22 The Newbie View : Mercedes-Benz E350e

Let me just start by saying that I am not a car enthusiast nor do I know much about the technical aspects of one. Other than occasionally watching Formula One races on TV, the automotive industry is something that I do not have a strong interest in. Simply put, I get that a car is a means of transport for me and you to get around. I also come with the driving expertise of an average Joe or some of you might conclude, the average senior citizen, if you have ever been my passenger.

But here I am at Hap Seng Star, surprised that I didn't fall asleep the moment I walked in. No, it was pretty interesting listening to Hubs and the car salesman discuss and argue points over Mercedes-Benz's E 350e plug-in hybrid model.

Mercedes-Benz E350e PHEV - Exterior

Mercedes-Benz E350e PHEV - Exterior

Mercedes-Benz E350e PHEV - Exterior

We even went for a test drive. This was when it really impressed me. The car comes with 'airmatic suspension'. Huh? If this was a cartoon show, you'd see a lot of question marks popping up around my head! This function allows the car to adjust itself when going over uneven surfaces ensuring a smooth drive. The car raises up an inch when going over small humps and lowers itself for more stability when driven at higher speeds. I certainly felt the difference sitting in the back seat. The ride was comfortable, very.

Test-Driving Mercedes-Benz E350e PHEV

Mercedes-Benz E350e PHEV - Interior

Mercedes-Benz E350e PHEV - Interior

The panoramic Sunroof is the stuff of dreams. I love the feeling of driving with the sun on my cheeks and as a passenger, looking at the stars and the moon on road trips afar.

Panoramic Sunroof

What else did I like about the car? Repeat after me - BURMESTER. Possibly the most awesome audio system ever! We cranked up the radio and it felt like I had my headphones on. The surround sound experience was out of this world. Burmester is now my favourite word.

Burmester Audio System and Ambient Lighting

Worried about side parking? Hah! The car does the job for you. In and out! It's almost eerie watching the car maneuver itself into the parking lot without driver assistance but it was also spectacular. It does reverse parking too. Makes you feel like giving the car a name, doesn't it?

"Well done, Kitt. Excellent parking skills."

"You're not too bad, Sharon ... given a mile of space."

"Really, this wireless charging pad is brilliant, Kitt but it's too small to fit a Samsung Note 8." 

"The plus point? I don't like Apple either."

To be honest, the central door locking system wasn't my favourite part of the car. It irks me that the button is located on the driver's side. You have to use a stick just to reach it. There are so many occasions I can think of where this inconveniences both driver and passenger, especially when we take our old folks out. Like when you're on a road trip and stop for the loo for awhile leaving your parents or spouse in the car, or when you step out for a moment to buy a drink for them. In short, either everyone gets out of the car or someone has to reach over to the other end to lock it. The car's so wide, I'd need gorilla arms for that!

I love the boot which is equipped with contactless opening though. Swish your foot under the car and it pops up. No longer will I have to fumble for keys to open the boot when my arms are full with shopping bags ..that's if we get the car.

Overall, this car's a beauty with comfy leather seats and 64-colour ambient lighting. What's that, you say? It's that soft lighting inside the car illuminating door handles, the console and so forth creating a futuristic yet zen-like ambiance.

Mercedes-Benz

I find it amusing that I have written so much about a car but I dare bet that a couple of months into 2018, I probably won't remember many of the terms I mentioned above other than 'Burmester'. Lol.

Anyway, please forgive me if I have provided you with any inaccurate information. I was trying to keep up!

To tell you the truth, there's a whole lot of other cool stuff about the car that I've left out in this blog piece because I thought my brain was going to switch off from 'information overload'. I don't think I can take anymore technical stuff. Can we talk about food instead and how delicious it is? 😅


Let me end by wishing you Happy Winter Solstice Festival and Merry Christmas in advance. May you and your family be blessed with many happy moments and fond memories. 👪 💗