Speaking of which, the communication and entertainment aspect of the E is really several steps ahead. The split-centre arm-rest houses a useful storage box with ports for USB and devices prefixed with an ‘i’. The added option to have your phone charged while lending the memory card to the car’s infotainment system is a big plus in today’s day and age.
That apart, you wouldn’t buy a V6 if not for the drive now, would you? The 2,987-cc V6 with all of its 265 PS and 620 Nm can hit 100 km in less than 6.99 seconds and do a sub-15 second quarter-mile, good for a near two-tonne car. With 245/45 tyres on 17” wheels, it puts the power down rather well and doesn’t feel like a handful when shown a corner. The ride height is also quite good so even rough roads are not so much of a bother. Even on far-from-perfect roads, the E350 will hit the double ton with ease and keep going on to an electronically limited 250 km/h. It feels planted, stable and reassuring: all the things you need when you’re heading across cities for that important business meeting or wedding ceremony.
That said, the E-Class features a large 80-litre fuel-tank and delivers up to 12 km/l on the highway. Even considering mostly city use, you’re looking at a range of over 700 km. The massive 540-litre boot helps you pack in more too, and there are quite a few spaces to put other little things away as well.
At low speeds and while parking, the 360º camera is a huge plus. Not only does it give you an accurate view of the road, but the trajectory indication makes parking as well as U-turning an absolute breeze. There are several other safety elements, electronic nannies and a full set of airbags which help keep your peace of mind about you.
All of this comes at a price, one may think. And, you would be quite right, At Rs 71 lakh, on the road, it may seem a bit steep, but it’s in a league above most. The BMW 530d Msport and the Jaguar XF V6D are the only options as of now. Audi no longer offer the A6 with the V6, and Volvo do not have the S80 D6 yet. The big E, then, is quite the option for those who want more luxury and less sport, but still need both in generous doses.
