The base E-Class 350s feature a direct-injected 3.5L V6 engine rated at 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque standard. The E550 trims come with a direct-injected 4.6L twin-turbo V8 engine rated at 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. All engines are mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. The 210-horsepower BlueTEC 3.0L diesel V6 will be replaced by a smaller, 195-hp 2.1L turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder, available in all 50 states in rear-wheel-drive sedan form. Those models will be designated the E250. The E400 Hybrid is also rear-wheel drive and makes 329 horsepower from its V6 and electric motor combination.
The E63 AMG is powered by a 5.5L V8 engine that produces 518 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The high-performance beast features an innovative combination of adaptive AMG Ride Control and rear air suspension to endow the car with razor-sharp handling and smooth-as-glass ride, all driver-adjustable through a series of suspension settings, which range from comfort to race-like sport-sharp. For those who would rather not fuss with myriad settings, the E63's adaptive suspension offers a button labeled simply "AMG," which will set the vehicle up for optimum performance. An AMG Performance Package boosts output to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The E63 AMG is available as either a sedan or a wagon.
The E350, available in coupe, convertible, and sedan forms, includes seats wrapped in M-B Tex, a synthetic leather, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, power-adjustable steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, a power sunroof and Mercedes-Benz' COMAND media and vehicle control system. The E550 upgrades the seat fabric to full leather, and adds upgraded vented disc brakes.
Options on the E-Class include navigation, HD radio, a Harman/Kardon surround sound system, iPod integration, rearview camera, blind spot assist, active cruise control and Parktronic parking assistance sensors just to name a few.
The E-Class convertible is equipped with a one-inch-thick folding convertible roof. The roof provides insulation when up, yet folds tightly enough to not compromise trunk space too much. The standard AirCap provides a retractable louver for the front window directing air over the occupants' heads. Combined with a rear perforated windscreen, the passenger compartment remains nearly wind-free even at freeway speeds.
The E350 wagon is similarly equipped to the sedan and convertible, but also includes a spacious cargo area capable of holding 69 cubic-feet of cargo with the rear seats folded. When not hauling, the wagon is capable of holding two additional passengers thanks to a pair of rear-facing seats that can fold away into the floor when not in use.
Mercedes-Benz's attention to safety is in full effect in the new E-Class lineup. Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes, traction and stability control, a full array of airbags, a rollover sensor and a tire pressure monitoring system. Mercedes-Benz' Pre-Safe system is also included, which tightens seat belts, repositions seats and attempts to close the windows and moonroof if an imminent crash is detected.
A World-wide Symbol Of Refinement, Class And Style
Available Wagon Body Style
Fuel-sipping BlueTEC Diesel Engine Available
For 2014, Mercedes has made subtle style changes to the E-Class coupes and convertibles, with updates most notable in the front air intakes, LED headlights, and grille. Inside, the center stack has been redesigned, with the gear selector moved from the center console to the steering column. Later in the model year, the E350 with BlueTEC 3.0L diesel V6 will be replaced by the E250, which utilizes a 195-hp diesel 4-cylinder producing 369 ft-lb of torque.
The E-Class is Mercedes-Benz's mid-sized luxury car, competing with the BMW 5-series and the Audi A6. Being a true luxury car, the E-Class doesn't make many compromises. Performance, fuel efficiency and luxury are all high priorities for all E-Class trims.
The E-Class Cabriolet is arguably one of the most luxurious and best-driving convertibles currently available. Mercedes-Benz build-quality and technical innovations provide unparalleled performance and comfort. A clever folding cloth top allows for 11 cubic feet of trunk space, even while folded.
The E-Class wagon offers 68.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Featuring a powerful 302-horsepower V6, it offers excellent cargo transport in unequaled comfort.
And the E63 AMG sedan and wagon are among the best-performing, most comfortable performance options for luxury midsize-class buyers.
