German Car Zone

Madrid, Spain – When the redesigned 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans arrive in Canada this July – V6-powered E350s and V8-powered E550s will come first; E350 BlueTEC diesels, E63 AMGs and wagons will arrive next year - they will be, arguably, the quietest, most comfortable mid-size luxury sedans on the market – and possibly the safest, too.

Initially, there’s likely to be a lot of discussion about the new headlight design which abandons the distinctive four oval lenses in favour of four angular headlight covers - a theme that emulates the recent changes to the C-Class and GLK-Class vehicles, but also looks uncomfortably like a certain mid-size Lexus sedan. Also somewhat controversial is the unique rear fender shape, a design inspired by the rear fender of the 1953 Mercedes 180 “Ponton” saloon.

But overall, traditional E-Class buyers will likely be pleased that this “three-box” sedan design remains conservative, with a discreet Mercedes star propped up on the hood rather than an oversized one set into the middle of the grille; a prominent, upright chromed grille; and simple, wraparound taillights.

They’ll also probably appreciate the fact that the E-Class’ overall exterior dimensions haven’t ballooned to unwieldy proportions. The wheelbase has been increased by 20 millimetres while the overall length has increased by 16 millimetres, width by 32 millimetres, and height lowered by 10 millimetres. Incredibly, the new E-Class’ coefficient of drag is now just 0.25, a CD matched only by the slippery new Toyota Prius hybrid. One of the tricks used to reduce drag is automatically adjusting fan louvres which vary the airflow to the radiator depending on the engine’s cooling requirements.
New interior

In keeping with the new E-Class’ emphasis on safety and comfort rather than performance and styling, the interior has been completely reworked, and is roomier thanks to the longer wheelbase and wider track. The extra cabin width benefits both front and rear passengers while the longer wheelbase gives rear passengers more knee and legroom. Even though the car is lower in height, there’s even more headroom – this was achieved by lowering the powertrain and floor.


Full Test: Canadian Driver - First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class


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Which models have the standard shifter or the steering wheel mounted one?

All 4-cylinder engine models (E 220 CDI, E 250 CDI, E 250 CGI) have the shifter in the middle console (either 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic, E 250 CGI standard with 5-speed auto).

All V6 and V8 models have 7G-Tronic with the steering column shifter as standard (no manual available).

The avantgarde/AMG ones are gorgeous

"Initially, there’s likely to be a lot of discussion about the new headlight design which abandons the distinctive four oval lenses in favour of four angular headlight covers - a theme that emulates the recent changes to the C-Class and GLK-Class vehicles, but also looks uncomfortably like a certain mid-size Lexus sedan."

Someone please tell me how the new E-Class frontal design looks like the Lexus GS, because I just do not see it.

They were on the right track in the line before the silly Lexus comment, namely that the recent styling on the C-Class and GLK-Class have also affected the E-Class headlight styling. It's that friggin simple. People have come to associate the four-eyed-look with the MB E-Class, so MB would be taking a risk not sticking to this type of styling. That's exactly what Mercedes did here. Give the E-Class its typical frontal design with the new styling cues from the C- and GLK-Class. It's that friggin simple. Lexus had nothing to do with it. The four headlights of the GS look completely different in design from those of the W212. There is no f______g similarity at all. Yeah, I'm having a bad day...

If I hear one more magazine comment on how the E-Class looks like a tarted up Toyota, excuse me, Lexus, I will be really pissed off.

Nice review, love all the new safety features and it sound like the ride, sound dampening and interior appointments are all 1st class. I still do not see the Lexus front end, it look pure Mercedes to me, including the lights. If I have any issue at all, it is the rear tailights and even then I really have to see the car in person to judge.

The front is a carbon copy of the Lexus GS...thats why every magazine and tester is saying it...Christian, i think in your heart you dont wnt it 2 look like a lexus, but the fact is, every1 who says it looks like a lexus cant b wrong..i cant belive you cant see the gs knock off in the front...

Cheers..



Farouk...

I start to like the W212!! But only with AMG sportpackage!! Looks sporty and elegant and I love the exhaust system of the package!!

I can't believe u said that actually,the E's front is truly different from GS's one,see a a pic of both fronts together and u'll instantly see the difference we are talking about

I agree with tarek and wimmer the lexus has nuthing to do with the e class design.

Bye the way i think the e class looks awesome it really is wht a Mercedes benz E class should be....