2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review

PROS
Smooth and effortless acceleration, Nearly perfect blend of ride comfort and handling

CONS Limited rear-seat room, Pricy

Not all new, but still the best?
Just what constitutes an all-new car? New chassis? New styling? Both? In Mercedes' opinion, neither, though that doesn't make the early-arriving 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class any less special.

The E-Class is one of Mercedes' bestselling U.S models. For 2007, it gets a subtle exterior makeover and some substantial changes under the skin with the addition of new engines, revised suspension, and additional safety equipment.

Sedan and wagon body styles return with either rear- or all-wheel drive. Four distinct models are available. The base is the E350, which has a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. It has a starting price of $50,550. Stepping up in performance and features is the $59,000 E550. It comes with an all-new, 383-horsepower V8.

Rear-drive models have a 7-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive models have a 5-speed automatic. E63s add steering-wheel-mounted buttons for manual shifting.

Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, traction control, skid control, front and rear side airbags, and curtain side airbags with rollover sensors. Added for '07 is Pre-Safe. It utilizes sensors to detect impending collisions and then attempts to better protect occupants by tightening the seatbelts and applying maximum braking force.

Standard on the E550 and E63 are an air suspension and adjustable shock absorbers. A no-charge option for E350 and E550 is a Sport package that includes sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, and unique trim. Other available features include adaptive HID headlamps, electronically adjusting cruise control, Bluetooth cell phone link, navigation system, heated/ventilated front seats, and keyless access and starting. Rear obstacle detection is available for sedans. Returning as an option is Mercedes' full-length Panorama glass sunroof.

Get up and Go
The new-for-'07 383-horsepower V8 in the E550 has ample power in any situation. Simply stomp on the go pedal and the E550 shoots ahead like a scalded cat. What's more notable than the engine's thrust is the way it mates to the 7-speed automatic to provide linear acceleration and seamless power delivery.

Though traction and stability control are standard on every E-Class and all-wheel drive is available, grip in the wet and snow is limited by the standard touring tires. If you plan to drive any E-Class in the rain or snow, you should consider a set of snow tires.

On the Road
After just a few minutes behind the wheel of the E550, its obvious Mercedes-Benz reworked the front and rear suspension, improved the steering, and beefed up the brakes. Where the previous model felt somewhat disconnected when rounding corners or isolated when going over bumps, the new model feels more athletic while maintaining Mercedes' famous over-the-road poise.

Mercedes didn't just give the new E-Class a set of running shoes, it also designed a suspension that was better able to cope with bumps and expansion joints. Though the new suspension does impart more road feel, it never upsets occupants and the car rarely loses its composure--even on the bumpiest of roads.

The revised-for-'07 steering is quicker and imparts more road feel than the previous model and the brakes have arresting stopping power, meaning they are more than adequate for just about any driving condition. Road and wind noise are nicely subdued, and the V8 sounds great in hard acceleration while never intruding when cruising. In all, the new underpinnings make for an E-Class that is more rewarding to drive without punishing its occupants with a too-firm ride or too much ambient noise.

Behind the Wheel Driver and front passenger are treated to comfortable and extremely supportive seats. There's ample head and leg room, and the power-operated tilt/telescope steering wheel makes it easy for driver's of just about any size to get comfortable. Still, power-adjustable pedals aren't available and obstacle detection is optional. Both features should be standard on a vehicle that costs close to $60,000.

Most controls are conveniently located and clearly marked, though the ergonomics aren't perfect. The cruise control is operated via a stalk that's mounted to the left of the steering wheel. It's in a location that can easily be confused with the turn signal. And though the optional keyless starting worked flawlessly, it's placement on top of the console-mounted shifter is odd.

In the technology race to keep up with the Jonses, Mercedes-Benz offers COMMAND. It's a keyboard-like interface that controls the radio, navigation system, and, when properly equipped, telephone. Once drivers master its keyboard inputs, COMMAND is relatively easy to use, but certainly not as easy as simple, clearly marked buttons and knobs.

Materials are top notch and assembly quality is excellent. The doors close with a reassuring "thunk" and nearly every interior surface is padded and grained.

Bottom Line The E550 is a car that exceeds the needs of the enthusiastic driver while maintaining the grace and composure its occupants demand. A compelling argument could be made for naming the '07 Mercedes-Benz E550 "the world's best luxury sedan." It's powerful, smooth, refined, athletic, and pampers occupants with expected luxury and techno goodies.

It's hard to find fault with much of anything short of the cramped rear seat and eye-popping base price. More important, there's something about the respect an E-Class commands and the sensibility it projects compared to astronomically priced flagship's like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, and Jaguar XJs. It's that combination of presence and sensibility that makes the E-Class so compelling.