The journey of Mercedes-Benz in India started with the (W124) E-Class in the mid-90s. Many generations of the E-Class have appeared in India since then. Each new generation has further elevated the brand image. Based on the China-only long wheelbase E-Class, the new E350d L also looks well poised to endorse that it is where the real luxury segment starts.
Wide and low slung
Measuring 5203mm in length, a good 140mm more than the length of the E220d or the E250d, the E350d L is technically a V213 as far as the platform is concerned. Flaunting a frontal appearance that is no different from that of the current generation E-Class, complete with a wide and sporty grille, and LED head lamps (with 84 individually controlled high performance LEDs to deliver adaptive low and high beam), the E350d L, when viewed from an angle, looks wide and low slung.
Two crease lines run from the grille to the end of the bonnet in an effort to mask its expanse. A sharp belt-line runs across either side of the car, and right up to the LED tail lamps. The way the coupe-like roof merges with the rounded rear, the E350d L could well be mistaken for the Maybach from a distance.
LED ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours marks the car’s interior. Attention is instantly drawn to the 12.3-inch displays, placed together under a single piece of glass. With them, the dash replicates the look of the S-Class’ dash. The digital instrument panel lets the driver choose either classic, sport or progressive theme. Sans gesture control, there are switches for the air-con and some other functions like the driver assistance systems.
The touch-controlled switches on the steering wheel find use like those of a smart phone. There’s no need to take hands off the wheel. The sound quality of the Burmester audio system is top-notch.
Luxurious rear seats
The rear seats of the E350d L offer humongous leg room, and are of the electrically reclining variety. While the front left seat can be controlled from the left rear seat to create more space by moving the base or the backrest, a nice touch is the controls for both the rear windows and blinds on either rear door. Apart from the four vents of the three-zone air-con, rear passengers get illuminated vanity mirrors integrated into the roof.
To compensate for the longer wheelbase (140mm longer than the E220 or the E250), the monocoque of the E350d L has been strengthened. The suspension is multi chamber pneumatic. It combines with adaptive damping to let the driver increase the ride height upon observing less-than-ideal surfaces. Adaptive damping also lets the driver to select different modes like Sport and Comfort to suitably tweak the ride and handling dynamics. The tyres (225/55 R17) have a higher aspect ratio. The ground clearance is 120mm at the ‘lowest’ and with the use of ‘lift’ function, it can be raised by another 15mm.
0 to 100kmph in 6.6 secs
Producing a hefty 620Nm of torque, the engine exerts a smooth and strong pull. It pulls all the way past 4,500rpm without feeling strained. Claimed to do 0 to 100kmph in 6.6 seconds, the E350d L gathers a cruising speed of 100kmph with the engine turning at 1500rpm.
Verdict
Priced at Rs 69.47 lakh, ex-showroom, Mumbai, the E350d L delivers luxury and comfort that is comparable to the S-Class without actually costing as much. For those who are looking for a petrol long-wheelbase E-Class, there’s the 184bhp 2-litre petrol engine powered E200 L on offer too.