Drove the R350 Today! - Benzworld.org

nevadajack · 09-10-2005, 03:14 PM

Finally after all this time I drove a R350 today. Iridium Silver/Charcoal.

I was pleased with the ride and the appearance of the car. I am not a fan of black interiors but still liked what I saw. All the fit and finish was perfect that I could see. The quality of the materials was fine with the exception of some things like the sunvisors being all plastic, unlike my E which are padded. However, this did not effect my acceptance of the look or the feel. The seats were firm (not the Multicontour) but very comfortable. Great sitting position and the console area controls were all handy and easy to get to.

The rear seats had plenty of room and entry into the 3rd row was easy and there was lots of room to get seated. I would not feel comfortable though for a long ride in the 3rd row...just a little tight. The space behind the 3rd row is not great but could handle a pretty good grocery order. I see myself riding with the 3rd row seats folded down full time, allowing a large storage area.

The car is really quiet running. I could not hear the engine running when I started it. The gear shift was as natural as could be. I backed out into the parking lot and it will take some getting used to (glad I got Parktronic.) Just drove on city street for about 10 minutes but very pleased with the ride quietness and did not even know there was a transmission in the car. The track was perfect although only at about 55mph. Turns nicely and brakes were firm and sure.

All in all I will be pleased with my R500 in October...I am sure of that! Here are some pictures:

**Norb** · 09-11-2005, 09:15 AM

Nice.

So does it feel like a Mercedes? How do the door sound when closing? Does the suspension have the damped controlled feel of substance? Ride with authority and proper heft? Does it sound european? Thanks!

nevadajack · 09-11-2005, 09:25 AM

Wow Norb...don't know if I can settle all those items with a 10 minute test drive...[:)]

Yes it feels like a MB. The ride position is slightly higher which gives a little different feel in the seat. The doors are solid..not like the 80's (none have that sound anymore) but a good "thunk." As far as the suspension and ride goes it is tough to judge in a short ride at city speed. But it was solid and felt very much like most of my MB. The sound was really muted...I didn't get the chance to floor it but it was so quiet. The transmission was undetectable.

I feel good about it and once I get my R500 (the demo was a R350) I will have a chance to provide some more information on my trip home from the Gulfcoast to Las Vegas.

BrentG500 · 09-11-2005, 02:45 PM

Those fenders are aching for some larger tires underneath ... [}:)]

I can't wait to see how it looks in white [:P]. Eh, silver is nice too. [8D] All in all, the car looks much nicer than in those MB PR photos.

Jack, post back when you get your R500.

Innhitman · 09-12-2005, 06:37 AM

I also test drove the R350 last week... and yes, I though the ride was solid and SMOOTHE ( airmatic). The doors felt solid... sounded great.... and I agree with Jack, their doors used to sound even better... but there will be no complaint from anyone regarding these doors....

The ride position was higher.... but that is the nice part, i think.....

I think parktronic is needed on this vehicle, if you are ordering it... especially useful until you get used to the car..... also, there are aftermarket backup cameras... but only get this from a specialist... not ma and pa, car stereo installer...

The passenger room will have you looking for reasons to drive 4 or more people around..... The rear door is huge... nice... but you must be careful when opening the door in the parking lot...

I was impressed with the whole package....

Looking forward to delivery.