Pure German Engineering

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic

Remember my teaser pic? Well, here's the clearest view of what is my Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic, the mystery car. I've had this car for some time and I've never done a review of it. But, here's the strangest thing: why would you? Everything about this car is just staggering!

E-class with CEO of Daimler

Honestly, if it weren't for the Volkswagen Polo, this would've been the 2010 World Car of the Year. It introduced us to the future of motoring. It's like the car itself has eyes in it's headlights. But anyway, let's start with the basics. Under the hood is a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 272 horsepower. 0 to 60 is reached in 6.3 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 130 MPH. That might not seem all that powerful, but like every model Mercedes produces, there's always a more powerful one. For example, if you're one who likes V8's, you have two choices: the E550 or the E63 AMG. The 550 will give you 382 horsepower out of its 5.0-liter V8 engine. However, the mighty E63 AMG will give you 518 horsepower out of its new 6.3-liter AMG V8 engine. Both cars will reach 155 MPH, but the E63 will reach 60 MPH in 4.5 seconds while the E550 will do it in 5 seconds flat. Impressive, but irrelevant. Let's get back to the base 350. It might not have much power, but there's so much more stuff that you can get with this car.

E-class Interior

For instance, I tested out an earlier 2006 E-class model. Compared to the old one, this new one is definitely bigger. You will get at least 5 more inches of room in the rear for your comfort. Also, in the front is an E-class first: Massaging seats. For the first time ever, you can unwind and relax while your seat massages your back to your expectations. For the kids in the back, you can have an optional Rear Seat Entertainment System with two screen mounted on the headrests and a DVD Player placed in the middle console. You can also watch DVD's on the COMMAND System screen, although it's not advised that you do. Also, whenever you get tired after a long day of work, there is a chance that you will start drifting out of your lane or slowing down gradually. Don't worry. The E-class will wake you up again with its new Drowsy-ness sensor. What this does is that when it feels that you are starting to doze off, it creates loud beeping sounds and vibrates the steering wheel in an effort to keep you awake and alert behind the wheel. This all sounds technological, doesn't it? Well it doesn't end there.

2010 E500 Luxury

There might be a time that you are driving along on the highway and have no idea that you're drifting out of your lane. Well don't worry. You might not know, but your E-class will. When driving along, the car will activate sensors indicating where the lines on the highway are and will warn you when you're drifting out of your lane. Also, let's say a big rig is stopped in front of you and you're speeding at 37 MPH right towards it. Oh no! What to do? Don't worry. The E-class has bumper sensors that track cars over 200 feet in front of you and will automatically apply the brakes if it's stopped in front of you. Cool, huh? Now this all sounds very futuristic, but as a driver's car, is it good?

2010 E350 Sport

You better believe it! The car's not only good to look at. It's also good to race with. Underneath this luxurious high-class luxury sedan is a beast waiting to be let out. In the corners, this car is so composed and direct it's immense. It handles very, very well. It might be heavy, but around turns it feels very light. In Comfort mode, the car's suspension is soft, gear changes are at normal, and steering is at normal for a very comfortable ride. In Sport mode, the car just comes alive. The suspension stiffens up, gear changes are faster, and steering respons is much sharper. Put that all together, and you have one unbelievably brilliant piece of work from Mercedes-Benz. 

2011 E63 AMG

So, to conclude, the E-class has come all this way to still be a very brilliant car. It also comes at a very brilliant price starting at $49,600. Now that may sound like a lot, but all of the awesome features, gizmos, and gadgets that I've mentioned before are all standard on the S-class, which starts at $90,000. So, look at that! For under $50K, you get S-class features in an E-class body. That's what makes this car absolutely phenomenal.