Business class

Life as a top businessman is very stressful. Not that I’d know: my job doesn’t quite fit that mould, and as such my daily commute is an unfettered blast in a taut, visceral, souped-up European hatchback. The businessman, on the other hand, doesn’t need any more adrenalin. He wants soothing with leather, wood and Classic FM. 

The Mercedes-Benz E350 CGI is something special because it offers so much to so many – from the big spender in search of refinement, comfort and elegance, to the big kid who still wants to light up the tyres, feel the roar and pretend to be a getaway driver. 

It’s probably the best all-rounder in the E-Class range, with a surprisingly efficient 3.5-litre petrol V6 that manages, astoundingly, to pretty much match my hot hatch for miles per gallon, despite being far heavier, much more powerful, and even faster in a straight line! Of course, most E-Class buyers will go for the smaller engines or the diesels, which offer still more impressive economy, but this one has that extra potency. 

With 288 horsepower, improved handling and the wonderful 7-speed auto gearbox switched to ‘Sport’ and paddle-shift, you can certainly relish the feeling of lighting the afterburners. Make no mistake though, this car lends itself just as naturally to cruising silently and effortlessly, and despite my own petrolhead inclinations, that seemed to be the mood the E350 continually put me in. Rather than gunning it hard, instinct seemed to lean towards sitting back, setting cruise control and marvelling in the feeling of sheer solidity and quality from every dial, switch and gadget in the cockpit. 

Inside and out, the design is a striking evolution from its predecessor. Mercedes can always be relied upon to load up with futuristic trickery, and despite a list too long even to begin, every feature and function is intuitive and easy to use. Externally, the E-Class signature quad headlamps have been squared off and separated by an aggressive slash that mirrors the sporty look of the C-Class, while the overall body shape apes the purposeful and domineering S-Class, giving it a look that clearly states its intentions. As a perfect blend of performance and finesse, the E350 CGI is the business. 

OTR price: £36,320

With thanks to Mercedes-Benz Stockport.