The Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine and paired with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, represented a significant offering within the W212 E-Class facelift range, produced from April 2013 to July 2014. This variant occupied a mid-to-upper position in the E-Class lineup, balancing performance, luxury, and all-weather capability. The W212 facelift, introduced in 2013, brought revised styling, updated technology, and more efficient engine options to the popular executive sedan. The E 350 4MATIC specifically targeted buyers seeking a refined driving experience with the added security of all-wheel drive.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-class |
| Generation | E-class (W212, facelift 2013) |
| Type | E 350 V6 (306 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Start of production | April, 2013 |
| End of production | July, 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.9 l/100 km (23.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.9-6 l/100 km (39.9 – 39.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.4-7.5 l/100 km (31.8 – 31.4 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 174-176 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 306 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 370 Nm @ 3500-5250 rpm (272.9 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 276.952 |
| Engine displacement | 3498 cm3 (213.46 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92.9 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 9.6 l (10.14 US qt | 8.45 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1750 kg (3858.09 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2390 kg (5269.05 lbs.) |
| Max load | 640 kg (1410.96 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space | 540 l (19.07 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 59 l (15.59 US gal | 12.98 UK gal) |
| Length | 4879 mm (192.09 in.) |
| Width | 1854 mm (72.99 in.) |
| Height | 1474 mm (58.03 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2874 mm (113.15 in.) |
| Front track | 1598 mm (62.91 in.) |
| Rear track | 1614 mm (63.54 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission G-TRONIC PLUS |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the E 350 4MATIC is the M276.952 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine. This engine is a member of Mercedes-Benz’s modular engine family, known for its smooth operation and relatively high power output. It features a 60-degree V-angle, aluminum alloy block and cylinder heads, and a sophisticated direct injection system. The direct injection system, operating at pressures up to 200 bar, ensures precise fuel delivery for optimal combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. The engine utilizes a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its strong breathing and power delivery. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, a seven-speed unit, is renowned for its smooth and quick shifts. It features a torque converter lock-up clutch that engages in most driving situations, improving fuel efficiency. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system employs a multi-plate clutch to distribute torque between the front and rear axles, providing enhanced traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The E 350 4MATIC offered a refined and comfortable driving experience. The 306 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque provided ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was achieved in approximately 6.3 seconds, making it a reasonably quick sedan. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission contributed to smooth and seamless gear changes, enhancing the overall driving experience. Compared to the E 300, which featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the E 350 offered a more linear power delivery and a more refined engine note. While not as fuel-efficient as the four-cylinder variant, the V6 provided a noticeable performance advantage. The 4MATIC system instilled confidence in all weather conditions, providing enhanced grip and stability. The suspension, tuned for comfort, absorbed bumps and imperfections in the road effectively, resulting in a smooth and composed ride.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The E 350 4MATIC typically came standard with a generous array of features, including leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, dual-zone automatic climate control, a premium sound system, and a navigation system. Standard safety features included anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a suite of airbags. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, a rear-seat entertainment system, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a parking assist package. Interior trim options included various wood veneers and aluminum accents, allowing buyers to personalize the cabin to their preferences. The E 350 4MATIC generally sat in the middle to upper range of the E-Class trim levels, offering a balance of luxury, performance, and technology.
Chassis & Braking
The W212 E-Class featured a multi-link independent suspension at all four corners, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The front suspension utilized coil springs, while the rear suspension could be equipped with either coil springs or Mercedes-Benz’s AIRMATIC air suspension system, which offered adjustable ride height and damping. The E 350 4MATIC came standard with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. Anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control were standard safety features. The steering system was a speed-sensitive power steering rack and pinion, providing precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The E 350 4MATIC was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its refined driving experience, comfortable ride, and powerful engine. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system was also lauded for its ability to provide enhanced traction and stability in all weather conditions. Compared to the E 300, the E 350 offered a more engaging driving experience, but at the cost of slightly lower fuel economy. The E 350 also offered a more luxurious and refined interior compared to the base E-Class models. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with electronic components.
Legacy
The M276 engine family, including the 3.5-liter V6 used in the E 350 4MATIC, has proven to be a durable and reliable powerplant. While not without its potential maintenance needs (such as occasional oil leaks or timing chain wear), the engine is generally considered to be well-engineered and capable of providing many years of service. Today, used W212 E 350 4MATIC models represent a good value for buyers seeking a comfortable, well-equipped, and capable luxury sedan. The combination of a smooth V6 engine, a refined automatic transmission, and all-wheel-drive capability makes it a compelling option in the used car market.
