Something for any premium-car shopper
At writing, owners could select a sedan or coupe, as well as a V6 or V8 engine. These were 3.5 and 5.5 litre units with 268 or 382 horsepower, respectively. All wheel drive is included on all standard sedan models.
A diesel engine is en route, as is a snoring, 518-horsepower unit for the E 63 AMG. This engine will be available in the E-Class's upcoming wagon variant in certain markets, too. The resulting posh-rocket is ideal for the driver, four passengers and their stuff to escape sticky situations in a serious hurry. No word on RPG-resistant body panels or bullet proof glass, yet.
Holy high-tech gadgets, Batman!
There is night-vision, though-- and more radar and cameras than a mobile surveillance unit. Specifically, features include night vision, blind spot monitoring, radar-guided cruise control, automatic pre-crash braking and intelligent high-beams. Mercedes hopes these will help give the E-Class a technological edge over current competition.
Most impressive among the self-defense aids was the lane-departure warning system. Rather than an embarrassing beep if the car strays over the line, the E-Class discreetly vibrates the steering wheel to simulate the effect of a rumble strip. It's your little secret.
None of these features is a must-have, though any of them could prevent an accident in the right hands. Just don't use them as an excuse to do more twittering while at the wheel.
The E-Class even has a feature to combat dozed driving. Sensors can watch the steering to determine driver alertness levels, sounding an alarm and advising the driver to take a break as needed.
Comfort first
Dozy driving isn't an impossibility in the E-Class sedan, either. The ride, noise levels and cabin atmosphere all feel exhaustively engineered to create a relaxing driving experience.
Even with the suspension in its tighter 'Sport' setting, the sedan pitter-patters gently over virtually any surface. The ride feels remarkably heavy and solid, and the steering is precise. It's not incredibly quick, but it proves a good match for the rest of the dynamics at play. There's some sporty performance to the E-Class, though it's not delivered in an 'in your face' manner.
Discreet muscle
Ditto the available 5.5 litre V8 engine. The E550 will effortlessly crank its speedometer into 'uh-oh' territory, but it's almost too quiet in the process. Wide open, the feeling is like being body-checked into a leather wall, but in near silence. Movie car-chase sound effects are on tap, but in relatively small volumes.
The six-cylinder engine offers a more comprehensive aural experience, and should deliver adequate propulsion for most shoppers. It's a smooth performer, even if its power output falls behind that of many equally-sized competitor powerplants. Be sure to try both engines.
Miki Velemirovich, the E-Class product manager at Mercedes Benz, helps sum the car up. “The 2010 E-Class is the epitome of our brand. This is the best E-Class in the car's 60-year history-- and we're hoping it will carry the success forward”.
The 2010 E-Class is on sale now from $62,900.
photo:Justin Pritchard
At writing, owners could select a sedan or coupe, as well as a V6 or V8 engine. These were 3.5 and 5.5 litre units with 268 or 382 horsepower, respectively. All wheel drive is included on all standard sedan models.
A diesel engine is en route, as is a snoring, 518-horsepower unit for the E 63 AMG. This engine will be available in the E-Class's upcoming wagon variant in certain markets, too. The resulting posh-rocket is ideal for the driver, four passengers and their stuff to escape sticky situations in a serious hurry. No word on RPG-resistant body panels or bullet proof glass, yet.
Holy high-tech gadgets, Batman!
There is night-vision, though-- and more radar and cameras than a mobile surveillance unit. Specifically, features include night vision, blind spot monitoring, radar-guided cruise control, automatic pre-crash braking and intelligent high-beams. Mercedes hopes these will help give the E-Class a technological edge over current competition.
Most impressive among the self-defense aids was the lane-departure warning system. Rather than an embarrassing beep if the car strays over the line, the E-Class discreetly vibrates the steering wheel to simulate the effect of a rumble strip. It's your little secret.
 |
| Body lines are creased more tightly than a freshly-pressed Versace suit, and the machine looks like big money from any angle. |
None of these features is a must-have, though any of them could prevent an accident in the right hands. Just don't use them as an excuse to do more twittering while at the wheel.
The E-Class even has a feature to combat dozed driving. Sensors can watch the steering to determine driver alertness levels, sounding an alarm and advising the driver to take a break as needed.
Comfort first
Dozy driving isn't an impossibility in the E-Class sedan, either. The ride, noise levels and cabin atmosphere all feel exhaustively engineered to create a relaxing driving experience.
Even with the suspension in its tighter 'Sport' setting, the sedan pitter-patters gently over virtually any surface. The ride feels remarkably heavy and solid, and the steering is precise. It's not incredibly quick, but it proves a good match for the rest of the dynamics at play. There's some sporty performance to the E-Class, though it's not delivered in an 'in your face' manner.
Discreet muscle
Ditto the available 5.5 litre V8 engine. The E550 will effortlessly crank its speedometer into 'uh-oh' territory, but it's almost too quiet in the process. Wide open, the feeling is like being body-checked into a leather wall, but in near silence. Movie car-chase sound effects are on tap, but in relatively small volumes.
The six-cylinder engine offers a more comprehensive aural experience, and should deliver adequate propulsion for most shoppers. It's a smooth performer, even if its power output falls behind that of many equally-sized competitor powerplants. Be sure to try both engines.
Miki Velemirovich, the E-Class product manager at Mercedes Benz, helps sum the car up. “The 2010 E-Class is the epitome of our brand. This is the best E-Class in the car's 60-year history-- and we're hoping it will carry the success forward”.
The 2010 E-Class is on sale now from $62,900.
photo:Justin Pritchard
2010 Mercedes E-Class E350 4MATIC
2010 Mercedes E-Class E350 4MATIC
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