New Mercedes Benz E 350 CDI review, test drive

But it’s not the engine alone. Even the suspension does its job without much noise or drama. Sure, some sharper surfaces like expansion joints can be heard, but it never really breaks the calm in the cabin. Ride quality on the whole is very good, with good bump absorption at city speeds and fantastic stability at high speeds. Even around the bends, there’s a certain fluidity to the steering and a poise to the handling that make the E-Class a car you’d be tempted to drive with enthusiasm. However, when doing so, you will find that the E350 CDI could do with a more responsive gearbox; the 7-speed unit doesn’t respond to inputs at the paddles with the immediacy of say, a BMW’s 8-speeder.

Another point of contention on the E350 CDI (and on all E-Class’ in general) is the dashboard. It’s beginning to look its age and is the biggest reminder that the E has been around since 2009. Even the COMAND interface for the infotainment system could do with a serious upgrade – it lacks the resolution and ease of use of competitors’ systems. On the plus side, the E350 CDI’s large central screen also displays images from a 360 degree camera that helps remove the guesswork while parking. The rest of the cabin is the same as the other mainstream Es, so quality and detailing are fantastic are all around. Good space, large windows and excellent seats further aid the ambience in the cabin.