While the badge at the rear might say E240, indicating a 2400cc engine, the V6 that powers the new E displaces 2597cc and puts out an improved 167bhp. This in actual fact is the same engine that powered the earlier W210 model from August 2001 onwards. This single-cam engine with three valves and twin sparkplugs per cylinder is one of Mercedes' modular engines that share a large number of parts and components with the larger V8s and V12s. It is also well suited to Indian conditions as it runs a much lower compression, enabling it to deal with our low octane fuel.

Start the engine up, you'll be hardpressed to tell if it's turning over. Vibrations are also so well damped out that you really have to seek them out from the imperceptible idle. The flywheel feels weighty and the motor needs a few moments to wake up but it's far more responsive than in the earlier E. What amazed us is how refined this engine is, reaching the redline with a creamy and muted purr. Step out into the urban crawl and the E is a picture of composure and serenity, thanks to the superb five-speed automatic box that works seamlessly slurring from one cog to another.

This engine feels especially strong from 3000rpm up to its 6300rpm redline. What's most impressive is the ability of the new E to waft you to ludicrous speeds even before you know it. It delivers its power in a leisurely manner and is not madly fast by today's standards. From rest, 100 kilometres an hour comes up in 10.84 seconds, while in 20 seconds the big Benz is up to 140. While these figures may seem impressive in isolation, it is important to remember that several significantly less expensive models like the Sonata V6 will outgun the E's time. Mercedes also offered a more potent motor than this base version to make it perkier at low speeds. The already homologated 320 engine, in our opinion, would go a long way in enhancing the appeal of the car tremendously.