2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Click image to enlarge

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2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Rosseau, Ontario – I always think of individual traits when it comes to the German automakers, and for Mercedes-Benz, it’s elegance. It was the first thing that came to mind with the E-Class sedan, which is redesigned for the 2010 model year.

The entire E-Class lineup has been overhauled, including the addition of an all-new E-Class Coupe that takes the place of the now-discontinued CLK-Class. Sedan-wise, Canada gets the V6-powered E350 4Matic and V8-powered E550 4Matic, both strictly with all-wheel drive; a rear-wheel version of the E350/E550 available in other markets isn’t coming here. An E350 BlueTEC diesel and E63 AMG sedan will be added next year, along with an E-Class wagon. The E300 4Matic of 2009 is no more: according to a Mercedes-Benz representative, the engineers in Germany have not redeveloped its 3.0-litre V6 with direct injection, and so the E350 will now take its place as the entry-level model in the class.

Entry-level is a relative term, of course: the E350 starts at $62,900, the E550 at $72,300. Still, it’s a substantial drop from the 2009 models, which were $74,500 and $85,000 respectively, even though the new models are improved and the level of equipment hasn’t changed. Mercedes says the price plummet better positions the model in the segment, where competitors have also adjusted their price-tags. I just wonder if maybe last year’s buyers simply paid too much.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-550. Click image to enlarge 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-350. Click image to enlarge

The E-Class’ engines haven’t changed since 2009: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, and these powerplants definitely ain’t busted. As their names suggest, the E350 uses a 3.5-litre V6, the E550 a 5.5-litre V8, both mated to a creamy-smooth seven-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous five-speed autobox, and was previously found only on the 2009 BlueTEC diesel version. The shifter is now a slender column-mounted stalk that you tap up or down for Drive or Reverse, while Park is set by pushing a button on the end of it. The transmission’s manual shift mode is operated by paddles on the steering wheel.

The 4Matic system is also redesigned and is now into its fourth generation. It’s lighter and is integrated into the transmission, allowing Mercedes to use the same front suspension as on the European-market rear-wheel E350. If you haven’t driven an all-wheel in a long time, and your only experience is a heavier feel and more turning effort, this car will make you a believer: it’s as delightfully lithe as a rear-driver, but with a permanent 45/55 torque split and the ability to send 100 per cent of each axle’s torque to the right or left side. This gives it exceptional handling on sharp curves, and on the slick roads I encountered during a heavy downpour early in the morning.

The 2010’s curb weight increases by 50 kilograms, which isn’t much for a makeover. The exterior dimensions change intelligently: overall length decreases by a hair – two millimetres, actually – and the height comes down by 34 mm. The numbers that do increase are the right ones: the wheelbase is 32 mm longer, overall width is an extra 32 mm, the front track widens by 15 mm, and the rear by 39 mm, but the turning circle remains almost the same. This wider stance definitely adds to stability and handling.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-550. Click image to enlarge 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-350. Click image to enlarge

I drove both models back-to-back, starting with the E350. The V6 puts out 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and according to Mercedes’ specifications, it’ll go from zero to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. Its acceleration is strong, but it’s tempered. It doesn’t feel aggressively fast but rather quietly elegant, and it’s a shock to look down at the speedometer and realize exactly how fast you’re going. The E550, on the other hand, is simply effortless at any speed. Its 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque takes it from stop-to-100 in 5.3 seconds, and puts a smile on your face in much less time than that, with a deliciously snarly exhaust rumble. Both models are electronically limited to 210 km/h. Canadian fuel figures haven’t been determined yet, but in European test cycles, the new model achieves better fuel economy than the outgoing E-Class.

Both also ride extremely well, thanks to real-time adaptive damping, although naturally the more expensive model takes it to a higher level. The E350 is equipped with a standard Direct Control suspension, which comes with a button to switch between Comfort and Sport settings. Standard on the E550 is Airmatic DC, a self-levelling air system that automatically lowers the ride height at higher speeds, and firms up the suspension as soon as it realizes your driving style has gone from luxury limo to canyon carver.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-class. Click image to enlarge Twin pane sunroof. Click image to enlarge

The car’s outward appearance has changed dramatically, and while taste is subjective, I think it’s considerably for the better. The lines are edgier, the rear haunches flare out powerfully, and the sharp-cornered front lights replace the previous ovals that were cool when they were introduced, but which got old quickly. An upright hood ornament remains, finishing off the hood nicely; swoops of LED running lights accent the intakes on the front apron. An AMG skirt package is standard on all E350 and E550 models sold in Canada.

The interior is also all-new, and it’s a beauty. It’s spacious, both front and rear, with considerable legroom and headroom; a standard twin-pane panoramic sunroof brightens up even an all-black interior. The centre console includes a panel that slides back to reveal twin cupholders, while lifting the latch on the centre armrest opens both of its two doors. These can be closed individually, should you ever have a reason to want to access something in it without moving your passenger’s arm. A joystick controls the ‘Comand’ feature, Mercedes’ name for the succession of computer screens that handle such functions as navigation, audio and telephone tweaking, and vehicle settings. The system is intuitive and very easy to use.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Click image to enlarge

The seats are as comfortable as you’d expect from this car – the rear ones also fold, to increase trunk space – but one of the E550 models at the event was outfitted with a Premium Package. This adds rear window sunshade, upgraded Harman/Kardon Logic7 sound system, heated rear seats, pushbutton start and power trunk – but what made the best impression was the “drive dynamic” multi-contour seat. Fourteen-way adjustment is nice on its own, but then throw in a massager, and it just gets better. The icing on the cake is a system that determines which way you’re turning, and then inflates the bolster on the opposite side, holding you tight on sharp curves. I wanted to find a winding road just to feel it hug me.

The new E-Class is stuffed with technology as well, some of which has trickled down from the S-Class. These include a Blind Spot Assist, which indicates a car alongside; Attention Assist, which determines if you’re getting sleepy and flashes a warning to take a break; and a new Lane Keeping Assist System. Wander out of your lane without putting on your turn signal, and the steering wheel vibrates, similar to the way it feels on rumble strips. An Adaptive Highbeam Assist senses headlights or taillights up ahead, and turns the high beams up or down as required. Mercedes says it’s an industry-first, although less-sophisticated high beam dippers have been around since the 1950s.

All of this comes together in a car that the company says is aimed at customers 45 to 55 years of age, who want a car that’s a status symbol. The E-Class is that: I’ve always thought of it as the quintessential Benz, big enough to impress the neighbours without getting into the $100,000-plus of the S-Class. Target competitors include the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Lexus GS and Jaguar XF, but a company representative said that the plan is also to woo back buyers who left the brand due to quality issues in the previous generations. It’s refreshing to hear an automaker admit such a thing, and while two days in a brand-new vehicle isn’t any indication of future reliability, the E-Class certainly looks the part with its solid feel and quality appearance. Oh, and elegance: fast, smooth and very comfortable elegance, in spades.

Related articles on CanadianDriver
First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, by Greg Wilson
First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, by Paul Williams

Specifications:
Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Manufacturer’s web site
Mercedes-Benz Canada

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