Infiniti cars are like $25k less than this and they are all darned good cars.

This is really big buck motoring, ladies and germs. The depreciation on the first year alone would be $20k. Ouch!