Mercedes mid-level E-Class is not only their best selling model, it's also one of my favorite prestige cars. The E350 and E550 saloons have been redesigned for 2010, complete with new styling and a host of new electronic gadgets. All very impressive but I wanted to see if the E-Class was still the same.
At First Glance
I don't like change. So I was not happy when Mercedes announced that the new E-Class was coming for 2010.
See, I don't just like the E-Class - I love the E-Class. To me, the E Class was the medicine for rush hour traffic: A road going smooth piece of machinery that's like sitting in your favorite armchair. Just getting into an E Class relaxes one of all the stresses of the day.
Like the old E, the new E's cabin is a wood-trimmed lined with soft, high-quality plastics. Genuine leather comes standard on the E550. The transmission stick has moved to the steering column, freeing space for two cup holders, a big center armrest, and the dial controller that runs many of the car's functions, including navigation, stereo and Blue tooth speakerphone.
The E provides plenty of room up front and quite a bit in the back, although rear legroom gets tight if the front seats are adjusted all the way back. Booth capacity is 15.9 cubic feet; you can expand that, but only if you pay extra for a split fold rear seat. Why Mercedes charges extra for this feature, when most cars have it for free, is beyond me.
The 2010 E has a host of new gadgets, including Attention Assist, somehow deduces from steering inputs if the driver is falling asleep and sounds an alarm. Options include a night vision camera that highlights pedestrians (costs extra) and a parking assist system that tells you when to turn the steering wheel (costs extra) Some cars have an optional drivers seat with active air bladders. The massage function is nice, but I'd probably save the extra cost and settle for the standard 14 way power seat.
On the Road
Drive the V6-powered E350 saloon, I can't see anyone needing any more power than its 268 horsepower engine delivers. For those people who live outside of my imagination, the E550 offers a 382 hp 5.5 liter V8 a beautiful engine that delivers its power smoothly and gently, unless you floor the accelerator, in which case it propels you down the road at a rate of knots. The E550 also comes with air springs, which produce an impossible blend of sharp handling and a smooth ride.
Still the one
Having finished my test I conclude that the new E-Class may have new styling and lots of new gadgets, but it's still the same smooth piece of machinery it always has been. And it's still the standard by which I judge prestige saloons.
As is the case with most cars, the E-Class isn't the best pick for everyone. While the lower prices are a nice surprise, the E class still isn't cheap, especially once you start adding in options.
New and Used Mercedes Cars for sale are offered by Used Mercedes Cars for sale Dublin
Related posts:
- Mercedes Floor Mats And Epitome Of Flair Back in the day, one of the best Mercedes Benz's...
- Good Suggestions Regarding Getting Your First Automobile A large number of people don't feel confident when going...
- Mercedes Lease Workout to look closely at when looking to get the...
- How To Possibly Get Flight Upgrades From Economy To Business Class The idea of actually being rewarded as a traveler and...
- New Cars For 2011 2011 is quickly approaching and it means that many new...
Comments on this entry are closed.