Road Test: Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe
Review and photos by Gerry Frechette
For most people, it takes more than a few hours of driving to really get the feel of a car, what the essence of it really is. All the moreso when the car is as technologically advanced and as capable as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe.
Now that we have spent a week in the E350 Coupe, and driven it in conditions (higher speeds, dry winding roads) that really bring out its dynamic capabilities, we are clear that this car is more than just a luxury sport coupe – it is a serious performance car, too.
A quick glance at the specs, and one might think that a fairly large 1,695-kg car powered by a 3.5L V6 with but 268 horsepower would be not so quick in a straight line, but those German horses must be big, strong ones, as the E350 goes from zero-to-100 in 6.4 seconds, and feels like it is going even quicker, so smooth it is. Those horses do demand to be well-fed, though, as the recommended octane rating is 95, and try finding that anywhere but a small airport! The absolute minimum 91 octane worked just fine, but we still have to think about those other naturally-aspirated 3.5L V6s that put out 300 hp on regular….
Certainly contributing to that performance is the 7-speed automatic with paddle shifters and three driving modes – manual, sport and comfort. Like most cars we have driven with seven or more ratios, it just keeps the engine in its optimum rev range for existing conditions, including driving for low fuel consumption.
Of course, performance is a lot more than just straight ahead speed, and it was at changing direction and slowing in a hurry that the E350 Coupe impressed mightily. No doubt that the “base” E350 is very competent at these tasks, but our tester had the AMG Sport Package added to the standard Dynamic Handling Package with Agility Control selective dampers, so its reflexes were keen.
With Dynamic Handling, just press the “Sport” button, and things get hyper quickly. The gear changes, steering ratio and throttle response are sharper. The transmission starts in first gear rather than second and each gear is held longer. The damping is continuously variable. The traction control loosens its grip a touch. You are ready to boogie.
The AMG Sport Package adds performance tires (255/35R18 rear, 235/40R18 front), bigger brakes and Multi-Contour front seats, so you are all set for some fun with the push of that “Sport” button. And sport you’ll have, as the E350 dives into corners and powers out of them with a degree of alacrity that, frankly, was a revelation. This luxury coupe has a frisky side to its personality that just demands to be brought out occasionally.
Of course, even a sporty driver likes to relax at times, and the E350 is happy to cruise along, cosseting its occupants within its stylish bodywork enhanced by the AMG bodykit and wheels that give it a hunkered-down look. Mercedes’ new design language translates well to a big coupe like this, with much presence and panache.
There are several performance vehicles in the Mercedes lineup, led by the AMG cars, but we’ve just discovered another one, at a very competitive price of $64,750 as tested. We know the E550 with V8 is a fast car, but the E350 V6 surprised us in a pleasant way with just how good a performer it is.
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