Under the hood, we're expecting to see a fully updated engine line-up, complete with two Bluetec diesel powerplants. For starters there's a base 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine along with the new 204 HP 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel. Expect the AMG version to hit somewhere during calendar year 2010 with a direct-inject V8 pushing around 550 HP, and a hybrid version coming at around the same time. Expect that version to use the same mildly-hybridized system found under the hood of the new S400 BlueHybrid. What you shouldn't expect is to see the official reveal of the new E-Class sedan anytime before Geneva next year, with the new Estate and Coupe/Drop-Top hitting in time for Frankfurt near the end of the year. We look forward to our first test-drive, and immediate comparison with the CTS and Genesis. See a larger, quasi-higher-resolution version of the new E-Class here. [Autozeitung via CarScoop]

Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION study showcases new design idiom

Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz builds the world’s most desirable coupés – a claim which the Stuttgart-based car maker is underlining at the 2008 Paris Motor Show with its ConceptFASCINATION design study. This unique vehicle, whose innovative and unconventional proportions interpret the emotional appeal of a coupé in a new way, represent an exciting and intelligent combination of sporty and elegant design with stylish practicality. Wood, aluminium and smoked glass give a particularly exclusive look and feel to the luggage compartment which incorporates a refrigerated compartment and a humidor as well as offering a large load space. These attributes embody the two objectives of ConceptFASCINATION – to provide a high level of practical usability and to create a coupé which appeals to the heart with fast, thrilling lines. In developing this design study, Mercedes-Benz has given fresh impetus to the long-established (although now rarely seen) “shooting brake”, a vehicle category with its own distinctive charisma. Freed from the constraints of a specifications book, the designers have created an automotive sculpture with great aesthetic appeal which once again demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’s high level of design expertise.

ConceptFASCINATION is a unique jewel of compelling automotive design which is distinguished by its irresistibly dynamic lines yet still offers the benefits of a large luggage compartment. A particularly notable feature of the design is that the practical load space develops organically from the exciting and elegant lines of this lifestyle coupé, giving it its special charisma. Inside, the tone is set by fine, exceptional materials hand-crafted to the highest standard. Absolute perfection and attention to detail make this design study an incomparable gem which conveys a sense of sporty forward movement and at the same time elegance, savoir-vivre and exclusivity of the highest level.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, commented: “This design study continues the long tradition of exciting coupés from Mercedes-Benz in impressive style. With its emotionally appealing lines, ConceptFASCINATION offers a completely new interpretation of the coupé. Its aesthetic, dynamic looks and meticulously crafted detail ensure that this study meets the highest design standards."

Taut, sharply contoured lines and finely sculpted surfaces

The design study’s elongated body is dominated by the dynamic front-to-rear sweep of its lines which gives it a dynamically charged look, evoking movement even when the vehicle is stationary. This impression is emphasised by the long, frameless, side-window line which creates a continuous arc from front to rear, uninterrupted by a B-pillar. As a result, the large load space in the rear is integrated in the vehicle body cohesively and harmoniously while also creating the impression of length and a remarkable sense of light. The side windows can be lowered completely – one of the fundamental genetic markers of every Mercedes-Benz coupé – to provide an uninterrupted view of the stylish way in which fine materials have been used inside the vehicle.

A sense of forward-flowing energy is created by the wedge-shaped profile of the design study whose sides are structured by taut, clearly defined lines which grow out of the surfaces organically and disappear back into them in the same subtle way. Sensitively sculpted surfaces, alternately concave and convex, are defined by the shoulder line and undercut feature line with an additional line to form a gentle, yet pronounced linear flow complemented by an intriguing interplay of light effects. In short, flowing surfaces and arching structures create compelling forms.

The wheel arches are powerfully sculpted. In the rear wings in particular, the rounded treatment of the flared wheel arches is characterised by a degree of almost sensual exuberance – a classic Mercedes-Benz design element of the past – which is taken to an elegant conclusion in the lines of the rear. In order to maintain the flow of the surfaces and edges, the door handles are visually extended rearward of the doors into the sides of the vehicle.

A self-assured front section with a new take on the dual headlamp face
The distinctive front section of this gracefully built athlete is a picture of self-assurance. It remains loyal to the dual headlamp face, but interprets it in a more contemporary way. The now rhomboid headlamps which are set against a grey background reveal the fascinating technical details of the light units which feature the latest LED technology as well as C-shaped fibre-optic inserts which serve as discreet running lights. With its new, sharper eyes and the surrounding lines and surfaces, the “face” of the ConceptFASCINATION vehicle is both exciting and forceful.

The bonnet of the design study has pronounced contours with a central ridge which picks up the V-shape of the front end and continues it along the vehicle body. Powerfully framed, the single-louvre radiator grille with the central Mercedes star makes a very dominant and expressive statement of the brand identity.

A distinctive front apron with a small double-wing assembly at the base gives this design gem a wide, confident stance.

The great attention to detail, which can be sensed in the assurance of every line and the graceful sweep of every surface, is exemplified to perfection by a special touch in the front apron: a fine chrome trim strip runs all round the lower body of the vehicle and at the front, LED fog lamps are set into this strip.

Forward-sloping rear with pronounced V-shape

The forward-sloping rear also has a pronounced V-shape and features a spoiler, below which the third brake light is reflected in the rear window. Flat, horizontal LED lights which extend around the back, linking it visually with the sides, emphasise the width. In a styling move which is both clever and extremely harmonious, the undercut surround of the redesigned tail lights flows into the rear wings, serving as yet another example of the attention to detail made by the Mercedes-Benz designers. As at the front, the rear is completed by a small additional wing framed by four exhaust tailpipes.
Exquisite range of materials from the world of equestrianism

A large panoramic glass roof and the arc described by the uninterrupted side-window line bring a sense of light to the interior, and help it to merge with the exterior. Fine materials, such as leather, wood and aluminium, as well as high-quality woven fabrics and many carefully crafted details ensure that the sporty and stylish character of the show vehicle is also underlined on the interior.

The exquisite range of materials is inspired by the world of equestrianism and satisfies the most discerning tastes. Recalling the look and feel of a saddle, thick, dark leather covers the aluminium centre console which, like a bridge extending from the front to the rear, spans the space between the four sporty individual seats and translates the taut lines of the exterior to the interior of the vehicle with minimalist elements. Strong and natural, this leather also covers the upper section of the dashboard while its supple, flowing character means that it also lends itself to enhancing the look and feel of the door armrests.

Contrast is provided by light, fine nubuck leather which is used for the other surfaces and the four individual seats as well as by the deep-pile carpet with heavy fibres. The seat centre panels are covered in strong, high-quality fabric. Trim strips in American walnut with a fine chrome surround complete the portfolio of materials.

The characteristic V-shape of the exterior is picked up by the dashboard whose styling evokes a dynamic wing and which features an instrument cluster with five tubes and silver dials.

Luxurious load compartment with stylish details
Carefully crafted details give the load compartment a particularly luxurious and surprising character. The floor of the load compartment, which measures approximately one metre square, is made of wood with brushed aluminium protective rails. Folding up the floor at the left and right sides reveals two compartments containing two sets of binoculars as well as a high-quality digital camera with interchangeable Leica lenses – the perfect equipment for a day at the races.

The centre of the load compartment is occupied by a folding smoked glass table which rises out of the floor at the touch of a button to reveal a compartment housing a humidor. The table can also be pulled to the rear for easier access from outside. Doing so provides access to a refrigerated compartment for drinks and champagne flutes. The smoked glass can then be folded up at left and right to allow the vehicle occupants to enjoy a picnic in a stylish and refined ambience.

Driven by new, powerful and economical four-cylinder diesel engine

Not content with just indulging the senses, the ConceptFASCINATION design study impresses with its technical underpinnings, too. These are drawn from the future E-Class Coupé and include the new four-cylinder diesel engine which features BlueTEC and AdBlue technology and develops 204 hp from a displacement of 2.2 litres.

Mercedes-Benz design studies look to future styling trends

The ConceptFASCINATION study was not created merely to arouse interest in a new and unusual design concept. It is much more a matter of giving designers the opportunity to play around with unconventional topics, to look at things in a new way and to explore new ideas. Design studies also serve to stimulate a closer dialogue with customers and to gauge the public reaction to new ideas for cars. They help Mercedes-Benz designers to get a feel for future styling trends and to develop new design idioms.

[Source: MB]

The 2010 E-Class is destined for the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, at least according to speculation. If the Mercedes people continue to be so blatant with their parking, we imagine that you'll be seeing more of the car before then. [Bilfeber via CarScoop, Photos Staffan Ring]

SPY PHOTOS: New 2010 Mercedes E-Class [World Car Fans]

Related:
Spy Photos: Mercedes E-Class; New Mercedes C-Class, Officially [internal]

Was ist das? Under that evil cladding is the Mercedes W212 E-Class, due early next decade after an intro at the 2009 Frankfurt show, say spies. They also say the new model will flaunt a familial resemblance to the S-Class, with appropriate fender blisters and nasal-y front intakes. Under the E-Class's new skin will beat the heart of a cyborg. Roadway precision will be strictly enforced via driver-assistance features like lane-departure warning, retinal tracking, traffic-sign identification, road-condition sensors, and smart stability control that crunches data from crosswinds and tire wear. – Mike Spinelli

SPY PHOTOS: New Mercedes E-class [World Car Fans]

Related:
Cowboys of the Modern Day: Mercedes Reveals E-Class with Tesla Coil [internal]

Mercedes offers its take on the time-honored narrative zinger in this ad for the E-Class with 4MATIC. Adultery is totally the new Dr. Z. – Mike Spinelli

[via Autoblog Chinese]

Related:
Ad Watch: The Audi RS4 Sounds Like Movies [internal

The guys at BenzInsider have solved the mystery of the Mercedes CLS wagon, a shot of which recently launched a thousand speculations. Turns out its called the TLS MK1, and it's a fabrication of Germany's Pogea Racing, a Laupheim-based tuner of Audi and Mercedes-Benz product. They appear to have grafted the front portion of a CLS onto an E55 AMG T-Modell (station wagon). Why? Why the hell not? Click through for more pics.

CLS Wagon is REAL ! [Benz Insider]

Related:
Was Ist Dis? Mercedes CLS Wagon? [internal]

The US states with the most stringent emissions requirements — California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont — say Mercedes's E320 Bluetec is not clean enough for prime time. That's a kick in the tailpipe to Merc, which in a recent press release called the E320 CDI the "cleanest diesel vehicle in the world." The problem is, diesel generates more nitrogen oxide gases than gas engines, and although Mercedes's Bluetec system uses a combination of scrubbers in the car's exhaust system — an oxidizing catalytic converter, a particulate filter and a denox storage converter that absorbs nitrogen oxides temporarily — it's just not quite enough. The company also has a separate system, called AdBlue, that injects urea (yeah, that one) into the exhaust, splitting nitrogen oxides into hydrogen and H20, but that system isn't commercially available. What does the blow mean for Mercedes, which needs to sell the E-Class diesel in those states to make a viable business case? No word yet, but a spokesperson reportedly said, "piss off."

Snafu: New Mercedes Diesels Ruled Illegal in Five Key States [Edmunds]

Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC Debuts in New York; More Diesels for US Lineup [Green Car Congress]

Related:
Mercedes Reveals 2007 E-Class [internal]

They've already gotten a stately Mercedes E-Class to hit nearly 218 mph using a V12 bored out to 6.3 liters. Now the Brabus boys are offering a similarly extended V8, which they've punched out to 6.1 liters using a nail file and a length of rough twine. However they did it, they say they've upclocked the eight to 462 hp and close to 454 ft.-lbs of torque. That translates to a zero-to-60 time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of almost 190 mph. All that power to run from the SEC and space to hide all those incriminating files? It's an accountant's dream date.

Related:
Brabus-Tuned E V12 Biturbo Sets Record as Fastest Street-Legal Sedan [internal]

At the Mercedes E-Class presentation, the thunder of auto journos shifting their feet during a particularly long opening speech ("dynamism" usage count = five) preceeded a series of lightning bolts that struck the car from a Tesla coil right out of a 1920s Fritz Lang joint. A team of shadowy e-dancers in voltage-proof pajamas — one of which was suspended from a boom — guided the bolts using conduction rods. In other news, George Westinghouse's corpse just exploded.

Related:
Cowboys of the Modern Day: Mercedes Reveals E-Class with Tesla Coil [internal]

The Mercs rolled out their new E-Class sedan amid a time-honored dramatic prop — massive amounts of electrical voltage. The company's press conference employed a Tesla Coil, which, for those who remember the 1980s, is a device that generates energy by way of the gyrations and vocal rasp of stick-skinny rock singers. No, seriously.

Related:
Mercedes Reveals 2007 E-Class [internal]

It hasn't gotten a radical redesign yet — that'll be the next go 'round, but the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will get a slight refreshening of its current, conservative body style and more powerful engines. That means it's still the perfect Benz for a senior associate looking to make partner, despite his secret life as a cross-dressing cabaret singer.

Press release after the jump.

Related:
More on the Mercedes E-Class [internal]

Press release:

The new generation E-Class: more dynamic, safer, more powerful and even better value-for-money

Stuttgart, Apr 11, 2006
After four years in production and around a million vehicles sold, Mercedes-Benz is presenting the new generation of its world-beating E-Class. Some 2000 parts in the E-Class are new or further developments. The Saloon and Estate boast new bodystyling, which is even more dynamic, poised and assured than before. The E-Class is once again setting the benchmark as the technology trendsetter. No other car in this market segment can match the range of safety innovations including PRE-SAFE , Intelligent Light System, NECK-PRO head restraints and adaptive brake lights. These extensive safety features make the E-Class the safest car in its class. The DIRECT CONTROL package, with more direct steering and a retuned suspension, and six new or enhanced engines take agility and driving pleasure to new heights. Maintaining the same level of fuel economy, these engines develop up to 26 percent more output and 18 percent more torque. The prices for the four and six-cylinder models remain unchanged despite the more extensive standard specification.

The E-Class was the No. 1 archetypal executive saloon in Western Europe in 2005, accounting for 30 percent of the market. In Germany 38 percent of all buyers of premium models chose the E-Class Saloon, helping maintain the Saloon's position as German market leader for four years running. Worldwide Mercedes-Benz has sold around a million vehicles from the current E-Class line-up since spring 2002 - 860,000 Saloons and 140,000 Estates.

For over 60 years the E-Class and its predecessors have been the "heart" of Mercedes-Benz, representing basic brand values like safety, comfort, innovation, economy and quality. Since 1946 Mercedes-Benz has delivered some ten million luxury sedans to customers all over the world.

In June 2006 the E-Class will be unveiled with an even more dynamic concept, additional pioneering innovations and an upgraded standard specification.

29 model variants will be available - 16 Saloons and 13 Estates. As such, Mercedes-Benz will be offering the largest, most varied model range in this market segment. With outputs ranging from 100 kW/136 hp to 378 kW/ 514 hp, the new generation E-Class outpaces the previous model range (90 kW/122 hp to 350 kW/476 hp) and its competitors.

A revamped front-end design reflects the dynamism, power, poise and assurance of the new generation E-Class. The bumper and radiator grille feature a pronounced V-shape, which epitomises power and forward motion. Mercedes Benz has enhanced the familiar twin-headlamp face of the E-Class by adding transparent louvres to the top section of the headlamps, producing a striking light effect when switched on. And for the first time white LEDs have been used as parking lights. Mercedes-Benz has further accentuated the dynamic appearance of the E Class on all model variants with side skirts and rear bumper in the AVANTGARDE design.

Inside, the new generation model differs from the outgoing model with new eye-catching colours, a new four-spoke steering wheel featuring elliptical thumb-operated buttons and a new control unit for the standard-fit THERMATIC automatic climate control. The Mercedes designers have also redefined the coordinated colour schemes, upholstery and materials; for the AVANTGARDE line in particular there are two new colours (cognac brown and sahara beige), which add an extra touch of refinement in conjunction with the black roof lining.

Safety: setting the standards in the premium segment with PRE-SAFE and other innovations

Pioneering innovations help the E-Class continue to set the pace of passenger car safety in its market segment: Saloon and Estate are equipped as standard with the anticipatory PRE-SAFE system whose "reflexes" respond before an impending collision by activating protection measures for the driver and front passenger. As a result, the seatbelt and airbag provide maximum protection in the event of a collision. PRE-SAFE , a world first which went into series production in the S-Class in 2002 and since then has received numerous international awards, heralds the start of a new era in vehicle safety. No other premium-class model can offer this kind of anticipatory protection system.

The standard-fit NECK-PRO head restraints on the E-Class are equally unique. During a rear impact the sensor-controlled head restraints are moved forward to provide protection for the driver's and front passenger's heads within milliseconds. The crash-responsive head restraints prevent the upper spinal column from bending as a result of the accident, reducing the risk of whiplash injuries, one of the most common accident injuries costing around eight billion euros annually in the European Union.

Mercedes-Benz is fitting the new generation E-Class with flashing brake lights to prevent rear-end collisions. They warn the drivers behind more effectively than conventional brake lights when there is a risk of an accident. Tests conducted by Mercedes engineers show that the drivers' braking reaction time can be shortened on average by up to 0.2 seconds if a flashing warning light is used during emergency braking. As a result, the braking distance can be reduced by 5.50 metres at 100 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz has also consistently fine-tuned the occupant safety features on the E-Class. The Saloon and Estate meet the most stringent international crash standards such as the U.S. 80 km/h rear impact test or the new U.S. side crash test, which simulates a collision with a heavy off-road vehicle. To date, the E-Class has completed some 330 crash tests as part of ongoing improvements to vehicle safety.

Intelligent Light System: world premiere of new headlamp technology

The new generation E-Class is the first vehicle to feature adaptive headlamps, which respond to the prevailing driving and weather conditions providing a significant improvement in driving safety. The Intelligent Light System, available as an option for the Saloon and Estate, is based on the powerful bi-xenon headlamps and includes five different lighting functions: the new country mode provides brighter, further illumination of the offside verge than the previous low-beam headlamps. Here the driver's range of vision is increased by around ten metres, which allows him to recognise other road users or obstacles earlier in the dark. The motorway mode, activated automatically at speeds above 90 km/h, produces an even light cone that extends to a range of up to 120 metres, illuminating the entire road width. In the centre of this light cone the driver can see around 50 metres further. Thanks to the enhanced fog lamps, also part of the new Intelligent Light System, Mercedes-Benz has also improved orientation in fog whilst reducing backglare.

The engineers in Sindelfingen have further developed and improved the Active Light System, which Mercedes-Benz unveiled in the E-Class in spring 2003. Another component of the Intelligent Light System is the cornering light function, which provides enhanced safety when turning at intersections or taking bends slowly.

Diesel engines: noticeably more output from the four-cylinder engines

Six of the 10 engines in the new generation E-Class are new or further developments. They provide up to 60 kW/82 hp more output and up to 70 Nm more torque. Nonetheless the fuel consumption figures remain on a par with the exemplary level of the outgoing models: one in three Mercedes models sporting an "E" on the model badge uses less than eight litres of fuel per 100 kilometres; the average fuel consumption of all body and drive variants in the line-up from the E 200 CDI to the E 500 is just nine litres per 100 kilometres. As such, the E Class will continue to build on one of its outstanding features: economy.

The Mercedes engineers have optimised the four-cylinder diesel engines in the E 200 CDI and E 220 CDI right down to the last detail. Over 90 components in the CDI engines are new or further developments. All these measures add up to a substantial advance in terms of output, torque and smoother running. While fuel consumption remains consistently low at just 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres, the output of the E 200 CDI has been increased by 10 kW/14 hp to 100 kW/136 hp. Maximum torque has been increased from 270 to 340 Nm.

Balancer shafts in the crankcase, standard specification also on the E 200 CDI, provide the sort of smooth-running characteristics more readily associated with a six-cylinder engine.

The new E 220 CDI develops a maximum output of 125 kW/170 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm, around 14 and 18 percent respectively more than the outgoing model. Fuel consumption remains at the same low level of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres (Estate: 7.1 l/100 km). Meanwhile the new six-cylinder diesel engine in the E 320 CDI (165 kW/ 224 hp) now provides even more torque: peak torque has been increased from 510 to 540 Nm.

In the USA the E-Class in the guise of the E 320 CDI since 2004 is the first diesel model in the premium-class segment in the USA. From model year 2007 Mercedes-Benz intends to launch the first diesel production vehicle in the USA with the trailblazing BLUETEC technology, which will provide further remarkable reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions. The future E 320 BLUETEC will be the world's cleanest diesel, using 20 to 40 percent less fuel than comparable petrol-engined vehicles. In Europe Mercedes-Benz plans to launch BLUETEC in a passenger car model by 2008.

Petrol engines: more powerful supercharged engine and new eight-cylinder engine

When it came to the petrol engines, the Mercedes engines paid particular attention to the four and eight-cylinder variants. The four-cylinder engine in the E 200 KOMPRESSOR delivers 12.5 percent more output than before: 135 kW/184 hp. At the same time, maximum torque has been increased to 250 Nm.

From mid-2006, the E-Class engine range will be headed by the newly developed 5.5-litre eight-cylinder engine from the S-Class with an output of 285 kW/388 hp. Compared with the previous V8, the new engine delivers 26 percent more output. At 530 Nm the torque also comfortably exceeds the maximum for the preceding engine by around 15 percent. The new E 500 delivers the performance profile of a sports car: the Saloon accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than the previous E 500.

The new E 63 AMG from the Mercedes-AMG stable is fitted with a naturally aspirated V8 engine delivering 378 kW/514 hp and maximum torque of 630 Nm. The E 63 AMG is the most powerful E-Class of all times.

DIRECT CONTROL: package for even more dynamic driving pleasure

The new generation of the successful Mercedes model series looks more dynamic, delivers more power and also offers even more agile handling. DIRECT CONTROL makes this possible: with this standard-fit package the Mercedes engineers have made remarkable progress in terms of handling dynamics, without compromising the combination of safety and long-distance comfort, the consistent hallmark of the E-Class Saloon and Estate.

Increasing the direct steering by around 10 percent makes the E Class more responsive to steering movements. Nonetheless the E-Class continues to reassure drivers with its superb handling safety and stability. Newly developed spring link bearings also support lateral forces more effectively when cornering and enhance the neutral cornering characteristics of the Saloon and Estate still more. The ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models also come with rebound buffer springs, which effectively limit body roll when cornering. The DIRECT CONTROL package also includes a new gearshift linkage system for the six-speed manual transmission for high gearshifting comfort and precision.

The ADAPTIVE BRAKE system is taken from the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and provides new safety and comfort features thanks to the electronic control of the hydraulic dual-circuit brakes. An automatic tyre pressure loss warning system also forms part of the extended standard equipment on the E-Class.

We may have to start an entire wing of Jalopnik devoted to cars with pickup beds their designers never intended. (Actually, we kind of already have one.) This one, a custom-built, crew-cab E-Class that's perfect for the German-language film, "Josef Schmutz," about a mulleted country boy from Bavaria with muttonchops the size of meer schen. It cost $100,000 to build (including donor E-Class) and ship to the states, but can be had for a mere $30,000 in PBR money. Bid wisely.

Mercedes: E-Class PICKUP!! [eBay]

Related:
More "El Caminos" [internal]

The Dubspeed kids go out for a roll in the hay with Mercedes-Benz's diesel E-Class and come back all sweaty about the powerplant, although they don't really say much about the car. Still, they, as does Herr Doktor Zetzche, think diesel's the way to go as far as the perfect balance between performance and economy go. And we have to say, we come down on the side of the KISS-simplicity of a well-cleansed diesel over the technological mishmash of hybrid powertrains. Still, we kinda would've liked to know a bit more about the car.

The Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI: Diesel Power - trumping the hybrid hype [Dubspeed]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Mercedes E350 4Matic, Part 1 [Internal]

Why you should buy this car: You love Mercedes! The big EZ makes you feel safe, secure, satisfied, loved, respected and admired. The sedan s four-wheel-drive let s you believe you don t have to pay for/install snow tires every year.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: You enjoy driving, perhaps more than you should.

Suitability Parameters
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: No
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: Yes
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Mercedes
· Model tested: E350 4Matic
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $52,300
· Engine type: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6
· Horsepower: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6
· Torque: 258 ft-lbs. @ 2400-5000 rpm
· Redline: 6000 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: 225/55 HR 17 all-season
· Drive type: four-wheel-drive:
· 0 - 60: 6.9 secs.
· 1/4 mile: NA
· Top speed: 130 (limited)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 18 /24
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 4/5/5

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Mercedes E350 4Matic, Part 1

Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Mercedes E350 4Matic, Part 2

Exterior Design ***
What a drag it is getting old. You go for something sensible and safe and people call you a fuddy-duddy. You go for some fresh and funky and flame-surfaced and people call you a barbarian. Mercedes plays it straight down the middle with a classically proportioned three box design. It s stunning in its unobjectionality. I still can't abide those weird-ass swoopy headlights and the woosy little grill it engenders.

Acceleration ***
After ten years niche chasing with bizarre automotive mutations, MB finally got around to freshening-up the E-Class' pokey powerplant. This bigger, more highly valved, twice overhead cammed V6 has finally got the goods to go Bimmer chasing. Lots of horses (268) and loads o torque (258 ft-lbs.) make it an ostensibly frisky fillie. Ostensibly cause the E350's throttle was designed by a Driver s Ed instructor who got tired of putting a tennis ball behind the accelerator.

Braking ****
Plenty mushy, plenty powerful.

Ride ***
On smooth surfaces, you couldn t ask for a better Buick. On broken surfaces— especially through the twisty bits— everything goes a little pear-shaped. In fact, the ride gets so nuggety it s a wonder McDonald s doesn t sell it in little cardboard boxes.

Handling **
The E350 doesn t handle per se; it sashays around corners like a ballroom dancer on Ludes. The only problem— and I mean this in the nicest, most luxury loving kinda way— is the way it feels once you turn in. It doesn t. There s no feeling whatsoever through the helm— which makes dialing-out steering lock an entirely intellectual process. OK in parking lots. Murder at speed.

Gearbox *****
Mercedes makes some of the world s best gearboxes. Although it s nothing new or special, the E350's five-speed is perfect, slurring changes like a professional slide guitar player. [NB: The rear-wheel-drive E350 has the new 7G-Tronic gearbox. Reports are filtering in about excessive and unnecessary gear hunting ]

Audio/Video ***
Nice stereo. No iPoditude. And...?

Toys *
Low celestialism due to the peculiar fact that our test car was lightly specced. Where s the fun in that?

Trunk ***
What a trunk! The trunk of my dreams! Deep, carpeted, cavernous. But Jesus, does that flimsy ass trunk lid (made of aluminum to save weight) fly up in a hurry! I almost knocked my wife out with a single plip. Take that as a criticism.

Overall: ***

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Mercedes E350 4Matic, Part 1, Part 3 [internal]

Beige. For me, beige is the color of death. It s the color of all the OAP s (Old Age Pensioners) I encountered during my 16-year English adventure: beige jackets, beige trousers, beige skirts, beige shoes and yes, beige socks, shirts, handbags, scarves and caps. I reckon only a person ready, willing and able to quietly slip into that long good night would turn to a salesperson and say It s nice, but do you have it in beige? Our test Mercedes E350 s interior was dominated by a particularly vivid — or is that dull? — shade of beige. It brought up unpleasant memories and colored my whole experience of the car. Or, um, not.

To say that the Mercedes E320 4Matic is a car designed for old people would be wrong. For one thing, the go-pedal is so rigorous (as in rigor mortis) only a person enjoying the vitality of youth can get the car moving; your average octogenarian would have to stand on the accelerator to create forward progress. For another, the 401K set are pretty tight with their money, what with on-going funding issues surrounding their lazy, good-for-nothing children. The E350 clocks in at $50k or so, and that s one late ass hour for our financially/chronically challenged ancestors, who only use their car to drive to church on Sundays and wonder about the Vicar s questionable sexuality. Which would account for the chairs pew-like solidity. On the other hand

The E350 s steering wheel seems to be made out of the same spongy material used for Zimmer frame handles. And it s roughly the same circumference. Thanks to nuclear power assistance, helmsmanship is easier than opening a bottle of child-proof aspirin. In fact, the E350 s steering is lighter than the finger-flummoxing fluff lingering in Grandma s candy. Although minor course corrections are amazingly accurate, once you turn the mid-sized Merc s wheel, it s as if you re riding on balloons. The effect creates a new definition of oversteer : continuing to turn a corner after you ve turned it. (Walkers, you have been warned.)

There s also the complete lack of COMMANDitude. Mercedes decision not to equip their stalwart E with one of the mouse-driven control interface thingies afflicting the S-Class and its ilk could well reflect their kind consideration for buyers who remember when computers were steam-driven. The E350 s buttons are refreshingly logical and sensibly placed. (If only they were twice as large.) And the 4Motion system makes perfect sense for our less mobile population; if you can t [remember to] change the snow tires every year, gripless all-seasons with four-wheel-drive is better than gripless all-seasons without four-wheel-drive.

Maybe I m being too harsh here. Driving a $50k car with a glove box with all the heft of a Pamper s wipes lid, and a visor mirror that wouldn t look out of place on a child s plastic compact, can put me in that kind of mood. There s no question that the E350 4Motion is a wonderfully relaxing and reassuring car when you want to go from point A to to Maybe I ve driven too many sporty cars — including AMG Mercs — to understand that most people consider quietly competent and completely numb desirable attributes in a luxury car. Or maybe it s just because I M TOO YOUNG TO DIE! [by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Mercedes E350 4Matic, Part 2, Part 3 [internal]

German tuning and body-mod house (no, not the kind that implants devil horn bumps in people's heads) Lorinser created a Mercedes E-Class stretch limo that's more than a yard longer than the base model. The stretch includes and added center row of seats (airport-bus style), as well as cosmetic tweaks including a body kit, 20" wheels and various attached spoilerage. All that's missing is a twin-turbo, AMG-tuned powerplant. But then, you'd need a driveshaft the size of a pole-vault pole to get that kind of power to the rear wheels. And oh, the torque. No, it wouldn't be pretty.

Lorinser Debuts Extended E-Class Limo [eMercedesBenz]

Related:
Rolls-Royce Shows off New Stretch Phantom at Pebble Beach [internal]