Ride and handling
While I wasn’t overly impressed with the driving dynamics and driver involvement of the previous gen E-Class, the steering on the new car felt lighter, yet more alive. Somehow the car with its slightly stiffer suspension, and a more lively felt more ready for action. Previously, while making my ascent to Lonavala via the Mumbai Pune expressway, I felt the body roll and the suspension softness as a bit more than desirable, even after taking the comfort factor into consideration. The new E felt just right.
Much of the credit for the improved driving dynamics can be attributed to the DIRECT CONTROL suspension system, which adjusts the damping effect based on the driving conditions. An even sportier version of the suspension which is optional for the ELEGANCE trim, but comes as standard for the AVANTGARDE version that we tested offers an ever sportier driver. The sportier DIRECT CONTROL suspension has 15mm lower ground clearance (which did see us scrape the belly of the car on a few occasions). The system also ensures constant ground clearance – irrespective of the vehicle load.
The affect of this advanced damping technology, along with the AIRMATIC air suspension can be felt more clearly on broke roads at slower speeds. The monsoon marred roads of Mumbai were taken in its stride by the E250 CDI with amazing ease. We drove through some really tattered roads, fit only for SUV’s on our way to the shoot location and the E250 made light work of negotiating the road imperfections, insulating the four occupants substantially from the jarring road surface. Care had to be taken while driving over higher mounds, or deeper potholes owing to the low clearance, but the suspension amazed us with its absorption capabilities. The insulation within the cabin at high speed was another highlight, with no wind or tyre noise audible at on wail laid out surfaces.
In addition to the new suspension system, the new E-Class also features a Direct-Steer system which comes as standard on all models. The Direct-Steer system has a more direct steering ratio, and reduces the steering effort required while taking tight bends enhancing the car’s agility.
At speed, the E-class feels extremely planted in a straight line. The new suspension settings have worked toward improving the dynamic character of the car. The E-Class hasn’t particularly known to be a driver’s delight, but this one invites you behind the steering wheel, and excites the driver in you a fair bit too. There is a wee bit of body roll, but it is well contained as compared with the previous versions. The car holds its line really well, and sharp directional changes at speed are handled without any wiggly movements. The car feels taut and doesn’t mind being thrown around corners at all.
In all, the new E-Class is a significant improvement over its predecessor in terms of both driving dynamics and comfort.
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