“ The E270 CDI is capable of doing what the 220 CDI did — with half the effort.”

MERCEDES-BENZ E270 CDI
List price
(ex-showroom, Mumbai)
Rs 38.26 lakh
Top speed 225 kph (est)
0-100kph 9.30 sec
Kpl 9.83 (city), 11.5 (highway)
For Performance, refinement, handling, safety, engineering
Against Not many can afford it

Even before you've driven a kilometre, the mildly discordant but pleasing soft clatter from under the bonnet tells you this engine has five and not four cylinders. Back after a gap of four years, Merc once again has a five-cylinder diesel present in its E-class line-up. The last five-cylinder diesel, which powered the W124 E250, was agricultural in comparison to the hi-tech 'five' that sits under the shapely hood of the latest E270 CDI.
As part of DaimlerChrysler India's relentless engine upgrade plan for all its models, the larger 270 CDI replaces the 220 CDI. In fact, the E270's 2685cc engine is essentially the 220 CDI motor with an additional cylinder bolted on. It produces a very healthy 173bhp, making it the most powerful diesel in the Indian market but it's the max torque figure of a massive 43kgm, available from as low as 1800rpm, that's truly astonishing. To put things in perspective, the E270 CDI produces as much torque as the 5.0-litre V8 in the SL500!
This second-generation common rail turbo diesel is bristling with hi-tech features like a new electrically-operated high-pressure pump, higher firing pressure, seven-hole injectors as well as double pilot injection, the latter responsible for the impressively refinement of this diesel motor.
Clatter and rattle at idle even when cold is well contained, almost no vibrations filtering through to the occupants. Use even a small amount of the throttle pedal travel and the torque of the E270 motor shoves the E offline smartly. You're immediately aware of the potency of this motor as the 270 seems to be capable of doing what the 220 CDI did — with seemingly half the effort. You get a sense of power and heft even when driven on urban roads, and you're constantly aware of that endless pit of power available.
Push the pedal further and the punch delivered increases in a linear manner, the grunt from the engine almost seamless as the five-speed auto swaps cogs in a velvety slur, never allowing the engine to escape out of its short powerband. The auto box also shields you from the small bit of turbo lag experienced below 1600rpm.
Bury the throttle pedal in the carpet and the E270 lunges forward at a staggering rate that would shame most luxury petrol saloons. 100kph comes up in just 9.3 seconds, 150 in 20.6 seconds, almost five seconds quicker than the 220 CDI and three faster than the E240. The E270 continues to pull as strongly even after the speedo needle has crossed 180, a speed that is surprisingly easy to achieve! The rate of acceleration only bleeds once the 210kph mark has been crossed. We did a maximum of 220kph, the motor still having something in hand.
Also improved, despite the larger capacity engine, is the fuel efficiency. Merc has been able to keep the overall gearing much taller due to the greater torque of this motor, the car travels further for every rotation of the crankshaft and the 270 as a result uses less fuel for every kilometre traveled. We recorded figures of 9.8 kilometres per litre in the city and 11.5 on the highway, figures mid-size car owners would be happy with.
The E270 otherwise is unaltered, no bad thing as this is among the finest saloons available anywhere. Riding on the same tyres, and even rims, the W211 is one of the finest ride and handling packages around. Stiffly sprung, the low speed ride is slightly revealing, but get upto cruising speeds and the E270 swallows bad roads with a nonchalance that's scarcely believable. The direct and well-weighted steering is the key to the E-class' delightful handling and can be pointed through corners with more aplomb than a car several classes smaller.
The brakes are as sophisticated as they come. The SBC brake by wire system comes with next-generation anti-lock brakes, brake assist and electronic stability control. The sound of the SBC pump can however be quite annoying. The exquisitely designed and crafted interiors still look fresh but passenger space at the rear is not as generous as we would have liked.
The E is best as a four-seater, and the tall central hump makes seating awkward for the middle passenger. Standard equipment is pretty impressive with a great sound system, sophisticated climate control system and six airbags. But the seat adjustments are only partially electric. Seat length can only be adjusted manually, which is shocking in a Rs 38 lakh car.
However, your money goes a long way in the taut and stiff body of the E-class. The Merc still gives the impression it will feel tight and solid even a decade from now. The E270 is not much more expensive than the E220 CDI, certainly worth the extra half-lakh. Once again the diesel E is the pick of the litter. As we'd said earlier, it's virtually flawless.

Captions:
>> Well-sorted chassis makes E270 a great driver’s car as well as a comfy cruiser.
>> Classy, luxurious cabin needed no changes; engine is hugely torquey and refined; 270 is a 220 with an extra cylinder; stiff suspension.