Sponsored Feature 2007

New Generation Mercedes Benz E230 - The Optimal Six

There is no doubt the E-class sedan is the archetypal luxury sedan in Singapore. The new generation E-class, launched in June 2006, is the result of a makeover to some 2,000 parts that were either new or further developed. On the exterior, the subtle changes have no doubt enhanced and sharpened the classic swoopy coupe stance of the E-class. Under the skin, significant changes to engine, steering, suspension and transmission have enhanced its dynamic performance.

Coming shortly after the new generation E200 Kompressor was launched in Singapore last year, the new generation E230 Sedan was introduced earlier this year.
Do not be fooled by the badging on this car. Residing under the hood lives Stuttgart's 2.5 litre 24 valves V6. This engine comes from the same stable as the E280 and E350 and features dual inlet and outlet variable camshaft adjustments that result in the production of 150KW(204ps), coupled with the excellent state of the art 7G-TRONIC 7 speed automatic transmission.

As I drove out of the showroom, I was immediately struck by the excellent refinement and polished performance of the new generation E230. There is a newfound level of refinement rivalling the best six cylinder variants from the other luxury marques.

The all new 2.5 V6 engine performs commendably with excellent torque delivery at the lower engine speed range and remains smooth and quiet to the redline. This is an engine that does not need to be pushed to deliver its silky V6-cylinder performance. Even when pushed to the redline, it admirably delivers its silky six cylinder thrust with nothing more than a polite growl.

The 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission performs impecabbly with its smooth and seamless gearshifts at normal progress. When called upon by a heavy right foot, it is more than willing to obey the commands of the sporty driver. It willingly performs smooth and shudder free downshifts and was more than willing to hold its gears to the redline. In fact it was so intuitive that I found it quite unnecessary to use the manual shift function most of the time.

This new engine and transmission combination not only gives the new generation E230 a decisive edge over its four-cylinder sibling in terms of on road performance, refinement and smoothness. The car's thirst for the premium brew was also helped by the excellent 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, which helped to reduce fuel consumption .

The Direct Control package has endowed the new generation E230 with excellent ride and handling characteristics. The more direct steering and retuned suspension have resulted in more agile handling with no compromise to the car's luxurious ride. Bends are taken with confidence and road imperfections ?are effortlessly dismissed with disdain.

As I returned the keys after the test drive , I came away convinced that the new generation E230 is an accomplished and refined luxury sedan which offers a more than compelling alternative to its lesser sibling. At its current pricing and lavish equipment levels, the E230 offers good value for money when compared with other luxury marques. With so much to like and nothing to dislike, the new generation E230 is highly recommended for those seeking The Optimal Six.

Patrick Yeo