Before I get to replying to your posts, an update. I've edited the prices to include diesel variants. And I must say, the diesel is nowhere as competitively priced as the petrol.
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• Ex-showroom Delhi prices (E350 V6 Petrol) :
Mercedes E350 : 46.9 Lakhs
BMW 530i : 45.9 Lakhs
Audi A6 : 45.12 Lakhs
• Ex-showroom Delhi prices (E350 V6 Diesel) :
Mercedes E350 : 48.08 Lakhs
BMW 530d : 42.80 Lakhs. Highline variant : 46.50 Lakhs
Audi A6 : 45.12 Lakhs (3.0 Quattro)
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The regular 530d is like 4 lakhs cheaper ex-Delhi, and the A6 AWD is about a lakh down. While the A6 hasn't found favour with the market, the 530d has and is substantially cheaper. I reiterate that the 4 cylinder E250 is the one that will bring volumes home. And hey, its got 500 NM of torque too!
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Originally Posted by magikrider I agree that many of us Bhpians are not that impressed with this E350 as the BMW's but thats because we are a community of pure driving enthusiasts! and BMW is just the one for people like us.
2) Ride Comfort. agreed that BMW's are better driver's cars than Mercs but they were built mainly to be driven on European and american roads, where you can even use a sports car as your daily drive as the roads are atleast 10 times better! and when you are spending millions on a car, you dont like to feel all the road uncertainities. |
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Originally Posted by .anshuman The decision to pick either E or the 5 purely depends on the preferences of a buyer, while E caters to those who are more inclined towards comfort, 5 is a favorite with those looking for pure driving involvement. |
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Originally Posted by ajmat True - have been driving various BMW's in the UK - if i remained here, I would buy one but takig our roads and speeds, a merc would do a better job in India |
Well said. 90% of the 50 lakh sedans sold end up being chauffeur-driven. And the E Class' ride quality is way (read = WAY) superior to the BMW 530. It is a far better choice for the "seths" who will only sit on the back seat.
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Originally Posted by Sahil Finally had a chance to sit in the new E at the autocar show over the weekend. And boyy was I impressed with the interior quality ! |
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but the seat angle was better hence making it more comfy than the BMW at the back.
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This time they certain have used S-class materials inside. Gotta love the black wood trim.
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Once fired up the car was super silent as expected from a v6 petrol engine and absolutely no vibration. These are a given but yet impressive.
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Glad you finally checked it out in person. Your impressions are in line with mine.
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Originally Posted by Sahil the E350 CDi would be more powerful than the 530d on paper but in reality the BMW would hold it's stance amongst enthusiasts. I personally love the kick-in-the-back that the 3L diesel BMW hits you with, it brings a smile on my face on the shittest day too. |
Simple reason behind the 530d's quicker performance. It's a whopping 225 kilos lighter (1,600 versus 1,825 kg).
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But what impressed me the most in this review is that MB has improved the already refined diesel power plants more!
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Believe me, you have to experience the refinement to really know what its like. The CDI is more silent than the petrol at full clip. And at idling / within the city, it is IMPOSSIBLE to tell there is an oil burner under the hood.
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That being said, I reckon the new F10(pics released yesterday) will give the E a nicccee thrashing. BMW has bridged the gap between luxury and sporty. The interiors are as luxurious and contemporary if not more than the MB, sportiness is restricted to the outside and engine. Now thats a great combo/blend !
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The one area where BMW loses it is in terms of ride quality. Even the new 7 series is not a patch on this E Class, forget the S. The 7 is simply too stiff for a luxury barge.
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Originally Posted by Yeldo Anyway, I learn from the rieview that the performance is rather smooth and measured than in the W211 E280CDI. But since that car was tamer than the E270CDI, may I take it that the new E is not as fun as the 530d? So no giant leap forward in the engine department in contrast with the rest of the car? |
The W211 E280 CDI had a maniac push in kick-down, the new E350 CDI is very linear. Far more seamless than any competitor.
Nope, its nowhere as fun to drive as the 530d. After about 200+ kms of ripping, we stopped for lunch (Sunny's Dhaba finger-licking naan & subzi

). Know what I did right after? Switched to "C" Comfort mode, stretched out and decided to cruise home sedately. That's how this car is meant to be driven. Dare I say, it was rather
boring to drive enthusiastically. The artificial steering, being disconnected from the outside world, the silent engine and lack of feedback doesn't make this a drivers car. From any angle.