2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
We put over 450 miles on the redesigned-for-2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe.

Model: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 coupe; 382 horsepower 5.5-liter V8 and 7-speed automatic transmission

Base Price: $54,650

Options: Almond premium leather, Teleaid, Premium Package (COMAND w/ 40GB hard-drive GPS navigation, Real-time traffic data, Voice control, 6GB music register, harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system w/Dolby digital 5.1, HD radio, SIRIUS satellite radio, iPod/MP3 media interface, iPod/MP3 media interface cable, Heated front seats, Power rear window sunshade, Rearview camera)

Price as Tested: $ 61,475

Total Miles Tested: 451 miles

Fuel Economy: 17.1 mpg

Editors’ Notes
Tom Appel: This is cruising at its finest. There's no huge wheels, twin turbos, or aero add-ons here, just a supremely sweet V8, nearly magical ride and handling balance, and clean, sultry lines. The panoramic sunroof is a must have, as it transforms this car into the perfect hardtop sun machine. There's lots of good ways to spend $60,000-70,000 on a car, but if understated personal luxury is your goal, you may want to spend your money here.
Damon Bell: The Mercedes-Benz E550 coupe offers true luxury-grade appointments and a supple, buttery-smooth powertrain that will happily shove you back in your seat if you so desire. However, its low-slung seating position is not ideal for long-limbed drivers such as myself. Depending on options, the ride can also be a tad harsh for a premium midsize car. 
Rick Cotta: Price-wise, the E-Class coupes compete closely with Audi's A5 and S5, both of which offer standard all-wheel drive. In the snow states, that may be a deciding factor. Elsewhere, styling and the three-pointed star might give these new M-B offerings an edge, particularly when it comes to whose car gets the premier spot in the country-club lot.
Ed Piotrowski: Classy and refined, the new E-Class coupe, particularly in V8 form, defines "Executive Express." Unfortunately for Mercedes-Benz, so does the Infiniti G37. The G costs a heck of a lot less and is also available with all-wheel drive.

08.17.2009