Same engines, only better
Under the hood, there's nothing really new in store for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. In Canada, the E550 will still be called E550 except that its V8 engine has been refined in order to improve fuel economy. The same holds true for the E350, which retains its amply-powerful, surprisingly-efficient V6. In both cases, the proven 7-speed automatic transmission from Mercedes is called on to deliver ultra-smooth shifts.

The big news is the addition of the diesel-powered E350 BlueTEC within the next 12 months. This model is a nice surprise in terms of power and flexibility, although noise levels are not appreciated as much.

Finally, hardcore enthusiasts and performance-minded drivers will again turn to the almighty E63 AMG. Too bad this baby wasn't available during the media launch...

Fresh new styling
Make no mistake, though: the main upgrades to the E-Class are found in styling. First of all, the quadruple headlights benefit from a sleeker, more modern layout. Next, the lines are more prominent and make the bodywork appear sportier, more dynamic and, dare I say it, more aggressive (I know the folks at Mercedes don't really like this label). The rear section is not as sharp and fails to convey the same newfound spirit that visually drives the car.

The quadruple headlights benefit from a sleeker, more modern layout.

The 2010 E-Class boasts a slight increase in wheelbase and just about every other dimension except height. This translates directly into added room for passengers. The chassis is all-new and, thanks to generous use of aluminum, rigidity has been markedly improved.

Inside, the new generation borrows a number of design cues from the high-end S-Class while displaying its own unique character.

Wrap-up
It's awfully hard, maybe even impossible, not to fall in love with the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Luxurious and comfortable (the active multicontour seats offer wonderful support), this sedan is also mechanically flawless and technologically one step ahead of the pack. It delivers impeccable handling along with more than adequate power in all trim levels.

With so many great advancements and notwithstanding a questionable design approach in the back, the new E-Class is setting the bar even higher in terms of driving dynamics, comfort and luxury. Seldom has a Mercedes car reached that kind of balance.


Photo Credit : Marc Bouchard, Mercedes-Benz