Mercedes Benz E350

Unlike the outgoing E-class (W211), which was an evolution of the car that preceded it (W210), the latest E-class (W212) is quite a radical departure from the rounded and softer lines of the car it replaces. The bulge over the rear wheel arch stretching into the wings is a throwback to Mercedes models of the 1950s, while the four-headlamp front, a feature of the past two generations of the E-class, has been given a new twist. Mercedes says the headlamp design is meant to give the look of precious gems pressed into the wings. We think the look is a touch contrived. What looks great are the standard daylight running lights next to the fog lights.

The Avantgarde model gets LED bulbs set in a boomerang shape. A more upright grille with a more pronounced V-shape makes the new E look more assertive. At the rear, the winged lights are quite dramatic and the crease on the centre of the boot lid is quite prominent. Dimensionally, the new car is longer (by 16mm) and wider (by 32mm) and lower (by 10mm) than the outgoing W211 but the erect and rather formal styling gives the impression that it is substantially larger. Despite the squared-off styling, Mercedes has achieved a drag coefficient of just 0.26 which is highly creditable.