Model Highlights
The base E-Class 350s get a standard 3.5L V6 engine rated at 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The E550 trims come with a 5.5L V8 engine rated at 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. All engines are mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. A newly available 210-horsepower, BlueTEC 3.0-liter diesel V6 is available in all 50 states in rear-wheel drive sedan form.
The E63 AMG is powered by a 6.2L V8 engine that produces 518 horsepower and 465 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 settings the E63's adaptive suspension offers, a button labeled simply "AMG" will put set the vehicle up for optimum performance.
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, adds upgraded vented disc brakes and AIRMATIC air suspension.
Options on the E-Class include navigation, HD radio, a harman/kardon surround sound system, heated and ventilated front seats 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. New, 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, new for 2011, 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.
