Mercedes’s E350 BlueTEC attempts to revive diesel cars in America, with the German automaker’s trademark mix of luxury and performance. Let’s break down what’s been said about the E350.
MotorTrend – First Test: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Bluetec
MotorTrend says “the E350 Bluetec is not a blast to drive, period,” adding “In fact, the driving experience is actually quite dull.” They say that the motor noise is quite loud, compared to other modern diesels, although the cabin does a good job at dampening the noise. The shifts are quiet, as well.
Regarding performance, MotorTrend says: “Acceleration is lackluster, with the 210-horsepower, 400-pound-foot turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 needing 7.5 seconds to get the 4167-pound sedan to 60 mph and 15.6 seconds to get it through the quarter mile. The brakes… are fairly middle of the road as well, with 60-0 mph requiring 128 feet. Handling? That’s middling too.”