It seems the trend from Europe these days for cars is to have its internal combustion engine assisted by an electric propulsion system. Hybrid powertrain systems have been a favorite amongst car makes from the EU as an option to retain or boost output figures while hitting the required emission figures. However the recent scare fest on how much a replacement battery pack of some hybrid vehicles has become a serious cause for concern for some prospective buyers. Which why the launch of the Mercedes Benz E350 AMG Line could not have come any sooner.
The Route Hunters team was invited to Cycle and Carriage Petaling Jaya for the launch event on Wednesday, 6th of March 2018. Aside from a beautifully appointed spec sheet and design details, we found 5 things that make this Mercedes Benz E class a compelling choice for the segment.
It’s no longer a hybrid
Unlike the E300 Bluetech Hybrid, the current E350 AMG Line features electrification via a belt driven starter generator that provides 150Nm worth of boost over the turbocharged petrol engine. Therefore it does not require expensive and bulky battery packs. The 48 Volt electrical system that the E350 AMG Line does not require a battery pack in that size, so buyers can enjoy the ownership experience without having to have nightmares of battery pack replacement costs.
A pokey 2.0 liter engine
Aside from the 48V system, the 2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engine is quite a powerhouse. Headline figures are 299bhp and 400Nm of torque, and that is before the 48V electrical system boost. That’s nearly 300bhp from a 4 cylinder 2 liter engine. To put that into perspective, a Mk 7 Golf R sold in Malaysia, a supposedly high performance hot hatch, puts out 9bhp lesser, at 290bhp.
A watered down E53 effect
Coupled that with a 9 speed 9G-Tronic transmission and 0-100kph whizzes by in 5.9 seconds. For a luxury mid-sized limousine those are some spectacular numbers. Which is why we feel it has this whole watered down E53 AMG feel. The two hottest E class variants, the E63S AMG and the E53 AMG were on show during the launch event and parked alongside them, the E350 in AMG Line does not feel entirely out of place. From is sizeable front calipers, similar looking front bumpers and a flat bottomed steering wheel, the E350 AMG does feel like it’s a lighter version of the E53 AMG.
Most amount of Mercedes for your RM
This version of the Mercedes Benz E class is loaded with kit. On the safety side there’s autonomous braking, Mercedes Driving Assistance package which includes Distronic active distance assist and Active steering assist. On the inside, there’s the humungous 12.3 inch touchscreen, panoramic roof, Nappa leather and an elaborate 13-speaker 590W Burmester Audio System. Compared to the cheaper G30 BMW 530i M Sport, it does offer more kit and performance, but when compared to the more expensive Jaguar XF 2.0 R-Sport, it really feels like the bargain of the century. This is however an on paper comparison, as it remains to be seen on how the E350 AMG Line will perform in the real world.
Ownership ease
However one cannot deny the main trump card the Mercedes Benz E350 AMG line has over its said rivals. It has a tried and tested dealer and parts supply network, and generally they retain the most amount of value compared to its other European rivals. Also reiterating the fact that it’s not a regular hybrid and its propelled by a 2.0 liter engine means your maintenance cost will be a lot lesser in both short and long term, and more suited with the way legislations are set up here in Malaysia.
At RM399,888 the Mercedes E350 AMG Line is pretty loaded with the best toys and trinkets Mercedes Benz can throw at it. Which is about 21% more than the estimated RM329,888 the entry level E200 Sportstyle Avantgarde commands. This makes the former feel like quite the bargain, in terms of equipment and performance without the penalties of maintaining a hybrid powertrain or big capacity engine. Would you consider the E class over its rivals from BMW and Jaguar? If you go for the E class, which variant will you go for? Share your thoughts in the comments!
