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MERCEDES- BENZ E 200 SEDAN TAKES DRIVEN EDITOR TONY VERDON ALONG FOR THE RIDE

Mercedes- Benz occupies a sweet spot in the international commercial and luxury vehicle marketplace, enjoying record sales figures.

The German marque recorded

its 50th consecutive month of record sales in April, and the E- Class saloon is credited with playing a major part in that success.

Driven has had the MercedesBenz E 200 sedan on long- term loan for two and a half months, to help understand how the Driven Car of the Year, and Mercedes’ most technologically advanced model, suits every- day motoring needs. REMEMBER THIS IS A LARGE FOUR- DOOR LUXURY SEDAN THAT IS HITTING INTERNATIONAL SALES RECORDS AT A TIME WHEN SUVS ARE ALL THE RAGE

Remember this is a large fourdoor luxury sedan that is hitting international sales records at a time when SUVs are all the rage.

More than 250,000 E- Class saloons and estate models have been sold internationally since its introduction just over a year ago.

Driven’s E 200 sedan is the entrylevel model in this market, powered by a four- cylinder 2- litre direct injection turbocharged engine, putting out 135kW of power, and 300 Nmof torque.

While it lacks the sheer thrill and excitement of the E 400 model now available here, the E 200 offers a smooth, quiet and relaxing ride that only a large sedan can provide.

The speed- sensitive steering is precise with plenty of feel, and the relatively low centre of gravity of the sedan helps ensure the