2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The new 2010 E-Class represents the ninth generation of the highly successful model line, with a total of more than 10 million E-Class sedans produced over the past 70-plus years.  Packed with useful new safety technology, the new E-Class is likely to become another industry trend-setter, and with a full compliment of sedan and coupe models, the lineup should appeal to more consumers than ever.

With an impressive aerodynamic drag coefficient of only 0.25, the base European model of the new E-Class is literally the slickest luxury sedan on the planet.  While the wider tires of the U.S. model give it a Cd of 0.27, the car’s still slippery profile means even better fuel economy and less wind noise on the highway.  The new E-Class body is also 30 percent stronger, thanks to intelligent body construction, which includes more lightweight, high-tensile-strength steel.

Standard ATTENTION ASSIST

Among its many standard safety features is an innovative “Attention Assist” system which couples a steering sensor with intelligent software that can identify the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get drowsy.  Elegant in its simplicity, the system senses drowsiness and alerts the driver.

Other examples of trailblazing innovations include optional automatic emergency braking, which can now be activated 0.6 seconds before an imminent collision, and adaptive high beams that use a small windshield-mounted camera to control high-low beam operation automatically.  This system also provides a soft transition from low to high beam.  An optional Driver Assistance package includes Blind Spot Monitor and a new Lane Keeping Assist feature, which alerts the driver if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on.

The design of the new-generation E-Class begins with a ”cubist” treatment of its trademark twin-headlight face.  Two parallelogram lights are recessed into each front fender, bracketing the three-dimensional chrome frame of the front grille.

Both models have grown slightly as compared to their predecessors.  The sedan grows wider by 1¼ inches and longer by 5/8-inch while the coupe is 1.8-inches wider and 1.9-inches longer.  The overall E-Class body shape features large concave and convex surfaces defined by taut, clearly defined lines.  In particular, a graceful line follows each rear wheel well and shapes the muscular contours of the rear fenders.  While the car looks futuristic, aficionados might recognize styling cues reminiscent of the famous “Ponton Mercedes” of the 1950s.

Mercedes-Benz designers paid careful attention to the interior, to ensure that every surface is appealing in both functional and emotional terms with its form, color and material.  The sedan cockpit features five analog gauges, including two outer pairs that overlap each other.  Standard equipment includes a four-spoke, premium leather-covered steering wheel with integrated multi-function switches and a Direct Select electronic shift lever mounted on the steering column.  Coupes feature a 3-spoke steering wheel and console-mounted shift lever with TouchShift.

Also standard is a new COMAND system featuring a seven-inch color display screen with a standard in-dash, six-disc CD / DVD changer.  Using a console-mounted controller, the central display in the dash can be operated by either the driver or front passenger.  The COMAND system can be equipped with optional GPS navigation, an iPod/MP3 interface, satellite radio and a number of other useful features.

Sport and Luxury Models

The New E-Class sedan is available in Sport and Luxury trim that is designed to appeal to a wide range of customer tastes.  All Luxury models come with a comfort suspension, while Sport models are fitted with a sport suspension that has stiffer shocks and springs as well as slightly lower ride height.

The Appearance package for the E-Class coupe includes a number of features for the sport-minded driver – perforated brake discs with painted calipers, 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, aluminum pedals with rubber studs and black gearshift paddles.  Multicontour seats are also available.

Carrying the Sport concept yet a step further, all E550 coupes come with shift paddles mounted to the three-spoke sport steering wheel and sport body styling that includes a deeper front air dam, side skirts and rear apron.  The E550 also has standard perforated brake discs and painted calipers.

Three Versatile Engines For The E-Class

The 2010 E-Class line is being launched in the U.S. market with three distinct models.  The E350 sedan and coupe use the latest four-valve-per-cylinder V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, while the E550 models are powered by a 32-valve 5.5-liter V8 delivering 382 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque.  The high-performance E63 AMG sedan is fitted with the first engine developed entirely by AMG – a 6.2-liter V8 that makes 518 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque.

One of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever, the engine boasts a wealth of features derived from AMG’s successful racing efforts.  Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the 6.3-liter features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, “bucket” followers (rather than rocker arms) and a variable intake manifold.

The ninth-generation E-Class represents the very center of the broadest product line in the luxury car market.  The eye-catching new car looks contemporary and, at the same time, has a classic look.  While its edgy, futuristic front end is a “cubist” reinterpretation of the familiar four-headlight face, a graceful line shapes its muscular rear fenders and stirs images of the famous “Ponton Mercedes” of the 1950s.

Useful technology built into the new E-Class reaffirms Mercedes-Benz as the industry leader in both safety and convenience.  While its new standard ATTENTION ASSIST steering system demonstrates that innovative, life-saving safety features don’t always need to be expensive, the optional DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE Brake, and sedan-specific Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Night View Assist PLUS systems will seem miraculous to anyone who might escape an accident because of their valuable help.

Now available in distinctly different four-door sedan and two-door coupe body styles, as well as a choice of contrasting Luxury or Sport trim, the new E-Class line should appeal to a wider range of consumers than ever.  Although an E350 Luxury sedan has a completely different character than an E550 coupe, their automotive DNA is much the same, not to mention their under-the-skin design.

And, the high-performance E63 AMG sedan makes the E-Class palette of choice still broader.  Described by some as “an exotic supercar disguised as a four-door,” the breath-taking E63 AMG demonstrates the full potential of the E-Class platform.  Regardless of which E-Class model new owners might choose, they have many reasons to be proud of their purchase and of the Mercedes-Benz brand.

For the full text of this comprehensive product information please click the 'Printable Version' icon at the top of this page. The text includes detailed information on:

Exterior

Interior

Body

Safety

Chassis

V6 Engine

V8 Engine

E63 AMG

Seven-Speed Transmission
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive