Stepping into a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 wasn’t on my agenda, but as an automotive enthusiast, the chance to experience a vehicle of this caliber is always welcome. My initial plan involved a Cadillac XTS rental, but fate, or rather Avis at Denver International Airport, had other plans. Despite a lot full of XTS models, I was told none were available, pushing me towards an alternative. The choice came down to a “BMW” or a “Mercedes,” and having recently reviewed a BMW 328i, the allure of the Mercedes-Benz E350 was too strong to resist.
First Glance: Elegance on the Rental Lot
Nestled amongst the usual rental suspects – compact cars, bulky SUVs, and practical minivans – the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 in slate gray stood out immediately. It was undeniably the most sophisticated vehicle in its section, a beacon of understated luxury in a sea of utilitarian transport. I was more than happy to take the keys and experience this unexpected upgrade, even if just for an afternoon.
My first impression of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 as a rental car at Denver International Airport, highlighting its unexpected presence among common vehicles.
The E350 presents a substantial silhouette, yet maintains an air of refined elegance. Up close, its size is more apparent, evoking a sense of presence and sophistication. The proportions are beautifully balanced, contributing to its stylish and graceful aesthetic. The slate gray paint further enhances its premium feel, a welcome contrast to more ostentatious colors. This shade exudes class, perfectly complementing the E350’s design.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 showcases its elegant and substantial design from a front three-quarter perspective, emphasizing its road presence.
Stepping inside, the interior of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 continued to impress. It felt distinctly high-end, offering a level of luxury that seemed a step above even the BMW 3 Series. The cabin materials and design immediately communicated quality and comfort.
The steering wheel and white-face gauges of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 interior, emphasizing the luxurious and well-crafted driver interface.
Behind the Wheel: Driving Dynamics of the 2015 E350
The driving experience of the Mercedes-Benz E350 is largely positive. For a vehicle of its size, it feels remarkably composed and controlled. The 3.5L V6 engine delivers ample power, providing brisk acceleration from a standstill and confident highway cruising. The engine’s responsiveness makes navigating city streets and merging onto highways effortless.
However, one aspect that stood out, and not in a positive way, was the braking system. The brakes felt less responsive than expected, requiring more pedal pressure than anticipated, especially when slowing down from higher speeds. The initial pedal feel was somewhat soft or “squishy,” which detracted from the otherwise refined driving dynamics. This required a slight adjustment in driving style, particularly in anticipating braking distances.
A detailed view of the 18-inch wheels and tires of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350, highlighting the vehicle’s sporty yet elegant wheel design.
On open roads, the 2015 E350 excels as a comfortable and capable cruiser. Driving through Denver and into the Rocky Mountains was a genuinely enjoyable experience. The car effortlessly absorbed miles, tackling inclines with ease thanks to its generous torque. The quietness of the cabin was particularly noteworthy. Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for creating serene interiors is well-deserved, and the E350 is a testament to this. While the Corvette Stingray offered exhilarating open-top thrills, the E350’s tranquil cabin makes it an ideal choice for long journeys where comfort and quiet are paramount.
When encountering tighter, winding mountain roads, the E350’s size became more apparent. It felt less agile in these conditions, exhibiting a degree of bulkiness through switchbacks and hairpin turns. Engaging “sport” mode and utilizing the paddle shifters offered a marginal improvement in responsiveness and engagement. However, it’s clear that the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 is not engineered to be a sports car or canyon carver. Its strengths lie in comfortable cruising and refined daily driving, rather than aggressive cornering.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 navigating the scenic mountain roads of Colorado, illustrating its capability and composure in varied driving conditions.
Interior Comfort and Refinement
Mercedes-Benz interiors are synonymous with luxury and comfort, and the 2015 E350 certainly upholds this tradition. From the moment you settle into the driver’s seat, the high-quality materials and thoughtful design are evident. The cabin is a welcoming space, designed for both driver and passenger comfort.
As mentioned, the E350’s exceptional quietness at highway speeds is a major contributor to its comfort. Combined with premium materials on the steering wheel and seating surfaces, the overall ambiance is one of sophisticated relaxation.
The dashboard and steering wheel of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 interior, highlighting the premium materials and elegant design, though some might find the woodgrain excessive.
The center console of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350, displaying the climate control and entertainment system, integrated seamlessly into the luxurious interior.
A close-up of the woodgrain center console in the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 interior, illustrating the traditional luxury touch with the gear shift lever on the steering column.
The rear seats of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350, demonstrating the spacious and comfortable passenger environment.
Demonstrating the ample legroom in the rear seats of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350, comfortable even for taller passengers.
A close-up of the dashboard clock in the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350, a classic and elegant touch enhancing the luxurious feel of the interior.
Showcasing the blend of sporty and luxurious elements within the interior of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350, reflecting its dual nature.
Detail of the overhead console buttons in the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350, illustrating the vehicle’s comprehensive controls and features.
The white-face analog gauges with a digital information display in the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350, designed for easy readability and driver information.
The gauges of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 at night, reversing to white on black for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
The front side of the key fob for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350, a detail of the vehicle’s accessories and design.
The back side of the key fob for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350, completing the view of the vehicle’s key and remote features.
However, the seats, while trimmed in luxurious materials, presented a minor drawback. They felt somewhat large and flat, lacking the lateral support needed during more spirited driving. In tight corners, particularly on mountain roads, there was noticeable sliding, which slightly detracted from the overall driving experience in those conditions. While not bench seats from the 70s, they did lack the bolstering expected in a car with sporting pretensions. It’s worth noting that this class of vehicle typically prioritizes comfort over aggressive seat bolstering, even in competitors like the Chrysler 300S.
Final Verdict: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 as a Pre-Owned Luxury Choice
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 is undoubtedly a compelling vehicle, especially when considered in the used car market. In its element, as a comfortable and refined highway cruiser, it excels. The powerful V6 engine provides satisfying performance for everyday driving and confident acceleration when needed. While it incorporates sporty elements like paddle shifters and a “sport” mode, these aren’t enough to transform it into a truly sporty sedan.
For those prioritizing luxury, comfort, and a smooth driving experience, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 is an excellent choice. It may not satisfy drivers seeking a high-performance sports sedan, but for refined daily driving and comfortable long-distance travel, it remains a strong contender in the pre-owned luxury segment. Perhaps as priorities shift towards comfort and serenity over outright sportiness, the appeal of the E350 becomes even more pronounced.
