FIRST DRIVE: W213 Mercedes-Benz E350 – RM399,888

The local W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class range has received a new range-topper in the form of the E 350. Not to be confused with the recently-discontinued E 350 e plug-in hybrid, the most powerful non-AMG version of the handsome executive sedan comes in at around the same price – RM399,888 on-the-road without insurance.

While it doesn’t feature the same future-forward powertrain as the E 350 e, the E 350 does come with a little bit of electrical assistance – its new M264 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine, which makes a heady 299 hp and 400 Nm of torque, is supplemented by a 48-volt mild hybrid system sandwiched between the engine and the nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. On its own, it provides 14 hp and 150 Nm of boost.

The car also gets a number of items that are a first for the locally-assembled E-Class, including adaptive Dynamic Body Control dampers and the Driving Assistant Package. The latter adds Distronic adaptive cruise control and Active Lane Keeping Assist that provide semi-autonomous driving capabilities, along with Active Blind Spot Assist. Autonomous emergency braking is, of course, a given for Mercedes vehicles nowadays.

All that aside, however, are these changes enough to upset the apple cart at the sharp end of the executive market? Our man Hafriz Shah takes the new variant out for a spin to see what’s what, and you can find out what he thinks by watching the video above.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • (Like) Mercedes-Benz E350.
    (Dislike) Volvo XC90 T8

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 29 Thumb down 37
  • Means the FL coming soon, carefull guys…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 7
  • Veyron Owner on May 06, 2019 at 9:46 pm

    No hybrid means one less jerk to complain why his luxury priced car doesn’t come with Kancil priced replacement parts.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  • Silverado on May 06, 2019 at 11:07 pm

    C’mon. We DO want to know how much 20” RFTs cost. What’s the point of just teasing it?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on May 06, 2019 at 11:49 pm

    sorry…the 530e m sport wins

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 8
    • stastasta on May 08, 2019 at 7:36 pm

      530e combustion engine only musters 190bhp. e350 has 300 bhp, at high speeds the winner is clear

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 5
  • 400k for this? No thanks MB u can keep ur trash

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 7
  • No offence hafriz but rolled up jackets are tacky af

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Ramone on May 07, 2019 at 9:01 am

    The back seats are the least comfortable among its competitors. Too straight up.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Edwin L on May 07, 2019 at 9:52 am

      It follow Myvi philosophy by doing that, so it can give an impression of more legroom.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • vodka on May 07, 2019 at 9:56 am

    MBM should have spec’ed the top AMG line E 350 with black roof headlining. It has the night package already afterall.

    The E350 facelift with MBUX will be a much better car than the BMW G30 530i

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 5
  • Lim guano eng on May 10, 2019 at 3:07 pm

    Good car
    Good review
    But can they dont be lazy by keep looping the background music? Spoils it abit

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required