[Test Drive] Experiencing the 'Prince of Sedans,' Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Cumulative Sales Exceed 11,000 Units This Year... Maintaining No.1 Position Among Imported Cars
Natural Acceleration Despite Hefty Weight... Excellent Ride Comfort and Sound Insulation

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is often regarded as the "Prince of the mid-to-large sedan class." This reputation stems from its distinctive luxurious feel and the preference for larger vehicle models. This is also supported by statistics. The E-Class sold over 33,000 units domestically last year alone, maintaining its position as the "king" of imported cars for five consecutive years. This year, from January to April, cumulative sales reached 11,165 units, surpassing many domestic car models.

On the 11th, I drove approximately 60 km on national roads to Jeongseojin, Incheon, in the Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC AMG Line model. The E350 4MATIC AMG model recorded cumulative sales of 2,836 units this year, ranking second in imported car sales after the E250.

The first impression of the E350 4MATIC was one of sophistication and sportiness. While the dignified presence typical of mid-to-large sedans was somewhat less pronounced compared to previous generations, the design of the 10th generation E-Class, following Mercedes-Benz’s family look, seemed to harmonize dignity, sophistication, and sportiness well.

The sleek exterior design caught the eye. The new design multi-beam LED headlamps equipped with the Intelligent Light System created a sharper impression, and the 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels further enhanced the sporty feel.

Inside the vehicle, the wide-screen cockpit display composed of two 12.3-inch screens was the first thing to stand out. Perhaps due to the large screen, the interior felt spacious and refreshing. The overall interior featured a clean and luxurious feel with AMG Nappa leather seats, gray ash wood trim, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.

One of the notable features of the E350 4MATIC is the extensive application of advanced convenience features. The higher version of the Driving Assistance Package, the Driving Assistance Package Plus, is standard. This includes Active Stop-and-Go Assist, which extends the restart time from the previous 30 seconds to up to 60 seconds, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side, which detects and protects against side collision risks.

When pressing the accelerator during driving, a substantial weightiness was felt. Although the acceleration might feel somewhat subdued, pressing the pedal resulted in smooth and natural acceleration with a solid feel. The inline 4-cylinder M264 gasoline engine in the E350 4MATIC delivers a maximum output of 299 horsepower and a peak torque of 40.8 kg·m. The 48-volt electrical system adds 14 horsepower and 15.3 kg·m of torque to the internal combustion engine during acceleration, demonstrating excellent performance.

The various convenience functions I tried were also practical. The Active Parking Assist Parktronic feature, which includes a 360-degree camera, performed well for front, rear, and side parking. Even without using this feature, the 360-degree camera allowed for safer parking. The semi-autonomous driving technology and navigation system worked smoothly during a brief use on a straight road section.

Above all, the ride comfort and sound insulation were commendable. Especially on uneven road surfaces, the shaking was minimal, and during about two hours of driving in traffic congestion, external road noise was almost completely blocked. It even made me think, "I might accidentally fall asleep while driving." For drivers who prioritize ride comfort and sound insulation, this could be a good choice. Meanwhile, the price of the E350 4MATIC AMG model test-driven that day was 88.8 million KRW, including value-added tax.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.