2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has always been solid and competent, but rather bland and not very sporty, except for the low-volume AMG hot rod versions of recent years. But, while rivals were sportier, more stylish and less costly, they couldn't match the E-Class for all-around excellence.

That's still true, although much has changed for 2010. All of the new fourth-generation E-Class models have sleeker styling, a more upscale interior, greater refinement and technical advances.

The E-Class always has felt rock-solid, and the latest one reminded me of the first-generation E-Class of the 1980s. I've found all rear-engine Porsches have had the same general feel, and the same is true of the E-Class.

This new Mercedes comes as a sedan and as a smaller coupe, which replaces the Mercedes CLK model and is the first E-Class coupe since 1995.Unlike the sedan, the coupe has no upcoming available diesel engine, all-wheel drive or the AMG configuration. For now, there is no E-Class station wagon or convertible, although both may be coming

Prices of the E-Class line range from $48,600 to $86,625, without an $875 freight charge. There's seemingly a model for everyone who can afford the car, which is packed with comfort, convenience and safety equipment.

For example, there's premium vinyl upholstery, power front seats, a power sunroof, dual-zone climate control and an upscale audio system. Higher trim levels provide such items as four-zone automatic climate control and an adaptive air suspension.

Some options are very costly. They include the $6,350 Premium package, $2,900 Sport package and $1,590 leather upholstery. They upped the price of my $51,100 E350 test car to $64,965.

Mercedes always has been big on safety, so E-Class models get front-side and pelvic air bags, a driver knee air bag and side-curtain bags. There also are anti-lock disc brakes and stability and traction control.

Also standard is Attention Assist--a driver drowsiness and alerting monitor--and PreSafe, which anticipates an imminent crash and takes measures to better secure occupants. Rear air bags are optional in the coupe and sedan, with an infrared night video system is optional for the sedan. Advanced safety options include Distronic cruise control to help prevent rear-end collisions, and Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist.

It may take awhile for some drivers to get used to the sedan's tiny electric automatic gear selector on the steering column. The Command electronics interface, which combines a large display screen, control knob and dash-mounted buttons will take some getting used to. The driver's power window controls are nicely located, but climate and radio controls are too small for fast, easy use. Still, the interior reminded me of the cabin of Mercedes' top-line S-Class.

The E-Class emphasis is on luxury, not sport with the non-AMG models. That's why the small tachometer is the same size as the clock, and both are placed directly in front of the driver. A genuine sports sedan would have a larger tachometer facing the driver, with the clock off to his right near the center of the dashboard.

The E350 sedan comes with a sophisticated 3.5-liter 268-horsepower V-6, while the E550 has a 5.5-liter V-8 with 382 horsepower. Both engines are offered for the coupe.

Due this summer is a fuel-stingy diesel-engine model with a 3-liter turbocharged V-6 that has 210 horsepower, but gobs of torque.The over-the-top AMG version has a 6.2-liter V-8 developing 518 horsepower and enough torque to almost allow the car to climb a wall..

Estimated fuel economy for the E-Class line goes from 13 to 18 m.p.g. in the city and from 20 to 26 on highways.

All E-Class sedans top 4,000 pounds. That makes them heavy for a mid-size car, although not necessarily one loaded with equipment. Still, the E350 does 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds, and the E550 can make that run in around five seconds. The E63 AMG does it in 4.4 seconds.

The E63 AMG has special exterior styling touches and interior trim, ultra-supportive sport seats, more-powerful brakes and a sport suspension that may be too firm for some.     

While the new E-Class has been significantly redesigned, gasoline engines for the E350 and E550 are carried over from 2009. All work with a responsive seven-speed automatic transmission with an easily used manual shift feature.

Rear-wheel drive is standard, but the E350 and E550 are offered with Mercedes' excellent all-wheel-drive system. I spent most time with the E350 with all-wheel drive. It delivers an estimated 17 mpg in the city and 24 on highways.

Steering of the E350 was quick, but a little heavy and somewhat numb. The ride is supple and handling is reassuring, although only the AMG model qualifies as a sports sedan. The brakes stop the car quickly and surely, with good pedal feel.

Large handles make it easy to get in or out. Seats provide good support, and the quiet interior is roomy. A power tilt/telescoping wheel helps make the car easier to drive for folks of various sizes. But the center of the rear seat is too hard for comfort. All doors have storage pockets and the front console has a deep center storage bin.

The large trunk has a low, wide opening, and its lid is lined. The hood raises smoothly on twin struts, but the trunk lid has old-fashioned hinges. The trunk contains releases for the split rear seatbacks, which flip forward and sit flat to provide additional cargo room.

Some may feel that the new E-Class is the best Mercedes model for the money.