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2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class gets no major changes. It continues in sedan and wagon body styles available in rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive versions. Four models are offered. E350s have a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. E550s have a 382-horsepower V8. The E320 Bluetec has a 210-horsepower V6 turbodiesel. The high-performance E63 has a 507-horsepower V8 along with a sport suspension. All rear-drive models have a 7-speed automatic transmission; E63 adds manual-shift steering-wheel buttons. AWD models have a 5-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front and rear side airbags. An air suspension with driver-adjustable shock absorbers is standard on E550 and E63. Mercedes' 4Matic AWD is available on E350 and E550.
All E-Class models are available as sedans; the E350 and E63 are also available in wagon form. Available for E350 and E550 is a Sport Package that includes lowered suspension, 18-inch wheels, and unique trim. Other options include steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps and adaptive cruise control. Also available: a wireless cell phone link, navigation system, heated and ventilated front seats, and keyless access and starting. Rear obstacle detection is available for sedans. So is Mercedes' full-length Panorama glass roof with a power tilt and slide panel above the front seats.
All E-Class models are available as sedans; the E350 and E63 are also available in wagon form. Available for E350 and E550 is a Sport Package that includes lowered suspension, 18-inch wheels, and unique trim. Other options include steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps and adaptive cruise control. Also available: a wireless cell phone link, navigation system, heated and ventilated front seats, and keyless access and starting. Rear obstacle detection is available for sedans. So is Mercedes' full-length Panorama glass roof with a power tilt and slide panel above the front seats.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars.
Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Volvo V70, and Volvo XC70.
Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Volvo V70, and Volvo XC70.
News
The 2007 update should carry the E-Class through the next three model years, possibly four, after which a redesign takes place. Details are scant right now, but the replacement will almost surely be a bit larger and will borrow styling cues from the redesigned '07 S-Class sedans.
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2008 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
We've had no opportunity yet to test the E63. E350 is stately from a stop but gathers speed quickly and has fine passing power. E320 Bluetec diesel is similar, though turbo lag is noticeable both from a stop and in passing maneuvers. E550 is impressively gutsy from any speed. In all, the transmissions provide smooth, timely shifts, though E320 Bluetec suffers some kickdown delay. Mercedes quotes 6.5 seconds 0-60 mph for the E350 sedan, 6.6 for the Bluetec, 5.4 for the E550, and 4.3 for E63. Figures for models we've tested seem reasonable.
| E350 sedan | E320 Bluetec | E550 sedan | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 9 | 7 |
We've had no opportunity yet to test the E63. E350 is stately from a stop but gathers speed quickly and has fine passing power. E320 Bluetec diesel is similar, though turbo lag is noticeable both from a stop and in passing maneuvers. E550 is impressively gutsy from any speed. In all, the transmissions provide smooth, timely shifts, though E320 Bluetec suffers some kickdown delay. Mercedes quotes 6.5 seconds 0-60 mph for the E350 sedan, 6.6 for the Bluetec, 5.4 for the E550, and 4.3 for E63. Figures for models we've tested seem reasonable.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, an E550 4Matic sedan returned 17.5 mpg. We've had no opportunity to measure fuel economy with other models. Premium-grade gas is required in all non-diesel models. Note that Bluetec is unavailable in California and certain Northeastern states.
| E350 sedan | E320 Bluetec | E550 sedan | Class Average |
| 5 | 7 | 4 | 4.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an E550 4Matic sedan returned 17.5 mpg. We've had no opportunity to measure fuel economy with other models. Premium-grade gas is required in all non-diesel models. Note that Bluetec is unavailable in California and certain Northeastern states.
Ride Quality
E-Class models always feel stable, with an impressive blend of comfort and control. Only the sharpest bumps intrude. The driver-adjustable air suspension settings on our test E550 4Matic with Sport Package had an affect on ride quality: Comfort mode allowed slightly more wallow than Sport 1; tire thump was more noticed in Sport 2.
| E350 sedan | E320 Bluetec | E550 sedan | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 6.3 |
E-Class models always feel stable, with an impressive blend of comfort and control. Only the sharpest bumps intrude. The driver-adjustable air suspension settings on our test E550 4Matic with Sport Package had an affect on ride quality: Comfort mode allowed slightly more wallow than Sport 1; tire thump was more noticed in Sport 2.
Steering/Handling/Braking
All E-Class models handle with grippy assurance and modest body lean. Steering feel is accurate, and straight-line stability is excellent. However, they're not as nimble as rival 5-Series BMWs, and some testers found them slightly ponderous in fast corners. Powerful brakes deliver short stops. Sport Package models are a shade more agile.
| E350 sedan | E320 Bluetec | E550 sedan | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
All E-Class models handle with grippy assurance and modest body lean. Steering feel is accurate, and straight-line stability is excellent. However, they're not as nimble as rival 5-Series BMWs, and some testers found them slightly ponderous in fast corners. Powerful brakes deliver short stops. Sport Package models are a shade more agile.
Quietness
Wind rush is well muffled. Coarse-surface tire thrum is low but audible. E350 and E550 engines rise to a classy full-throttle growl, but are almost silent otherwise. Bluetec's diesel makes a slightly different sound than the gas engines, but it's little louder overall and nearly devoid of traditional diesel clatter.
| E350 sedan | E320 Bluetec | E550 sedan | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
Wind rush is well muffled. Coarse-surface tire thrum is low but audible. E350 and E550 engines rise to a classy full-throttle growl, but are almost silent otherwise. Bluetec's diesel makes a slightly different sound than the gas engines, but it's little louder overall and nearly devoid of traditional diesel clatter.
Controls
Gauges are easy to read. Most controls are illuminated and handy, but some are far right of center--making them a bit of a reach--and others have unclear markings, especially those for the audio system. The available navigation system isn't daunting but still requires familiarization. The steering-column stalk for the cruise control can easily be confused with the turn signal/wiper stalk.
| E350 sedan | E320 Bluetec | E550 sedan | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Gauges are easy to read. Most controls are illuminated and handy, but some are far right of center--making them a bit of a reach--and others have unclear markings, especially those for the audio system. The available navigation system isn't daunting but still requires familiarization. The steering-column stalk for the cruise control can easily be confused with the turn signal/wiper stalk.
Details
Cabin decor is modern and tasteful, with quality materials and top-notch assembly. Structures seem impressively stout; door closings sound like those of a bank vault.
| E350 sedan | E320 Bluetec | E550 sedan | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 7.4 |
Cabin decor is modern and tasteful, with quality materials and top-notch assembly. Structures seem impressively stout; door closings sound like those of a bank vault.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Six-footers get good headroom and plenty of legroom. The seats and tilt and telescopic steering wheel have ample power adjustments to tailor a good driving stance. Outward visibility is good, but lane changes would be easier with larger door mirrors.
| E350 sedan | E320 Bluetec | E550 sedan | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
Six-footers get good headroom and plenty of legroom. The seats and tilt and telescopic steering wheel have ample power adjustments to tailor a good driving stance. Outward visibility is good, but lane changes would be easier with larger door mirrors.
Room/Comfort (rear)
The seat is supportive and comfortable for two adults; three would be squeezed. Headroom is limited for six-footers, legroom grows tight behind a tall front-seater, and foot space is only adequate. Narrow floor-level passages cramp entry and exit. Housing for the available Panorama roof steals no more head space than the housing for a conventional sunroof.
| E350 sedan | E320 Bluetec | E550 sedan | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
The seat is supportive and comfortable for two adults; three would be squeezed. Headroom is limited for six-footers, legroom grows tight behind a tall front-seater, and foot space is only adequate. Narrow floor-level passages cramp entry and exit. Housing for the available Panorama roof steals no more head space than the housing for a conventional sunroof.
Cargo Room
The trunk isn't very tall and the lid hinges eat into space, though they're shielded to help avoid cargo damage. Available split folding rear seatback is unusual in this class. In-cabin small-item storage is only average.
| E350 sedan | E320 Bluetec | E550 sedan | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
The trunk isn't very tall and the lid hinges eat into space, though they're shielded to help avoid cargo damage. Available split folding rear seatback is unusual in this class. In-cabin small-item storage is only average.
Value within Class
Contemporary and sophisticated, rock solid and confident on the road, the E-Class brims with worthwhile features and Mercedes cachet. Prices are steep, but overall, these very appealing cars are easy Recommended picks.
| E350 sedan | E320 Bluetec | E550 sedan | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.2 |
Contemporary and sophisticated, rock solid and confident on the road, the E-Class brims with worthwhile features and Mercedes cachet. Prices are steep, but overall, these very appealing cars are easy Recommended picks.
Total Score
| E350 sedan | E320 Bluetec | E550 sedan | Class Average |
| 76 | 78 | 77 | 68.3 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 56 | |
| Average Score | 68 | |
| High Score | 78 |
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2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| E350 4-door sedan | $51,200 | $47,616 | $825 |
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| AWD E350 4Matic 4-door sedan | $52,700 | $49,011 | $825 |
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| AWD E350 4Matic 4-door wagon | $55,950 | $52,034 | $825 |
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| E320 Bluetec 4-door sedan | $52,200 | $48,546 | $825 |
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| E550 4-door sedan | $59,700 | $55,521 | $825 |
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| AWD E550 4Matic 4-door sedan | $61,200 | $56,916 | $825 |
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| E63 4-door sedan | $85,300 | $79,329 | $825 |
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| E63 4-door wagon | $86,050 | $80,026 | $825 |
Price note: AWD E550 adds $1700 Gas-Guzzler Tax. E63 sedan adds $2100 Gas-Guzzler Tax. E63 wagon adds $2600 Gas-Guzzler Tax. E320 Bluetec not available in Calif., Pa., Mass., R.I., Maine, N.Y., Vt.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
E350/320 Bluetec
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine (E350), 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine (E320 Bluetec), 7-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, precrash safety system, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tele Aid assistance system, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, 10-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, memory system (front seats, mirrors, steering wheel), split folding rear seat (wagon), 3rd-row rear-facing folding seat (wagon), wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn signals and driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, harman/kardon AM/FM/weatherband/CD/MP3 player, center-console-mounted 6-disc CD changer, digital-media player connection, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers w/heated washers, power liftgate (wagon), rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer (wagon), automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof rails (wagon), front and rear fog lights, load-leveling suspension (wagon), 245/45HR17 tires (E350), 225/55HR16 tires (E320 Bluetec), alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
E550 adds to E350/E320 Bluetec:
Powertrain
5.5-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
4-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), leather upholstery.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Automatic and driver-adjustable suspension w/level control, 245/40R18 front tires, 265/35R18 rear tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, 245/40R18 tires.
E63 adds to E550:
Powertrain
6.2-liter V8 engine.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated multicontour front seats, split folding rear seat, alcantara headliner, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: 3rd-row rear-facing seat (wagon).
Sport automatic and driver-adjustable suspension w/level control, 245/40ZR18 front tires, 265/35ZR18 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg. 1
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E320, E350
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$2,410
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$2,241
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E550
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$2,860
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$2,660
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E63
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$1,710
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$1,590
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|
Navigation system, satellite radio (E320, E350, E550), wireless cell phone link, heated front seats (E320, E350), ventilated front seats (E550, E63), power rear sunshade (sedan), rear side shades (wagon).
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Premium Pkg. 2
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E320, E350
|
$4,320
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$4,018
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E550
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$4,770
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$4,436
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E63
|
$3,620
|
$3,367
|
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Premium Pkg. 1 plus keyless access and engine start, steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights w/washers.
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Sport Pkg.
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E350/E550 sedan
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$0
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$0
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Unique interior and exterior trim, blue-tinted glass, lowered suspension, 245/40R18 front and 265/35R18 rear tires (2WD), 245/40R18 tires (AWD).
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AMG Sport Pkg.
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E63 sedan
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$8,500
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$7,905
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Limited-slip differential, 186-mph speed limiter, sport suspension, unique alloy wheels.
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Safety |
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Rear-obstacle-detection system
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sedan
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$1,120
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$1,042
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Adaptive cruise control
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E63
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$2,200
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$2,046
|
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Power panorama sunroof
|
||
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sedan
|
$1,010
|
$939
|
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Leather upholstery
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E320, E350
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$1,550
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$1,442
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Split folding rear seat
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sedan
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$350
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$326
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Std. E63.
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3rd-row rear-facing seat
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E63 wagon
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$1,010
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$939
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Special wood interior trim
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E350 sedan, E550, E63
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$300
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$279
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E350 requires Sport Pkg.
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Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
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E320, E350, E550
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$550
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$512
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iPod adapter
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E350/320 Bluetec, E550, E63
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$425
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$395
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Voice recognition
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E350/320 Bluetec, E550, E63
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$510
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$474
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Power trunk closer
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sedan
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$530
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$493
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Rear side shades
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sedan
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$350
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$326
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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E350/320 Bluetec, E550, E63
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$710
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$660
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Headlight washers
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E350 sedan
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$100
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$93
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||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4-door sedan | Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.4 | 112.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 191.0 | 192.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.7 | 71.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.4 | 59.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3740 | 4245 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.9 | 68.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.1 | 21.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | 39.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.9 | 41.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.8 | 39.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.6 | 36.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V8 | dohc V8 | Turbodiesel dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /213 | 5.5 /333 | 6.2 /379 | 3.0 /182 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 268 @ 6000 | 382 @ 6000 | 507 @ 6800 | 210 @ 3800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 258 @ 2400 | 391 @ 2800 | 465 @ 5200 | 400 @ 1600 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||||
| 5-speed automatic | 16/22 | 15/22 | --/-- | --/-- |
| 7-speed automatic | 17/24 | 15/22 | 12/19 | 23/32 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4-door sedan | Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4-door wagon |
| 4WD Rollover | 5 | 5 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 5 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | --/-- | unlimited |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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