2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class help you decide if a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is right for you.

2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy (V8 models)

Steering/handling

Available all-wheel drive

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

E350 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E320 Bluetec	E550 w/Sport Pkg.	AWD E550 w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
7	7	9	9	7

E350 stately from a stop, but gathers speed quickly, has fine passing power. E320 Bluetec diesel similar, though turbo lag noticeable both from a stop and in passing maneuvers. E550 gutsier still, with no noticeable difference in acceleration between rear- and all-wheel-drive models. In all, transmission provides smooth, timely shifts, though E320 Bluetec suffers some kickdown delay. Mercedes quotes 6.5 sec 0-60 mph for E350 sedan, 6.6 for Bluetec, 5.4 for E550, 4.3 for E63.

Fuel Economy

E350 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E320 Bluetec	E550 w/Sport Pkg.	AWD E550 w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
5	7	4	4	4.6

Test AWD E550 with Sport Package averaged 17.5 mpg. All gas engines require premium-grade fuel.

Bluetec requires ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. Note that Bluetec is unavailable in California and certain Northeastern states.

Ride Quality

E350 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E320 Bluetec	E550 w/Sport Pkg.	AWD E550 w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
8	10	8	8	6.6

Stable always, with an impressive blend of comfort and control. Only the sharpest bumps intrude. E550's driver-adjustable air-suspension settings affect ride quality, especially with available Sport Package: Comfort mode allows slightly more wallow than Sport 1; tire thump more noticed in Sport 2. Try before you buy.

Steering/Handling/Braking

E350 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E320 Bluetec	E550 w/Sport Pkg.	AWD E550 w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
7	7	7	8	7.2

Any E-Class corners with grippy assurance, though some testers find models feel ponderous in fast corners. Accurate steering, excellent straightline stability. Powerful brakes deliver short stops. Sport Package models a shade more agile.

Quietness

E350 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E320 Bluetec	E550 w/Sport Pkg.	AWD E550 w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	6.9

Wind rush well-muffled. Low, but audible, coarse-surface tire thrum, especially with Sport Package. E350 and E550 engines rise to classy full-throttle growl, are almost silent otherwise. Bluetec's diesel makes slightly different sound than gas engines, but it's little louder overall and nearly devoid of traditional diesel clatter.

Controls

E350 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E320 Bluetec	E550 w/Sport Pkg.	AWD E550 w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	6.8

Clear gauges. Most controls illuminated, but some markings unclear, especially those for audio system. Navigation system not daunting, but still requires familiarization. Steering column stalk for cruise control can be confused with turn signal/wiper stalk. Modern, tasteful cabin decor, top-notch materials and assembly.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

E350 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E320 Bluetec	E550 w/Sport Pkg.	AWD E550 w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	7.4

Six-footers get good head room, plenty of leg space. Seats and tilt/telescope steering wheel have ample power adjustments to tailor good driving stance. Outward visibility good, but lane changes would be easier with larger door mirrors.

Room/Comfort (rear)

E350 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E320 Bluetec	E550 w/Sport Pkg.	AWD E550 w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.4

Supportive seat, but two adults the comfort maximum. Limited six-footer head room. Toe space only adequate. Leg room restricted behind tall front-seater. Narrow floor-level passages cramp entry/exit. Housing for available Panorama roof steals no more head space than housing for conventional sunroof.

Cargo Room

E350 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E320 Bluetec	E550 w/Sport Pkg.	AWD E550 w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.2

Trunk isn't that tall, and lid hinges eat into space, though they're shielded to help avoid cargo damage. Available split folding rear seat unusual in this class. Average in-cabin small-item storage.

Value within Class

E350 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E320 Bluetec	E550 w/Sport Pkg.	AWD E550 w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	6.1

Contemporary and sophisticated, rock solid and confident on the road, E-Class brims with worthwhile features and Mercedes cachet. The '07 revamp nets safety advancements, more-powerful engine choices, and driving enthusiast-friendly Sport packages. Prices are steep, but overall, these very appealing cars are easy Recommended picks.

Total Score