2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Road Test

ACCELERATION

The E350 and E550 engines and 7-speed automatic transmission are carried over from 2009. E350s have plenty of power but require large throttle inputs in order to extract the most performance. V8 models are appreciably stronger than their V6 counterparts in either body style, and the smaller, lighter coupes are livelier than their sedan siblings. Mercedes quotes 6.5 seconds 0-60 mph for the E350 sedan and 5.2 for the E550 sedan. The E350 coupe is clocked at 6.2 seconds 0-60 by the manufacturer, with the E550 coupe at 5.0. The E550, though it doesn't feel as fast as Mercedes' estimate, is still plenty quick.

RIDE QUALITY

Most E-Class models respond well to dips and swells in the highway surface, even those with optional sport suspensions. V8 sedans come standard with a computer-aided air suspension that is designed to react differently under low-speed and high-speed conditions, controlling each wheel independently based on sensor inputs. With it, the ride remains as supple in the E550 as it is in the lighter E350 sedan. Coupes exhibit decent body control, but small bumps trigger a noticeable impact in the cabin, something we deem inappropriate for a car of E-Class' pretensions.

QUIETNESS

Wind and road noise are well suppressed in all models. V8s are slightly quieter than V6s under acceleration, but even then the V6 can hardly be considered "loud." When the optional panoramic sunroof is open, wind rush is well contained up to about 70 mph.

DETAILS

Sedans and coupes have different dashboard and door-panel designs, but both are made up of price-appropriate materials. One test car suffered from a slight dashboard creak. Colors and textures are varied, and wood and metal highlights raise the chic factor. Sedans adopt the nighttime ambient cabin lighting from the larger S-Class.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

In the sedan, two adults fit nicely across the rear seat, but three might find things crowded. Legroom is adequate but not generous. A comfortable seat back angle and good headroom are found under the sedan roof. It's a completely different story in the coupe, where most adults will find their heads rubbing the indented headliner. Legroom is also in very short supply. Though not as awkward as in some coupes, entry and exit are not nearly as easy as they are in the sedans.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

Our Recommended nod goes to the E-Class sedan. It's comfortable, quiet, and as luxurious as you would expect a Mercedes-Benz to be. Though base prices look attractive, costly option packages quickly inflate the bottom line. All but the power hungry will find the V6 model sufficient for everyday use. Coupes share many of the sedan's virtues but cramped interior accommodations make them less appealing.