Motoring
WHO PUT THE E IN EXCELLENT? By Motoring Editor, Maarten Hoffmann
W
hen a manufacturer decides to totally revamp one of their most important models, you can normally stand by for oodles of disappointed or bundles of joy. It’s a brave thing to do - as they say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” and although the Mercedes-Benz E-Class was certainly not broken, it was time for a redesign. And oh boy, what a cracking job they have done.
❝
Don’t tell Mercedes, but l could not resist driving towards a brick wall to test it. I am overwhelmed with joy that it works.
❞
The E-Class has been with us since 1993 with the E, as a suffix, initially standing for Einspritzmotor, (German for fuel injected engine). Once all models had that feature, it
60
was moved to a prefix to denote the model. The E-Class is Merc’s best selling model with over 13 million of them sold as of 2015. This new model will continue this trend, l am sure. There are few better badges to have on the bonnet of your car than the three-pointed star and most agree, hence it won the Best Business Car in the 2016 Telegraph Car Awards. The body is a handsome beast although rather understated but climb inside and you understand why the Germans are the masters of their craft. It is luxurious, brilliantly bolted tougher and with more safety equipment than l have space for - even if l had another eight pages. The large colour screen dominates the dash with the option of another screen that makes the dash totally virtual with assorted customising options. Mercedes models are all renowned for their pillow-like drive and although the less powerful models come with standard suspension, they can all be upgraded to air suspension, which to me is a no brainer. We also have another of the company’s trade marks - the noise, or lack of it. It is
virtually silent on the road and even with the diesel engine, there is barely a whisper. The compromise is some wobbling on bumpy B-roads but l will take that compromise any day.
❝
The E-Class has been with us since 1993 with the E, as a suffix, initially standing for Einspritzmotor, (German for fuel injected engine).
❞
I am a bit of a sucker for great leather seats and here l was in my element. Beautifully hand-stitched with only the finest unblemished leather - l could sit here all day without ever driving. Mercedes is still the only manufacturer offering the auto control on a stalk off the