“E” for excellent

In 2003, Mercedes Benz introduced a restyled E-Class, built on a completely new platform that has remained virtually unchanged since then. E-Class vehicles are offered as a sedan or wagon and in one of three trim levels: E320 CDI diesel powered sedan, E350 and E500 sedan and wagon models, and the powerful E55 AMG sedan. With the exception of the CDI and E55, all trim levels can be ordered with “4MATIC”, Mercedes all-wheel-drive.

All E-Class models are appropriately luxurious, roomy, comfortable, easy to operate and equipped with sophisticated safety features. For 2006, the E320 was replaced with the E350, which features a larger more powerful V-6 engine.

We recently drove the E350 sedan. While expensive, with a base price of $50,825 including destination charges, it’s the lowest priced E-Class. If you need a sedan but want a Corvette, the E55 AMG with a stunning 469-horsepower supercharged V-8 is an excellent choice. It ranks among the fastest four-door sports cars ever built and ranks near the top of our all-time-favorite list. Of course, you’ll pay dearly for all that power.

The rear-wheel drive E350 gets 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to a Driver Adaptive seven-speed automatic transmission. The E350 has strong pickup that’s noticeably better than the E320’s disappointing 221 horsepower. The transmission’s noticeable downshifts took some getting used to, but Mercedes claims that eventually, the Driver Adaptive System would adjust to my driving habits and, in time, the erratic shifting would smooth out.

Ride and handling are what one would expect in a luxury sedan, especially in this price range. The cabin is quiet with no noticeable wind noise, vibrations, squeaks or rattles. While the ride is somewhat firm, an optional Airmatic dual-control suspension that allows the driver to electronically adjust the suspension is available with the optional appearance package ($4,000). This feature is standard on the E500 model.

The E350 comes with all the standard equipment buyers in this class would expect, starting with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, 10-way power adjustable front seats with three-position memory and nine-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system. The steering column tilts and telescopes electronically, and all windows are power express up and down. A sunroof will cost you an extra $1,550, but includes power rear-window sunshade and rear side-window roller blinds.

The exterior styling bespeaks the class and distinction Mercedes-Benz is known for. Individual oval front headlamps and turn indicators are swept-back and sculptured into the E-Class’s aluminum hood and front fenders. A sloping roofline and trunk suggest a coupe when viewed from a profile. Those who want the look of the powerful and expensive E55 AMG without shelling out $81,000 can opt for an AMG Sport Package that includes an aggressive lower front valance, side skirt effects on the front and rear aprons, curve-active Bi-Xenon headlamps, larger 17-inch wheels and black Birdseye maple wood trim on interior surfaces.

Inside, the two-tone dashboard is pleasing and every surface speaks of top-grade fit and finish. Wood trim sweeps across the dash and blends into the door panels and about the center console. There’s room for four adults with comfort, five with a tight fit.

Gauges are black on white with LED lighting. Halo-style ambient lighting for both front and rear seats looks cool yet elegant. A soft glow keeps the entire cabin dimly lit. There are still too many buttons on the dash and steering wheel (I quit counting at 56) that required frequent visits to the thick owners manual.

Minor complaints: We thought the outside rearview mirrors were too small, and the cruise control stalk and the turn signal lever are too close together. Too frequently I hit the cruise control when I intended to use the turn indicator.

The longest list of equipment on the window sticker was under the heading of safety/security. The E-Class is loaded with front, head and side airbags, active head restraints, a roll-over sensor, electronic stability control, a braking system called sensotronic brake control that promises to deliver faster, more accurate braking during emergency situations. Antilock brakes are included. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the E-Class a “Best Pick” in its class.

If the E350 seems to be all and more sedan than you might need we much prefer and highly recommend the diesel-powered E320 CDI. For an additional $1,000 you’ll get significantly improved fuel economy with an engine that’s actually quicker and more powerful than the gasoline engine E350. With gasoline prices now at $3 per gallon and rising, diesels are making a strong comeback among consumers.

Although the E-Class is among the priciest of its peers it remains an almost perfect combination of style, comfort, safety and driving dynamics.

 

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