Mercedes-Benz has announced the pricing and availability of the E-Class equipped with its latest petrol engine, the 272bhp 3.5-litre V6.

Production of the new model will commence in November 2004 and UK deliveries will start soon after. The E 350 will cost from £35,770 on-the-road.

Replacing the current E320, the new E350 retains the same specification and level of equipment, but the new engine will be mated to the renowned 7G-TRONIC automatic gearbox as standard.

The new generation aluminium 3.5-litre V6 engine replaces the 3.2-litre variant.

Compared to the outgoing engine, the lightweight 240 kg 3.5-litre engine package provides increased power output (up 48 hp) and higher torque delivery (up 35 Nm), whilst economy is improved (saving around 1.5 mpg in extra urban) and emissions exceed EUIV specification.

The E350 Elegance Saloon will cost £35,770 on-the-road and E350 Elegance Estate £37,570.