Mercedes is putting the finishing touches on the facelifted E-Class, but that hasn’t stopped the automaker from giving the current model a few updates.
According to Car & Driver, Americans will get a new E350 sedan which replaces the E300. As the name suggests, the E350 is more powerful than its predecessor as it features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 255 hp (190 kW / 259 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque.
For comparison, the outgoing E300 had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 241 hp (180 kW / 244 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque. This enabled the sedan to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in as little as 6.2 seconds.
The 14 hp (10 kW / 14 PS) boost is certainly welcome as it now makes the E-Class more powerful than the BMW 530i which has a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder with 248 hp (185 kW / 251 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. However, both models fall short of the Audi A6 55 TFSI which has a 3.0-liter V6 that develops 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.
Also Read: 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Spotted For The First Time With Makeshift Taillights
Since a facelifted model is right around the corner, additional changes are limited. As a result, the E350 uses a familiar nine-speed automatic transmission which can be connected to an optional all-wheel drive system for an extra $2,500.
Unfortunately, one thing that has changed is the E-Class’ base price. The publication says the 2020 E350 will start at $55,045 which makes it $550 more expensive than the 2019 E300.
Note: 2017 Mercedes E300 Sedan pictured
