A Sport Package for the masses
I have discovered Mercedes; the Mercedes for me anyway. The E-Class is available with an optional Sport Package which includes a sport-tuned suspension. The difference is night and day between what I drove in the
dessert and what I drove this past week. Come to think of it, this is probably the E-Class that the rest of the World gets. On my recent trip to Vegas, the Mercedes bigwigs admitted that we got a softened-up version. Anyhow, all I can say is that this is the best riding Mercedes-Benz sedan I have yet driven. To put it bluntly, it rides and nearly handles like a BMW. The difference lies in the steering and the brakes. The speed-sensitive power "direction" is very precise in transmitting inputs to the front wheel however it does not feed any feeling back to the driver. As far as the brakes are concerned, enhanced by the upgraded callipers and cross-drilled front discs, provide inspiring braking power but yet again, the pedal is lifeless.
Also included in the Sport Package are a set of stylish 18" 10-spoke alloy wheels, a sport body-kit, stainless-steel dual exhaust tips and some specific interior trim. For the price of $0, you really cannot go wrong.
New motivation
For 2007, two new engines will see service under the sculpted bonnet of the E. The 350 features a 268 hp 3.5L V6 and the 550, a 382 hp 5.5L V8. The 4MATIC AWD models use a 5-speed automatic transmission as a means to transfer energy while those propelled by the rear wheels get a 7-speed box. The Bluetec diesel will sport a turbocharged 210 hp 3.0L V6. The key element to the diesel is 388 lb/ft of torque, 3 lbs less than that of the V8.
More technology from those that brought us ABS brakes
Standard in every E-Class will be slew of new or revised safety features. They break down into four categories: Perform-Safe, Pre-Safe, Passive-Safe and Post-Safe. In other words, there are no fewer than twenty-one bits and pieces in Mercedes-Benz's Pro-Safe philosophy. Another morsel of technology is the eminent arrival of the Bluetec vehicles. These revolutionary ultra-clean diesel engines will first appear in the E320 and slowly but surely make their way into every Mercedes SUV and crossover by next summer.
The E-Class sedan's price range is from $67,800 (pricing not yet available for the E280) to $130,000 for an E63 AMG with options.
Good stuff:
Handling
Distinct styling
Brakes
No so good stuff:
Lack of feedback from steering and brakes
Competitors:
BMW 5-Series
Audi A6
Infiniti M
Lexus GS
Cadillac STS
I have discovered Mercedes; the Mercedes for me anyway. The E-Class is available with an optional Sport Package which includes a sport-tuned suspension. The difference is night and day between what I drove in the
 |
| Photo: Philippe Champoux |
Also included in the Sport Package are a set of stylish 18" 10-spoke alloy wheels, a sport body-kit, stainless-steel dual exhaust tips and some specific interior trim. For the price of $0, you really cannot go wrong.
New motivation
 |
| Photo: Philippe Champoux |
More technology from those that brought us ABS brakes
Standard in every E-Class will be slew of new or revised safety features. They break down into four categories: Perform-Safe, Pre-Safe, Passive-Safe and Post-Safe. In other words, there are no fewer than twenty-one bits and pieces in Mercedes-Benz's Pro-Safe philosophy. Another morsel of technology is the eminent arrival of the Bluetec vehicles. These revolutionary ultra-clean diesel engines will first appear in the E320 and slowly but surely make their way into every Mercedes SUV and crossover by next summer.
The E-Class sedan's price range is from $67,800 (pricing not yet available for the E280) to $130,000 for an E63 AMG with options.
 |
| Photo: Philippe Champoux |
Good stuff:
Handling
Distinct styling
Brakes
No so good stuff:
Lack of feedback from steering and brakes
Competitors:
BMW 5-Series
Audi A6
Infiniti M
Lexus GS
Cadillac STS
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