Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The base E-Class 350s get a direct-injected 3.5L V6 engine rated at 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque standard. The E550 trims come with a direct-injected 4.6L twin-turbo V8 engine rated at 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. All engines are mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. The 210-horsepower BlueTEC 3.0L diesel V6 returns this year, again available in all 50 states in rear-wheel drive sedan form. The E400 Hybrid is also rear-wheel drive and makes 329 horsepower from its V6 and electric motor combination.
The E63 AMG is powered by a 5.5L V8 engine that produces 518 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The high-performance beast features an innovative combination of adaptive AMG Ride Control and rear air suspension to endow the car with razor-sharp handling and smooth-as-glass ride, all driver-adjustable through a series of suspension settings, which range from comfort to race-like sport-sharp. For those who would rather not fuss with the myriad of settings, the E63's adaptive suspension offers a button labeled simply "AMG" which will set the vehicle up for optimum performance. An AMG Performance Package boosts output to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The E63 AMG is available as either a sedan or a wagon.
The E350, available in both coupe and sedan forms, includes seats wrapped in M-B Tex, a synthetic leather, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, power-adjustable steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, a power sunroof and Mercedes-Benz' COMAND media and vehicle control system. The E550 upgrades the seat fabric to full leather, and adds upgraded vented disc brakes.
Options on the E-Class include navigation, HD radio, a Harman/Kardon surround sound system, iPod integration, rearview camera, blind spot assist, active cruise control and Parktronic parking assistance sensors just to name a few.
The E-Class convertible is equipped with a one-inch-thick folding convertible roof. The roof provides insulation while folding tightly enough to not compromise trunk space too much. The standard AirCap provides a retractable louver for the front window directing air over the occupants' heads. Combined with a rear perforated windscreen, the passenger compartment remains nearly wind-free even at freeway speeds.
The E350 wagon is similarly equipped to the sedan and convertible, but also includes a capacious cargo area capable of holding 69 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats folded. When not hauling, the wagon is capable of holding two additional passengers thanks to a pair of rear-facing seats that can fold away into the floor when not in use.
Mercedes-Benz' attention to safety is in full effect in the new E-Class lineup. Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes, traction and stability control, a full array of airbags, a rollover sensor and a tire pressure monitoring system. Mercedes-Benz' Pre-Safe system is also included, which tightens seat belts, repositions seats and attempts to close the windows and moonroof if an imminent crash is detected.