E for excellence - New Mercedes-Benz line impresses with ride, features

Sheldon Williams, Gleaner Writer

Usually an E indicates a failing grade, reflecting a woeful performance. But not so for the newly redesigned E-Class Mercedes-Benz line, of a pedigree worth bragging about.

During test drives on Wednesday, I decided to switch things up a bit by playing passenger rather than surrender to my instinct to get behind the steering wheel. From the get-go I wasn't sure which to test first, as I was immediately bedazzled. The E200, E300 and E-Class Coupe were all stunning, parked in a row at the Silver Star Motors showroom.

First up was the E200, which comes with the famed Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet. Like the other E-Class cars, all commands and functions are a fingertip away as function buttons in the centre console are also provided on the steering wheel. This, of course, avoids distraction and eliminates the need for drivers to take their eyes off the road.

The E200 offered a more elegant and smooth ride, as well as more comfort, than sport. There was no denying the smoothness, as I felt little or no thuds during the drive, despite driving on roads that leave a lot to be desired. So sleek was acceleration that I didn't realise my driver had increased speed significantly. When I did, my reaction was "is that 100 km?", because it felt no different from when we were just exiting the parking lot to enter the main road.

The softer suspension ensured that we did not feel the bumps in the road. However, the car can be adjusted to the sport mode if desired. It features a two-litre turbocharged engine that is able to return about 40 miles per gallon.

SPORTIER E300

The E300 offers a sportier look and boasts the Mercedes-Benz star nestled in the centre of the radiator grille. What I liked most was the multicontour seats that offered me a massage without having to visit a parlour. The multicontour seats ensured that I had an unprecedented driving experience, as the seats adjusted to match the movement of the vehicle.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the air chambers and seat side bolsters adjust dynamically to suit the current driving situation. Further comfort is offered by a seven-zone dynamic massage function.

By the time I entered the coupe, I had already made up my mind that it was my favourite. There's just something about a coupe that appeals to my insatiable demands. It has an elongated bonnet and eye-catching, fully retractable, frameless side windows, with the obstructing frame noticeably absent. The E-Class coupe also offered a sporting driving experience.

All together, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class line offers powerful and efficient engines which provide driving comfort, environmental friendliness and good fuel economy.