The cockpit hasn’t changed much space-wise. The front passengers lose a little headroom but everyone gains in shoulder and hip room. Visibility is pretty good all around.
For 2010, the E350 keeps the 3.5-litre V6 that develops 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, but dumps the 5-speed automatic for the newer 7-speed with manual mode. The new transmission allows for better fuel economy; 12.7/8.3 L/100 km versus 12.9/9.0 in 2009. We’re averaging 11.9 L/100 km.
We also recorded a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.6 seconds, which is actually quicker than it feels. You could always get more performance with the 382-hp E550, although it costs about ten grand more.
The E350’s steering is a little strange; turn the wheel and you’ll feel that the car starts to rotate after a half-second or so. It doesn’t feel disconnected, and you get used to it, but it doesn’t feel surgically precise. The emphasis has clearly been put on smoothness; the car is quiet, is composed over rough surfaces and is an excellent highway cruiser. That’s what E-Class shoppers should be looking for anyway, besides that all-important badge.
Right now, the E-Class sedan is only available in three trims: E350 4MATIC, E550 4MATIC and the 518-hp E63 AMG. Gone is the base 228-hp E300, and a BlueTEC turbodiesel should return to the line-up pretty soon.
But despite the retirement of last year’s base model, the 2010 E-Class’s price hasn’t been this low since 1999. At $62,900, the E350 4MATIC is almost three grand cheaper that last year’s E300. Don’t worry, there is over $13,000 in options for the taking if you think that this car doesn’t have enough equipment.
The E350 has numerous rivals; from Germany, you’ve got the Audi A6 and the BMW 5-Series. From Japan, you’ve got the Infiniti M35, Lexus GS 350 and Acura RL. From America, you’ve got the Cadillac STS, the Lincoln MKS and, arguably, the Chrysler 300C. Last but not least, if a prestige badge is really not important, a loaded V8-powered Hyundai Genesis can do the job nicely and costs less.
Despite the price decrease, the Merc is still a few thousand dollars more expensive than the A6 3.0 TFSI quattro and BMW 528i xDrive.
For Mercedes-Benz loyalists, the new E-Class is better than ever and is an excellent ambassador of the brand. This E350 is an extremely comfortable and solid sedan, but I personally feel that it lacks a little character.
Nevertheless, Mercedes has succeeded in making a great car even better, which is never an easy task.
photo:Philippe Champoux, Matthieu Lambert
For 2010, the E350 keeps the 3.5-litre V6 that develops 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, but dumps the 5-speed automatic for the newer 7-speed with manual mode. The new transmission allows for better fuel economy; 12.7/8.3 L/100 km versus 12.9/9.0 in 2009. We’re averaging 11.9 L/100 km.
We also recorded a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.6 seconds, which is actually quicker than it feels. You could always get more performance with the 382-hp E550, although it costs about ten grand more.
The E350’s steering is a little strange; turn the wheel and you’ll feel that the car starts to rotate after a half-second or so. It doesn’t feel disconnected, and you get used to it, but it doesn’t feel surgically precise. The emphasis has clearly been put on smoothness; the car is quiet, is composed over rough surfaces and is an excellent highway cruiser. That’s what E-Class shoppers should be looking for anyway, besides that all-important badge.
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| For 2010, the E350 keeps the 3.5-litre V6 that develops 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. |
Right now, the E-Class sedan is only available in three trims: E350 4MATIC, E550 4MATIC and the 518-hp E63 AMG. Gone is the base 228-hp E300, and a BlueTEC turbodiesel should return to the line-up pretty soon.
But despite the retirement of last year’s base model, the 2010 E-Class’s price hasn’t been this low since 1999. At $62,900, the E350 4MATIC is almost three grand cheaper that last year’s E300. Don’t worry, there is over $13,000 in options for the taking if you think that this car doesn’t have enough equipment.
The E350 has numerous rivals; from Germany, you’ve got the Audi A6 and the BMW 5-Series. From Japan, you’ve got the Infiniti M35, Lexus GS 350 and Acura RL. From America, you’ve got the Cadillac STS, the Lincoln MKS and, arguably, the Chrysler 300C. Last but not least, if a prestige badge is really not important, a loaded V8-powered Hyundai Genesis can do the job nicely and costs less.
Despite the price decrease, the Merc is still a few thousand dollars more expensive than the A6 3.0 TFSI quattro and BMW 528i xDrive.
For Mercedes-Benz loyalists, the new E-Class is better than ever and is an excellent ambassador of the brand. This E350 is an extremely comfortable and solid sedan, but I personally feel that it lacks a little character.
Nevertheless, Mercedes has succeeded in making a great car even better, which is never an easy task.
photo:Philippe Champoux, Matthieu Lambert
2010 Mercedes E-Class E350 4MATIC
2010 Mercedes E-Class E350 4MATIC
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