THE 500-MILE TEST/ Mercedes E-Class: The new E-Class lives up to its executive position in the market, Michael McAleer discovers
"Bertie won't you buy us a new Mercedes Benz,
"Our friends all drive S-Class, we must make amends"
A reworking of the lyrics of the Mercedes advert may be appropriate for Government ministers in the current inclement economic climate.
As if cutbacks, questions over political propriety and uncertainty over the outcome of the Nice referendum were not enough, Mercedes goes and launches its new E-Class range, the transport of choice for Irish Cabinet ministers. Is there no end to their woes?
Unfortunately, if Charlie McCreevy were to approve the updating of the fleet of Cabinet cars, our political high-flyers could find themselves back behind the wheel of their Nissan Sunnys quicker than you can say Flood tribunal.
So what are they missing? Well, the comfort, luxury and smooth ride you would expect from a car used to ferry the great and the good from one meeting to the next, not to mention its well-earned popularity of the diesel version amongst taxi drivers from Beirut to Ballina.
This is a car worthy of its executive status. It retains its well-heeled and tasteful tone with the refinement, solidity and longevity of a model that can trace its roots to post-second World War Germany.
While Mercedes continues to expand its model range and gain kudos for its more sporty models, the saloon is where the firm has built up its reputation. It was in this category that the marque started on its post-war path towards fame and glory with the 1953 190 Ponton.
At times, this saloon has accounted for as much as 77 per cent of total passenger car production at Mercedes and this new E-Class, six generations on, is a direct descendant of that car and its unique reputation.
The E-Class has long held a certain patrician image, although its popularity with those attending the various tribunals has led to probably unwanted product placement as the builder's best friend.
The E-Class's popularity is important for Mercedes, who claim it is the best seller in its category in Ireland, and represents a third of all Mercedes sales here. Since its launch three months ago, over 500 have been sold here; high unit sales considering the New Year registration period is only months away.
While a great deal of the 500 miles we drove were in city and towns, we did find the opportunity to take the E-Class on an extended drive on the British motorway network.
We found the motorway to be the real home of this Mercedes. Cruise control and a responsive steptronic automatic gearbox aid the motorway drive.
Throughout the test drive, the transmission operated intelligently and stayed in gear long enough to make full use of the power available. We found no instance when it changed gear while cornering, a very annoying feature of some automatics.
We rarely reverted to the four-speed steptronic gears, as the automatic was more than adequate for most situations. If there is any criticism of the gearbox, it is the slightly clunky movement between gates.
So to the 177 bhp 2.6-litre V6 engine. It must be a real dilemma for those who employ drivers. While it's nice to be free from the toil of traffic, it must be equally tempting to ditch the driver and hop behind the wheel.
We were particularly taken by the smooth and silent performance in slow or steady traffic conditions and the way it diligently carried out its work in virtual silence.
However, when called upon there was the comforting throaty roar from the front as it powered forward. The car we tested did need to be revved a little to go harder, and the resulting noise did make its way into the cabin.
The downside of the strong performance was a rather thirsty 22.6mpg over the test period, though a large proportion of town driving contributed to this figure. Five engine options are on offer: 2-litre, 2.6 litre, 3.2-litre and large 5-litre petrol options, and a 2.2-litre and 2.7-litre diesel units. Of interest to diesel fans is the increase in maximum torque of the diesel engines by up to eight per cent, reaching a new peak of 425 Newton metres (NM) in the E 270 CDI.
We found the strong performance of the 2.6-litre was well mated to solid and secure ABS brakes and an impressive brake assist system that held us firmly in place on even treacherously steep hill inclines.
Mercedes has signalled its interest in retaining and expanding market share in the executive sector, and every technical development by the marque, from engine and suspension engineering to braking developments are standard or available as an option on the E-Class. If Mercedes have it, E-Class buyers can get it.
Among the various safety features on offer, this is the first saloon to feature a rollover detection system and the software to deploy the appropriate safety systems. Visibility is also good, given the thick pillars, but park distance sensors would be a wise option.
As for cornering, there was little body roll and the E-Class also comes with Electronic Stability Control as standard. The handling was very responsive, if a little light for our taste at higher speeds.
Internally, the E-Class is a big car, but its controls are easy to use, and the on-board computer offers similar features to many other cars on the market. As with most cars these days, much of these can be operated via controls on the steering wheel.
Perhaps the most impressive feature of the central console is its night-time lighting, when the dash resembles an airplane cockpit. You may find yourself rescheduling meetings with friends until after dusk in order to show off the splendour of the lighted cabin. The stylish night-time layout is aided by smart lighting of the foot space, both front and rear.
The air-conditioning controls are easy to operate and we were very impressed with the stereo, which features a 6 CD changer, neatly integrated into the centre console beneath an electrically powered lid. We were particularly taken by the inclusion of Shortwave bands on the radio. However, the buttons for retuning the channels were too small and fiddly to operate while the car is moving.
It is easy to find a comfortable driving position, such is the range of adjustment available from seat and wheel. This is very appropriate given the wide variety of shapes and sizes of executives these days. The long, short and broad will all find their preferred position in this cabin.
Overall, the cabin is spacious and three adults can sit very comfortably in the rear seats, with four accommodated on shorter runs. Legroom is not over capacious, probably to preserve the market for the larger S-Class. However, headroom is substantial and boot space is impressive.
Elsewhere, stowage is good, with rattle-proof bins, a centre console box and adequate side pockets. However, the rear passengers could have been given more generous stowage, particularly when you consider the number of people who may use the rear seats of the E-Class as their mobile office.
Overall the only qualm we had about the test car's cabin was the choice of trim colour. Beige.
Beige is not the colour to inspire,well, any great emotions, apart from a strong urge to clean.
Any car with beige carpet should come with four door-mats, so passengers thoroughly wipe their feet before entry.
While the rear seats do come with handy cup-holders in the centre armrest, the idea of anyone drinking in a €68,000 moving car with beige leather interior sends us into a cold sweat. Whatever about the colour, the plush leather upholstery was luxurious.
So, in the end it comes down to price. Unfortunately, in the current economic downturn, it may be hard to persuade your bank manager/Taoiseach of the need for a new €50,000-plus motor. If you do succeed in persuading them, perhaps you could forward your arguments to Motors.