Driving the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 was an unexpected pleasure. While it wasn’t on my agenda for the day, the opportunity to experience a car like this is always welcome. My encounter with this particular E350 began unexpectedly at Denver International Airport’s Avis rental lot. Initially, I had reserved a Cadillac XTS well in advance. However, upon arrival, despite seeing several XTS models available, I was informed none were accessible and I needed to select an alternative.
This twist of fate wasn’t entirely disappointing. Truthfully, the XTS isn’t the most thrilling vehicle, and I wasn’t particularly eager to drive it. Presented with the choice between a “BMW” or a “Mercedes” by the Avis agent, and having previously reviewed a BMW 328i, I opted for the Mercedes.
Initial Encounter
The “Mercedes” turned out to be a 2015 E350 in a sophisticated slate gray. It stood out prominently in the Avis lot, surrounded by more commonplace rental cars – compact economy models, large SUVs, and practical minivans. In this company, the E350 was undeniably the most attractive car, and I was pleased to take control of it, if only for an afternoon’s drive.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 awaited on the Avis rental lot at Denver International Airport, a sophisticated option amongst more common rentals.
The E350, while substantial, maintains an elegant and streamlined aesthetic.
Up close, the E350 reveals its size. My immediate thought was, “This is a substantial car.” Yet, its design maintains a sense of style and elegance, with pleasing proportions that contribute to its high-class appearance.
The slate gray paint further enhanced its sophisticated aura. I found this color far more appealing than the vibrant Velocity Yellow I had recently experienced on a C7 Corvette. Imagine this gray hue on the Corvette – it would arguably create the ideal combination of sport and understated class!
The slate gray exterior color impeccably complements the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350’s refined character.
Stepping inside, the initial impression of the interior was equally positive. It exuded a high-end feel, perhaps even more luxurious than the BMW 3 Series, suggesting a focus on premium comfort and materials.
The Mercedes-Benz E350’s steering wheel and white-face gauges contribute to a sophisticated and driver-focused cockpit.
On the Road with the E350
The driving experience in the Mercedes-Benz E350 was largely enjoyable. Despite its size, it felt composed and controlled. The 3.5L V6 engine delivered ample power, providing brisk acceleration from a standstill and confident highway speeds. The engine’s responsiveness made navigating city streets and merging onto highways effortless.
If there was one aspect that stood out negatively, it was the braking system. From the first press, the brakes felt somewhat lacking in initial bite and responsiveness. The pedal had a softer, “squishy” feel, requiring more travel and pressure than expected, particularly when needing to brake firmly from higher speeds. Adjusting to this brake feel was necessary for confident stops.
The 18-inch wheels and tires of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 strike a balance between style and ride comfort.
Aside from the brakes, the E350 excels as a comfortable cruiser. Driving westward on I-70 through Denver and into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains was a genuinely pleasant experience. The car effortlessly covered miles and climbed inclines with ease. The engine’s torque was plentiful, making uphill stretches feel undemanding. And the quietness of the cabin was remarkable.
Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for building cars with serene interiors is well-deserved, and this E350 was a prime example. While the Corvette Stingray offered exhilarating open-road driving, the E350’s hushed cabin would make it an ideal companion for long journeys, minimizing fatigue and maximizing passenger comfort.
However, the E350’s size became more apparent on the winding roads of the Colorado mountains. It felt somewhat cumbersome in tight switchbacks and hairpin turns. Engaging “sport” mode and utilizing the steering wheel paddle shifters improved responsiveness and driver engagement to some extent. Yet, it was clear the E350’s primary design focus wasn’t on being a nimble sports car for canyon carving. It’s more geared towards comfortable and composed driving in everyday situations.
Driving the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 through Colorado’s mountain roads revealed its grand touring character, more oriented towards comfort than sharp handling.
Interior Comfort and Design
The interior of a Mercedes-Benz is generally a welcoming space, and the 2015 E350 certainly upheld this expectation. From the moment you settle into the driver’s seat, the emphasis on comfort and quality is evident. The E350 delivered on its promise of a premium interior experience.
The exceptional quietness at highway speeds, combined with the premium materials used for the steering wheel and seats, contributed to a very refined overall ambiance. The cabin felt like a sanctuary, isolating occupants from the noise and stress of the outside world.
The dashboard and steering wheel of the 2015 E350 showcase high-quality materials, though the wood trim might be a matter of personal taste.
The climate and entertainment controls in the 2015 E350’s center console are ergonomically laid out and easy to use.
The Mercedes-Benz E350 features a column-mounted gear selector, a classic Mercedes design element.
The rear seats of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 offer comfortable seating for passengers.
Rear legroom in the 2015 E350 is generous, providing ample space for adult passengers.
A classic analog clock in the center of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350’s dashboard adds a touch of traditional luxury.
The interior of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 balances sporty design elements with luxurious materials and finishes.
The overhead console in the 2015 E350 is well-organized and features intuitive controls.
The white-face analog gauges with a digital information display in the 2015 E350 are clear, legible, and informative.
At night, the gauges in the 2015 E350 invert to white on black for enhanced nighttime visibility.
The key fob for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 is ergonomically designed and features intuitive button placement.
The back of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 key fob maintains a clean and sophisticated design.
However, a minor drawback was the seat design. While aesthetically pleasing and upholstered in high-quality materials, the seats felt somewhat large and flat. They lacked sufficient lateral support for spirited driving. During more dynamic driving on mountain roads, there was noticeable sliding, which detracted from the overall driving engagement.
The seats, in their flatness and lack of bolstering, were reminiscent of bench seats from older cars. While not expecting aggressive bucket seats in this class, more lateral support would be a welcome improvement, especially for drivers who occasionally encounter winding roads.
It’s worth noting that vehicles in this luxury sedan segment often prioritize comfort over extreme lateral support in their seating. Even comparable models might share this characteristic. For a different perspective on seat design in a similar vehicle class, consider exploring reviews of competitors.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 is an excellent car for comfortable and refined driving. It excels on highways, offering a smooth and solid ride, and the engine provides ample power for everyday driving scenarios and quick bursts of acceleration. While it incorporates features like paddle shifters and a “sport” mode to hint at sportiness, it doesn’t fully transform into a truly engaging performance car.
Perhaps the appeal of the E350 grows with time and maturity. For those seeking a more performance-oriented experience, enhancements like more supportive front seats might be desired before considering the E350 as a personal vehicle. However, as a comfortable, luxurious, and capable sedan, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 holds significant appeal and represents a strong offering in its class.
