Smooth operator

QUIETLY UNDERSTATED, THE MERCEDES- BENZ E- CLASS 200 SEDAN IS A REAL LANE CHANGER

The Mercedes- Benz E- Class luxury sedans have long been a mainstay of the German marque’s line- up in New Zealand, and the latest models set new benchmarks for technology, driver aids and safety.

This is Driven’s 2016 Car of the Year, and is the most advanced vehicle produced by the company.

In a marketplace now dominated by SUVs and utes, how has such a conservative four- door luxury sedan won so much praise — not only was it our Car of the Year, it was awarded the same prize in the AA/ NZ Motoring Writers’ Guild Car of the Year awards, along with a swag of other accolades.

To help answer this question, Mercedes- Benz has given us an entry- level E- Class 200 sedan as a long- term test car, to help find out what it is like to live with the vehicle.

During the next three months we will report on the extraordinary features of the Iridium silver metallic E200, including its advanced semi- autonomous driving features.

There are seven models in the E- Class range, starting with our E200 , which sells for $ 99,900 plus on- road costs, through to the Mercedes- AMG E 4.3 sedan, selling for $ 166,900 plus ORC.

To get an idea of the range, Mercedes- Benz Driven got behind the wheel of an E400 sedan ( selling for $ 149,900) for a week before we took delivery of the E200 model.

That car was fitted with a nappa leather interior, 4- MATIC allwheel- drive, and sat on 20in alloy wheels. It travels from 0 to 100 km/ h in 5.2 seconds, and is powered by a 3- litre six cylinder engine that puts out 245kW of power and 480Nm of torque.

The E400 is a superb sports sedan, with great road manners. And like “our” E200 model, it glides along the motorway effortlessly, with the engine growling on acceleration but purring once the car is moving.

Although they share the same body, the E200 sedan has a different character. It is powered by a 2- litre four- cylinder directinjection turbocharged engine that puts out 135kW, and 300Nm of torque. It takes a full 7.7 seconds to reach 100 km/ h from a standing start.

There is no roar from the engine, just a quiet hum as the 9- speed automatic gearbox slides imperceptibly through the gears.

It sits on 18in five- spoke allow wheels, and is powered through the rear wheels.

Instead of nappa leather the E200 has ARTICO upholstery, a