Mercedes-Benz is the name synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and is the standard by which all other luxury brands measure themselves.

Mercedes-Benz is the name synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and is the standard by which all other luxury brands measure themselves.

The E-Class is Mercedes' mid-sized platform, and even though it's not the largest or most expensive sedan in the maker's lineup (that's the S-Class), it's arguably the most important model for the German company. The mid-sized E-Class enjoys greater sales worldwide than the S-Class and is THE model most people associate with the brand.

A few years ago, Mercedes redesigned the E-Class to attract a younger buyer (for more future sales). It got a more athletic look and a sporting chassis. The new E350 continues in the same vein.

Our demo vehicle was a nicely equipped Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic, dressed in classic black and white. With a 3.5-litre V-6 4Matic and permanent all-wheel drive, it also came equipped with a selection of luxury amenities one expects in the premium class, such as seven-speed automatic transmission, panoramic roof, front and rear parking sensors, navigation system, harman-kardon stereo, three-memory position driver and passenger front seats, rear window power sunshade, keyless entry and ignition, to name a few items.

Inside the cabin, one is immediately impressed with the understated, elegant sense of luxury and quality. Black wood trim, leather, soft-touch plastics and the design of the dash, centrestack and door coverings combine beautifully. An interesting design decision is the placement of the gearshift -- a short, electronically-controlled stub attached to the right side of the steering column, just like a 1965 Chevy -- which frees space on the centre console.

On the road, the E350 performs like a premium luxury car should. It soaks up pavement craters, cosseting its occupants in a satisfyingly quiet cocoon. The Mercedes' suspension never crashes or jars passengers, and even the 40-series low profile tires emit only the tiniest "thump" over frost heaves. Add to the car's refined ride steering that's quick and precise, and the E350 achieves the ideal balance between luxury limo and sporting sedan. On the open road, the car maintains a hushed demeanour (the moonroof is usable at speeds up to 110 km/h, allowing normal conversation and minimal buffeting).

Just cruising in the E350 is a car lover's delight. The Mercedes delivers superbly tactile sensations that are unmatched by any major manufacturer except BMW. Feedback through the steering wheel is excellent (and my personal benchmark by which all others are measured) and on the road the car has bank vault-like solidity. Contributing to this wonderful driving experience is the sedan's ability to feel smaller than it is. The E350 may not have the surgical precision of a 5-Series BMW, but this is one delightfully agile and responsive luxury car.

The Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic's strengths far outweigh any shortcomings. The E350 stands out as a car that perfectly blends luxurious accommodations with a superbly refined sporting character. Add to that the security of permanent all-wheel drive plus inherent driving goodness that makes you smile every time you slip behind the wheel, and the E350 rates as one of my favourite cars in the premium luxury class.