Fine-tuned ride and handling
Regardless of prevailing weather or lighting conditions, test-drivers will likely find the E-Class to deliver a very quiet ride, decent visibility and a relatively tight turning circle which makes parking easy. Your writer was most impressed with the suspension, which feels fine-tuned, planted and solid on virtually any surface.
Handling is also surprisingly flat and capable given the E350 Wagon’s intentions. Most E350 Wagon owners aren’t going to chuck their ride into corners at speed, but it’ll play ball for those so inclined. In just about any situation, this machine is a treat to be transported in.
More sauce, please
Complaints centre mainly around the drivetrain. Slick AWD system aside, the 3.5 litre V6 requires premium fuel, despite only turning out 268 horsepower. Mileage during a week of testing in extreme cold averaged about 12L /100 km, which seems a touch on the thirsty side, too.
Additionally, the 7-speed automatic transmission’s paddle-shifted manual mode is sluggish to react and execute shifts, and it hesitates to gear down in ‘Drive’ for anything other than a heavy stomp on the rightmost pedal. This is likely for refinement’s sake, but it still doesn’t do much to make the E350 feel athletic where acceleration is concerned.
Looks, drives and functions beautifully
Of course, performance isn’t the main point of this machine, anyhow. If you’re looking for a premium family hauler that’s not a giant SUV, not a minivan, and that looks, drives and functions beautifully, you’ll definitely want to check it out.
Regardless of prevailing weather or lighting conditions, test-drivers will likely find the E-Class to deliver a very quiet ride, decent visibility and a relatively tight turning circle which makes parking easy. Your writer was most impressed with the suspension, which feels fine-tuned, planted and solid on virtually any surface.
Handling is also surprisingly flat and capable given the E350 Wagon’s intentions. Most E350 Wagon owners aren’t going to chuck their ride into corners at speed, but it’ll play ball for those so inclined. In just about any situation, this machine is a treat to be transported in.
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| The 3.5 litre V6 requires premium fuel, despite only turning out 268 horsepower. (Photo: Chris Koski) |
More sauce, please
Complaints centre mainly around the drivetrain. Slick AWD system aside, the 3.5 litre V6 requires premium fuel, despite only turning out 268 horsepower. Mileage during a week of testing in extreme cold averaged about 12L /100 km, which seems a touch on the thirsty side, too.
Additionally, the 7-speed automatic transmission’s paddle-shifted manual mode is sluggish to react and execute shifts, and it hesitates to gear down in ‘Drive’ for anything other than a heavy stomp on the rightmost pedal. This is likely for refinement’s sake, but it still doesn’t do much to make the E350 feel athletic where acceleration is concerned.
Looks, drives and functions beautifully
Of course, performance isn’t the main point of this machine, anyhow. If you’re looking for a premium family hauler that’s not a giant SUV, not a minivan, and that looks, drives and functions beautifully, you’ll definitely want to check it out.
2011 Mercedes E-Class E350 4MATIC
2011 Mercedes E-Class E350 4MATIC
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