DaimlerChrysler SA has replaced the Mercedes-Benz E320 with the 3,5-litre 24-valve V6-powered E350.
DaimlerChrysler SA has replaced the Mercedes-Benz E320 with the 3,5-litre 24-valve V6-powered E350.
CARtoday.com reported in March that Mercedes-Benz’s E350 and C350 models, reportedly fitted with standard seven-speed automatic transmissions, would replace the 3,2-litre V6-powered E320 and C320. The E350 was introduced this week and the C-Class version, the C350, will follow in July, DCSA’s communications manager for the Mercedes Car Group, Guy Kilfoil, said.
The new models’ 3,5-litre 24-valve V6 is the same unit as that offered in the new SLK and, more recently, the CLS, and uses variable cam timing. The new engine’s crankcase and cylinder heads are made of aluminium, the pistons are iron-coated aluminium with steel connecting rods, and the cylinder liners are aluminium-silicone lined.
Mercedes-Benz says the new unit’s fuel efficiency has increased by 12 per cent (now 9,7 litres per 100 km on the combined cycle) despite the bigger displacement and improved output (200 kW at 6 000 r/min and 350 N.m of torque from 2 400 to 5 000 r/min – an improvement of 40 kW and 40 N.m over the 3,2-litre unit).
The E350 has exactly the same features as the model it replaces. The Stuttgart firm claims the new model will be able to sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 6,9 seconds and reach an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.
The E350 costs R459 000 (the E320 sold for R448 500) and the selling price includes a two year/unlimited kilometres warranty with a six year/120 000 km maintenance plan.
