Is The Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 The Dark Horse That BMW Is Secretly Afraid Of? Watch And Find Out

Jun. 23, 2016 9:30 AM ET byJay Traugott Video /16 Comments

Mercedes is more badass than many think.

Without question this is an extremely competitive segment, the mid-size luxury sedan. For decadesMercedes-Benz defined what German luxury was all about, but then in the mid-1980s BMW decided that it also wanted to be a player in this segment. Audi quickly followed suit. And since then we've witnessed the never-ending battle between Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi. We headed over theMercedes-Benz of Walnut Creek, Californiafor a closer look at the 2016 E350 sedan.

The 2016 Mercedes E-Class E350 may look somewhat conservative to some,but it may just be the dark horse of this segment. Sure, the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 may look more aggressive, but is it the Benz that wins the elegance competition? Check out our walk around unboxing video ahead to find out.

With its short front overhangs, aggressive 18-inch sport wheels, rear decklid spoiler, and black exterior paint, the E350 isn't by any means boring. During our time behind the wheel we couldn't get enough of its naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, which is paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels. The interior, also all black, is really a direct reflection of the exterior: all business, elegant (note the ash wood trim), and a touch of badassery that only a German-built luxury sedan can pull off. But is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 better than its domestic rivals?