While we cannot comment on the European scene, what is confronting us in the same pleasurable manner is that Mercedes-Benz India Limited is also engaged in a similar pursuit. Its standard bearer W211 E-class portfolio has been enhanced with the introduction of the most powerful oil-burner in the business to date in this country - the E270 CDI. Ever since the company launched the new E-class, diesel honours were upheld to a large extent by the E220 CDI while the brilliant E240 V6 and the equally hard-working and powerful E220K petrol-engined cars held forth on their own.

In a move which now rationalizes MBIL’s range, which is as it should be, the C220 CDI is at the upper crust of the diesel pecking order in the entry-level three-pointed star class. The earlier E220 CDI has now made way for the new E-class model which has the very powerful five-cylinder inline CDI diesel engine nestling under its sizeable sculpted bonnet. Now don’t get me wrong, but an appreciable chunk of Mercedes-Benz buyers do have an overt preference for diesel, fuelled not just by the diesel efficiency but also by the company’s desire to make it more than a worthwhile alternative to the petrol engines. And why not, when you make the world’s finest diesels (a lot of) money can buy, your customers obviously want them, be they high mileage taxi and fleet drivers on the European continent or fat cats having made it big in the land of Bharat by virtue of getting most out of their petro rupee which in this case seems to have been spent on diesel.

So when Mercedes-Benz India Ltd offered us an example of the latest E-class with the 270 CDI power unit which we had already seen and experienced in the M-class, we knew that this potent powerplant would make for an exceptional road burner without in any way diluting the essence of the world’s most successful executive saloon or that of the three-pointed star.

E-CLASS: The range hits the right keys.

There is not much to differentiate the E270 CDI from its W211 stablemates like the E240 V6 and the recently launched entry level (if a Rs 32 lakh automobile could be termed thus!) E200K which all look stunning with the new sloping radiator grille and the steeply slanted twin elliptic headlamps up front. The classic lines of the W211 seen in profile make it one harmonious unit with a balanced form which is most pleasing to the eye from whichever angle on decides to view it. In fact I personally feel the present E-class has great character and is a much better buy than the S-class, as a driver’s car, but then what do I know about money when I have none of it and so if there are people with the urge to splurge, Mercedes-Benz is only being helpful.

That said even the interior is tastefully done up as always and the only thing which I could remotely call lacking was the cup holders. I couldn’t find one to park my beverage bottle in and generally being of the obedient sort, maybe I thought Mercedes-Benz ensures that those who get behind the wheel of their cars do not drink while driving!