Bringing the top-of-the-line E-Class back to India, Mercedes-Benz has launched the 2014 E350 CDI priced at Rs. 57.42 lakhs (ex-showroom, Pune). The 2014 E350 CDI gets the new facelifted look with a bolder front grille, single headlights with twin LED units and a whole lot of power under the hood waiting to be exploited. The E-Class facelift was launched last year but went on sale only with 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engine options in the country. However, the huge demand for the six-cylinder E-Class has compelled the Stuttgart based automaker to bring the highly popular ‘Big-Benz’ back to business.
The biggest upgrade of all, the E350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is powered by the 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine that produces 262 BHP of power and the highest torque in the segment of 620 Nm, sending power to the rear wheels via a 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission unit. The E350 CDI can do the 0-100 km/hr sprint in just 6.6 seconds, 0.9 seconds faster than the smaller E250 on the clock, and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/hr. The E350 also gets the ECO Start-Stop system for improved fuel efficiency.
Furthermore, differentiating the 2014 Mercedes E350 from its younger E250 sibling is the addition of new features like the 360-degree surround camera, satellite navigation with COMAND online and a 610 watt Harman Kardon audio system with 14 speakers. The E350 CDI also features a panoramic sunroof (now offered on all variants of the E-Class) along with driver assist systems like Active lane keeping assist, DISTRONIC plus adaptive cruise control with Steering Assist, cross-traffic assist, blind spot warning system, Adaptive high-beam lights, pedestrian recognition, blind parking and automatic parking. Also in the list is 17-inch multi spoke alloys and a rear seat entertainment package.
The Mercedes E-Class has always been a popular model in the mid-sized luxury sedan space and the new E350 is positioned between the E250 CDI and the range topping E63 AMG in the E-Class lineup. The additional power and features come at an added cost but is worth it for those who want practical performance without shelling out huge money on the AMG version. The 2014 E350 CDI will be competing against the V6 powered Audi A6 3.0-litre TDI and the Jaguar XF 3.0, as well as the inline 6-cylinder BMW 530d M Sport in the segment. Mercedes will commence deliveries of the E350 CDI from later this month.
