As one of the original automobile manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz has a storied history, with a reputation for quality, solidity performance and safety.
So when the chance to sample the new E200 sedan came up, the only response was ‘Yes Please!’.
Featuring a 150kW/320Nm 2-litre, four cylinder, turbocharged petrol motor, boosted by a mild hybrid system, the E200 is not an AMG-prepared rocket ship.
Instead, it is a genuine long distance cruiser capable of sustained high speed cruising, this is a car that loves to drive.
Built to accommodate an inline six cylinder engine, the bonnet is long, placing the smaller engine inside the axle line, also boosting handling.
There is no mistaking the big Benz, the upright grille and massive three-pointed star proclaim the car’s lineage, with a smattering of rounded edges smoothing the profile.
The wide body is accentuated by mildly flared guards, body creases are kept to a minimum, built-in side skirts and a slight upkick of the boot round out the aero package, the E Class is a masterpiece of visual understatement, creating its own street appeal.
The 20” multi-spoke rims, although massive, are proportional to the car, with enough gap in the wheel arches to visually shrink the total package.
Stepping into the E200, you enter a world of subtle luxury, everything matches, it flows though the cabin without being gauche or gaudy.
For those unfamiliar with Mercedes-Benz’ idea of luxury, think understated ability, the switchgear looks the same as other cars, but when activated, opened or closed, there is a feeling of Teutonic efficiency.
The steering column is height and reach adjustable, but electrically operated by a discreet mini-stick, the cupholders are springloaded, it is a myriad of ‘little touches’.
Unsurprisingly, the materials are top shelf, soft leathers and high end coverings abound, even the hard plastic patterned veneer trims felt right.
The three-spoked steering wheel was a delight, chunky, leather wrapped and easily gripped during energetic driving or lightly embraced while cruising.
Crossbar-mounted controls handle the main functions, although the haptic sliders for volume and cruise control took a couple of hours to master, the trick is a soft touch, this is a car that defies heavy handedness.
That is the E200’s secret, it is not a sledgehammer to be wielded, it rewards subtlety, let the mechanisms do the work, be the conductor and enjoy the symphony.
Despite the high end goodness, the seats left me flat, literally, though well made they have minimal padding, you sit on them rather than in them, with not a lot of lateral support if things get exuberant.
Given the E200’s credentials as a cruiser, this is disappointing, you expect more comfort and support from a car designed to cruise at 160km/h.
On the plus side, it has one of the best driver-selectable ambient lighting systems ever, synchronising coloured LED strips to the 730 Watt Burmester sound system, a pulsing, soothing accompaniment that left my two-year-old granddaughter speechless, no mean feat!
Driving on the highway feels like commanding a Panzer division, it is imperious, you rumble along without a care in the world, knowing the big Merc has your back.
It is too subtle to be aggressive, it is dismissive of whatever the road throws at you, the E200 has the answer before the question is asked.
Strapping into the car, it literally has your measure, the seatbelts pretension and release, knowing your physical needs if it comes to the worst.
The front memory seats return to your last position, a push of the starter, a discreet vibration through the chassis, select DRIVE with the right-side column shifter and you are ready to roll.
This revealed the E200’s other flaw for Australian drivers, the indicators are on the combination left-side stalk, along with the wipers, in Euro fashion. The problem is accidental muscle memory turning left, a flick of the right hand, thinking it is the indicator, and the gear selector is in NEUTRAL.
I did it a couple of times, luckily a quick push down reselects DRIVE, but for those not expecting it to happen, it is a an attention-getting moment.
Despite rolling on 245/40 Series tyres, generally a recipe for a harsh, unforgiving ride thanks to the minimal sidewalls with the flexibility of a besser block, the E200 is supple and compliant.
The steering is excellent, never light or vague, with just the right amount of assistance at all times, despite those huge tyres, carparks are a breeze.
On the highway, at 100/110km/h, it flows through corners without oversteering, it is not race car direct, it is surefooted and predictable.
Launches are effortless, thanks to the mild hybrid’s extra 205 Nm, even in standard mode, switching to sports mode doesn’t add power but delays shifts to high in the rev range, making full use of the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic.
Paddle shifters give the driver full control, but feel like overkill given the car is built for endurance, not sprinting.
Although a convenient gravel patch highlighted the E200’s drifting skills under power.
Massive brakes pulled the car up every time, backed by an impressive array of safety systems all working to keep you pointed in the right direction.
While Mercedes’ famed ABS brakes are the backbone, the list includes brakeforce distribution and assistance, providing extra pressure in an emergency, as well as launch assist, yaw and stability controls, along with lane keep assistance and blind spot monitoring.
LED headlights are becoming mainstream, but the E200 raises the bar with the Digital Light Package, including Highbeam Assist Plus.
This directs individual lights away from traffic, both oncoming and ahead, and focuses on upcoming street signs, tightening the beam as you approach, before shifting to pick up the next target as you pass the first sign.
Driving a stretch of unlit highway we had excellent front and road shoulder vision, without ever dazzling oncoming cars and trucks, even over the brow of hills, often a weak point with auto highbeams.
At a list price north of $120,000, plus taxes, on-road and delivery costs, this is not a cheap car, but for the most part it delivers on its promises.
Even the flattish seats were forgiven after a couple of hundred kilometres of high-speed cruising, they proved comfortable, the in-built massage functions were relaxing.
If you are chasing a genuine luxury touring car, this has to be on your shopping list, it delivers an exceptional driving experience.
Gary is an experienced motoring journalist, and a graduate of Griffith University.