Mercedes-Benz S350 CDI: driven

Friday, November 27, 2009

More efficient version
Blue Efficiency technology
Costs from £55,986

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Could the revised Mercedes S-Class be a car to help reduce global warming? A new engine with Blue Efficiency technology certainly points it in the right direction.

That engine is still a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel putting out 232bhp and 399lb ft of torque, but it’s now badged 350 CDI Blue Efficiency. Fuel economy rises to 37.2mpg with the standard-length car and 36.7mpg with the stretched version – 9% improvements – while CO2 emissions fall by 21g/km. That’s enough to cut company car tax liability by five and four bands respectively.

More safety kit
There are also safety upgrades from the latest E-Class – monitors to detect a drowsy driver, unintended lane-changes or other cars in your blind spot – plus automatic switching between high and low beam, and an improved night-vision camera. Some of it is standard and some optional, but in all there are £3300 worth of equipment additions for a price increase of just £300. The grille, lights and bumpers have also been reprofiled.

You still get the same peerless ride, sumptuous interior and magnificent refinement, plus far better performance and economy than you’ve a right to expect from a vast diesel limo. The new Jaguar XJ is going to have to be good – and we mean (itals) very (/itals) good – to beat it. RS

Our verdict
The best luxury car you can buy is now even better