Mercedes-Benz E 300 (AVANTGARDE) Review
Old guard, new face

Story by Jeremy R. Chua, pictures by Azfar Hashim
22 Sep 2009
 

Having lost sales to rival German automakers, Mercedes-Benz is now intent on recapturing their core customers with the all-new E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E300

You've heard us go on about this issue countless times. It's been mentioned in one motoring publication after another. We groan when we don't get it, and can't stop talking about it when we do.

We are of course, talking about a car's handling. When it's there, everything is right in the driving world. When it's not, we'd like nothing more than to walk away and hope that something more exciting comes our way. We're biased towards cars that compromise a bit (or a lot) on comfort and are able to tackle tighter bends with gusto. Power is but one element; handling means everything.

But once in a while, we do get tired of driving these types of cars. Stiff springs put a smile on our faces around corners, but they make us grimace when we drive over everything else. We're all for hearing an engine's awesome vocals and catchy exhaust notes, but we wouldn't be able to take dealing with those each and every time.

Yes, we want to enjoy the finer cars out there. We want to be surrounded by luxury. We want to give our senses a rest from all that excitement. We want to be pampered from time to time.

Exterior

For an executive sedan, there are few things more luxurious than the new E-Class. The choice ride of the up-and-coming towkay (until he graduates to an S-Class that is), nothing shouts "I've made it!" like driving a Mercedes-Benz.

The latest E-Class now looks leaner and more chiseled, and its twin-headlamp design is now sharper and more angular. There's a subtle bulge on the bonnet, right where the headlamps and chromed front grille meet. The front bumper has well-defined crease lines running along each side. Oh, and models with the Avantgarde styling package now receive a pair of LED daytime running lamps as standard.

Viewed from the side, the new E-Class retains its familiar wedge shape. Its flanks are defined by the rising shoulder line which, actually, begins at the headlamps and ends right after the C-pillar. The uniquely-shaped turn signal lamps in the wing mirrors add a touch of modernity, while the car's rear fenders and quarter panels are a nod to the original 1950s Mercedes-Benz "Ponton" sedans.

The E-Class' front and sides definitely look leaner and sharper, and do lend the car a more athletic look - so we can't understand why the designers decided on such a heavyset rear end. And if that wasn't enough, the rear-end's overhang now seems even longer when compared to the outgoing model. There's not much that the angled boot lid and LED tail lamps can do to "lighten" things up.

Next Page - The inside story
Sell Fast With Ease - SwiftQuote

With SwiftQuote, you get:
  Best value for your car    A peace of mind when selling    Fast sale from start to end

HIGHEST PRICE FOR YOUR CAR

Best offer with no obligations.
Start Now!

I agree to the collection, use and disclosure of my personal data by Carousell and/or such other third party (as may be necessary) and to be contacted (via email, phone call and/or text message) for any purposes in connection with the application of and transaction of the vehicle, in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 and Carousell's Privacy Policy.

It was a fuss-free experience to sell car via this platform. So glad that it linked us up with Chris from Ideal Automobile who was very responsive and approachable. Thanks for a great experience!

Yeo Chia Rou - 19 hours ago

I called a few agents and I'm glad I got the hugest offer from SwiftQuote.

Ms. Esther - 1 day ago

Swift response, selling was breeze as price was right. . Thanks Vin and boss for assisting.

Ho En Lai Raymond - 3 days ago

Hey there , thank you for the quotation , was a fast and quick deal , car was hand over within a week , smooth process , got the price I wanted. Thank You. Will Definetly look forward in selling more cars in time to come.

Kevin - 1 week ago

First time using this service. Manage to get a good offer on my car within days. Fast response time and great experience with swiftquote Thanks!

Ivan Ng Meng Song - 1 week ago

Simple, Fast, Transparent and most importantly you get the best deal from a wider exposure for free.

Chan - 1 week ago

Fast and high quote but somehow dealers like to give high quote to get appointment, meet up expecting us to give discount.

Rachel Sim - 2 weeks ago

I swear by that this service is worth your time and effort, compared to other sites, I got the highest offer from SQ and the transaction is very smooth with the dealer. Dealer is sincere and quick too!!

Al Hazmi - 2 weeks ago

SwiftQuote helped me get the highest possible price for my car, when many dealers around were low-balling me. Very impressed with their response time and how fast I managed to sell my car. The dealer that bought my car was also very genuine and it was a fuss free process, 10/10 would recommend.

Santhosh Haridass - 3 weeks ago

Very efficient , i sold my car in 3 days after register with SwiftQuote. would recomend to all buyer to use it.

Lim Leong Boon - 3 weeks ago

Mercedes-Benz E 300

Mercedes-Benz E 300
Research this Car

Engine
Engine Capacity 2996cc
Engine Type V 6
Power 231bhp @ 6000rpm
Torque 300Nm @ 2500rpm
Power to Weight 133.1 bhp per ton

Performance
Acceleration 7.4s (0-100 km/h)
Top Speed 247 km/h
Fuel Consumption (combined) 10.8 km/L

Misc Technical Data
Transmission 7 -speed Auto Tiptronic
Drive Type FR

Measurements
Body Type Sedan
Dimension
(L x W x H)		 (4868 x 1854 x 1470) mm
Wheelbase 2874 mm
Kerb Weight 1735 kg
Boot Capacity 540 L
Fuel Tank Capacity 80 L

Brakes
Brakes (Front) Ventilated Discs
Brakes (Rear) Discs

CAR REVIEWS BY BRAND

All Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin Audi
Austin Bentley
BMW Chana
Chery Chevrolet
Chrysler Citroën
Daihatsu Daimler
Dennis Dodge
Dongfeng Ferrari
Fiat Ford
Foton Geely
Golden Hafei
Higer Hino
Honda Hummer
Hyundai Infiniti
Isuzu Iveco
JAC Jaguar
Jeep Jinbei
Joylong Kia
King Long Lamborghini
Land Rover Lexus
Lifan Lotus
Man Maserati
Mazda McLaren
Mercedes-Benz MG Rover
Mini Mitsubishi
Morgan Morris
Naza Nissan
Opel Panther
Perodua Peugeot
Porsche Proton
Renault Rolls-Royce
Saab Scania
SEAT Skoda
Smart Ssangyong
Subaru Sunbeam
Suzuki Toyota
Triumph Volkswagen
Volvo Wuling
Youngman Yutong
Zotye