No Benz review is complete without an objection to the turn signal stalk location. Whenever I drive these cars I usually hit the cruise control the first few times I look for the turn signals, because the signal stalk is located too far down on the left side of the wheel. That, and the fact that it’s combined with the wiper controls in a most counterintuitive way; and there’s nothing on the right side of the wheel, which just happens to be a great place for a wiper stalk.

This E-Class turns out to be a decent value proposition, if what you’re looking for is compatible with these classic Benz traits. They’re all there, and a starting price of $65,500 makes this new all-wheel drive E280 the value leader of the class. And of course, Mercedes’ legendary reputation for safety means that every E-Class is equipped with “Pro-Safe” with features ranging from those that help avoid accidents (like stability control), to those that prepare the car for an impending impact (like the automatic sunroof closure), to those that minimize occupant injuries (like curtain airbags and head restraints that minimize whiplash).

My cup of tea? No. But Mercedes isn’t looking for thirty-something driving enthusiasts to put in an E-Class. If you want to be coddled as you make your way down the road, few can do it better.

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I still wonder why we don't get this model in the U.S. If BMW can sell a 525/528i here, Mercedes should be able to sell this E280 or as it would be called, the E300 here.

M

"No Benz review is complete without an objection to the turn signal stalk location. Whenever I drive these cars I usually hit the cruise control the first few times I look for the turn signals, because the signal stalk is located too far down on the left side of the wheel. That, and the fact that it’s combined with the wiper controls in a most counterintuitive way; and there’s nothing on the right side of the wheel, which just happens to be a great place for a wiper stalk."


I've never had a problem with this. Many people complain about this for some reason. I always ask myself: "HUH?"

I signal when I turn, I use cruise control when I need it. I never confuse the signal or cruise control stalks.

I used to do the same thing when I first got my car, but you get used to the Benz layout in no time and everything feels natural.

M

With that interior combo the cockpit somehow looks very dated and dull.