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We do tend to like the sporty machines on crankandpiston, but we’re not one trick ponies. Every now and again, we like a bit of class. Which is why our latest long-termer is a refined, luxury cruiser. Albeit one with a bit of poke to keep the adrenalin flowing.
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So here it is – the Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde. This is Mercedes’ executive saloon – bigger than the C-class, smaller than the S-class. The E350 model has a 3.5-litre V6 under the bonnet, sending 302bhp to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. And we’ve got all the options boxes ticked on this baby.
Starting on the outside, witness the understated Tenorite Grey metallic paint, which has been lovingly applied by a German to our E-class and its optional AMG Sports Package ($3400). For considerably less than the price of a fully-fledged Affalterbach loon-mobile, we can enjoy the look, if not the frenetic performance, of an AMG model. So our E350 has chunkier side skirts, a more flared front bumper, 18-inch AMG alloys and lowered suspension. All of which combines to give the E350 an air of sophisticated intent.
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There’s more inside. The soft leather front seats are ventilated, just in time for the summer (a $1262 option), while the rear seat passengers can enjoy a movie thanks to the $2279 entertainment package. We’ve also opted for the Keyless Go system ($1297) to let us unlock and start the car without fiddling around with the key fob.
Although the options list has been liberally smeared with ink, there are plenty of standard features that impress on the E350 too. In basic form the car costs $63,200 and comes with an eight-speaker stereo system (with an input for iPods, although the special cable is still on order) and cruise control with a limiter system, which should help stem the flow of speeding tickets.
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Being a Mercedes, there’s plenty of safety kit too. As well as the obligatory plethora of airbags, the E-class is fitted with Brake Assist, switchable stability control, blind spot lights on the wing mirrors and a gizmo that sounds an alert if we wander out of lane without indicating.
We’re hoping that the E350 will have enough grunt to give us a bit of sporty fun when we want it, while being an elegant, refined and luxurious cruiser for the rest of the time. It’s already proving popular with certain members of the crankandpiston senior staff, so hopefully we’ll have prised the key away from their immaculately groomed hands in time to update you in the next update.
