Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review
Published: 28th February 2005
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
How It Drove - Performance
Mercedes-Benz pioneered diesel technology with the introduction of the world’s first diesel passenger car in a small production series - the 260 D in 1935. To date, Mercedes-Benz has produced more than seven million diesel passenger cars, and is a leader in the development of diesel technology.
The E 270 CDI is powered by a 2685 cc, 5 cylinder engine which produces 177 bhp at 4200 rpm enabling the E 270 CDI (5-speed automatic) to accelerate from 0-62.5 mph in 8.4 seconds and continue to a top speed of 142 mph.
The new diesel engines are more powerful and the E 270 CDI's bhp has increased from 170 to 177. Efficiency has also increased along with the common rail particulate emissions and fuel consumption which has improved by some two percent with the E 270 CDI returning 41.5 mpg on a combined cycle - we achieved between 40 - 50 mpg whilst touring. An 80 litre fuel tank is standard on the E270 CDI.
The 2.7 litre diesel engine offers more than adequate power, never feeling underpowered and as you would expect of Mercedes-Benz it is superbly refined. If you kick the gearbox down the E-Class becomes more vocally pleasing and rewards you with a reassuring growl.
Mercedes-Benz describes the second generation CDI engine's as 'torquey, economical and quiet'.
On starting the engine first thing the engine noise was a little intrusive but this soon settled down when the engine had warmed up and once on the move was virtually inaudible.
The standard five-speed automatic gearbox with Tipfunction is supremely smooth and effortless offering seamless gear changes. Comfort and sports modes are available - sports mode holds onto the gears a little longer enabling you to exploit maximum power when required. The Tipfunction enables you to change gear by knocking the gear lever to the left and right to change up or down.
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