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By Autotropolis Editors
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Strengths: |
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Performance (E550 and E63); fuel efficiency (E320 Bluetec); spacious interior; ride comfort. |
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Changes: |
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For 2008, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class continues without major changes, but a new AMG Sport Package brings many of the appearance cues from the E63 AMG-including the flashy wheels, AMG steering wheel, and manual shift paddles-to the V6 E350 or V8 E550.
Also, the PRE-SAFE system is now standard across the entire E-Class line. |
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Value: |
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The E-Class range of luxury sedans and wagons can fit a wide range of needs, from the fast, showy, and exclusive E63 AMG to the more practical E350 and the economical, green-friendly E320 Bluetec diesel. Across the line, the E-Class has a very roomy interior and nice ride, both which make it well-suited for long trips. With 4Matic all-wheel drive available on E350 and E550 models, the E-Class also makes a good all-weather bet for those who live in the Snow Belt, too. |
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Overview: |
Four different models of the E-Class are now offered in the U.S. The E350 has a 268-horsepower, 3.5L V6; the E550 has a 382-horsepower, 5.5L V8; the high-performance E63 AMG has a 507-horsepower, 6.3L V8; and the E320 Bluetec comes with a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 that makes 208 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque.
The E350 and E63 are also available in a wagon body style in addition to the four-door sedan.
The E350 and E550 have a 4Matic all-wheel-drive system available. All models get a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The new 6.3L V8 in the E63 AMG is the first engine to be completely developed by AMG; it has four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket-style tappets, and a variable intake manifold.
The E63, as the performance leader of the line, can reach 60 mph in only 4.3 seconds; it can also be ordered with a performance package that lifts the 155-mph electronically limited top speed to 186 mph.
It includes a specially tuned Airmatic sport suspension, a limited-slip differential, 19-inch alloy wheels, larger front brake discs, and an AMG sport steering wheel with paddle shifters.
Meanwhile, the E320 Bluetec is as clean as a modern gasoline car, according to Mercedes-Benz, and the 3.0L CDI V6 is ranked 32 highway in the EPA cycle.
Window curtain air bags and side-impact air bags are standard on the E-Class, along with PRE-SAFE, a system that tenses the seatbelts if it anticipates a collision, and closes the sunroof and side windows if it anticipates a loss of control.
Each of the E-Class models come very well equipped as luxury cars. Options include a hands-free system, DVD navigation, side window blinds, Sirius satellite radio, the Parktronic parking aid, bi-xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, and a panorama sunroof.
A newly available AMG Sport Package adds much of the E63's appearance equipment to the E350 or E550. |
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