E 350 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 350 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 350 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 350 Luxury 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 350 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 350 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 350 Luxury 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 350 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 350 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
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Find all cars near me?E 350 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 350 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 350 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 350 Sport 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 550 2dr Coupe (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
E 350 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 350 Luxury 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
Overall Rating
Most notable for its quirky rear-facing third-row seat, the wagon offers an accommodating, highly functional nature, along with all the refinement you'd expect from an E-Class model. One downside to consider is that unlike other E-Class body styles, this wagon is available with just one engine, the 3.5-liter V6.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasts a lineup that presents a wide array of alternatives for drivers with a taste for automotive excellence. Last year, the selection of body styles included just a sedan and a coupe, but this year those choices are joined by an all-new convertible and the returning E-Class wagon.
Attractive and versatile, the latest E-Class wagon is a worthy choice in the admittedly small premium-wagon segment, and it returns to the E-Class family after a brief hiatus. Most notable for its quirky rear-facing third-row seat, the wagon offers an accommodating, highly functional nature, along with all the refinement you'd expect from an E-Class model. One downside to consider is that unlike other E-Class body styles, this wagon is available with just one engine, the 3.5-liter V6.
Enjoyable to drive, offering superior quality, and available in a host of different body styles, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a luxury-car triumph that deserves serious consideration. The base trim - E350 with all the standard features it offers, is the recommended trim.
E 350 Luxury 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 350 Luxury 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 350 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 350 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
E 350 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
Most notable for its quirky rear-facing third-row seat, the wagon offers an accommodating, highly functional nature, along with all the refinement you'd expect from an E-Class model. One downside to consider is that unlike other E-Class body styles, this wagon is available with just one engine, the 3.5-liter V6.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasts a lineup that presents a wide array of alternatives for drivers with a taste for automotive excellence. Last year, the selection of body styles included just a sedan and a coupe, but this year those choices are joined by an all-new convertible and the returning E-Class wagon.
Attractive and versatile, the latest E-Class wagon is a worthy choice in the admittedly small premium-wagon segment, and it returns to the E-Class family after a brief hiatus. Most notable for its quirky rear-facing third-row seat, the wagon offers an accommodating, highly functional nature, along with all the refinement you'd expect from an E-Class model. One downside to consider is that unlike other E-Class body styles, this wagon is available with just one engine, the 3.5-liter V6.
The sedan is available in E350, E350 Bluetec, E550, and E63 AMG variants, with the numbers and descriptors indicating different engine choices. The E350 and E350 Bluetec sedans come standard with 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power front seats with memory functions, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery, the COMMAND electronics interface, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker stereo with a six-CD changer and auxiliary audio jack.
Compared to the E350 model, the E550 sedan adds a V8 engine, an air suspension, and leather upholstery, while the E550 coupe adds 18-inch wheels, a sports body kit, a sport suspension, and shift paddles. Relative to the E350 convertible, the E550 drop top adds a V8 engine and 18-inch wheels.
Trim |
E350 |
E350 Bluetec |
E550 |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$49,400 |
$50,900 |
$57,100 |
Key Features |
Aluminum wheels |
Aluminum wheels & tire pressure monitoring system |
Tire Pressure Monitoring System |
|
Backup camera |
Alarm and backup camera |
A trip computer |
|
Auto-off headlights |
Auto-off headlights and fog lamps |
Driver Illuminated Vanity Mirror |
|
Keyless entry |
Keyless entry and start |
Pass-Through Rear Seat |
|
Power Door Locks |
Remote trunk release |
Bucket Seats |
|
Cruise control |
Heated mirrors |
Electronic Stability Control |
|
Wireless cell phone hookup |
Climate control |
Auxiliary audio input |
|
Adjustable Steering Wheel |
Dual-zone A/C |
HD radio |
|
2nd Row Bench Seat |
Leather seats |
MP3 player |
The Premium 1 package available on all E350 and E550 models includes a power rear sunshade, a hard-drive-based navigation system, voice controls, a rearview camera, heated front seats, and a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with digital music storage, HD radio, satellite radio, and an iPod/MP3 player interface.
The Premium 2 package adds all the Premium 1 items, plus features such as adaptive bi-xenon headlights, adaptive high-beam assist, and keyless ignition/entry. The sedans are available with a Driver Assistance package that adds a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, and a lane-departure warning system.
We Recommend
Enjoyable to drive, offering superior quality, and available in a host of different body styles, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a luxury-car triumph that deserves serious consideration. The base trim - E350 with all the standard features it offers, is the recommended trim.
Across the four E-Class models, there are just three engines: a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6; a 382-horsepower, 5.5-liter V-8; and a 210-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6. The diesel is only available in the E350 BlueTec Sedan. Both the V-6 and V-8 gasoline engines are available in the Sedan, Coupe, and Convertible, while the Wagon only offers the 3.5-liter V-6, but adds standard 4Matic all-wheel drive.
All-wheel drive is optional on the regular gasoline-powered Sedans. The V-6, revised for the new model, offers better power and fuel economy than the previous V-6, and the upgrades are immediately apparent from behind the wheel. The V-8, on the other hand, offers plenty of power and torque for the rather laid-back tuning of the chassis.
Model |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
BMW 5 Series |
Audi A6 |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$49,400 |
$45,050 |
$45,200 |
Engine |
3.5L V6 |
3.0L I6 |
3.2L V6 |
Drivetrain |
RWD |
RWD |
FWD |
Transmission |
7-Speed Automatic |
8-Speed Automatic |
Continuously Variable Transmission |
Power |
268hp@6000rpm |
240hp@6000rpm |
265hp@6500rpm |
Torque |
258lb-ft@5000rpm |
230lb-ft@3000rpm |
243lb-ft@3250rpm |
0-60 mph (seconds) |
6.5 |
6.4 |
5.5 |
Quarter-mile (mph) |
15.6 |
15.2 |
15.7 |
Top Speed (mph) |
150 |
155 |
150 |
BMW has long held a handling edge in its battle with Benz, but Mercedes appears determined to catch up with the new Mercedes E-Class. Mercedes-Benz doesn't abandon its plush ride, however. The Audi is the quickest among the featured sedans here, with a whopping figure in its 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds.
If you're interested in keeping things clean with your new E-Class, the E350 BlueTec Sedan is the way to go. At 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, it's the greenest of the E-Class bunch. The V-6-powered E350s range from 17/26 mpg for the Coupe to 16/23 mpg for the Wagon. Step up to the powerful V-8 and economy drop further, to 15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway for most models.
Model |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
BMW 5 Series |
Audi A6 |
---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) (mpg) |
17 |
21 |
18 |
MPG (Highway) (mpg) |
24 |
31 |
26 |
MPG (Combined) (mpg) |
19 |
25 |
21 |
Fuel Capacity (gallon) |
23.5 |
18.5 |
21.1 |
The sedan that has the least fuel efficiency, is the tag the Mercedes Benz has when it comes down to fuel economy. The BMW and the Benzare poles apart with their mpg ratings, the BMW 5 Series recorded 21 mpg in the city and an impressive 31 on the highways, leaving the E-Class to trail BMW. The Audi however does not have the worst figures, but it has a balance between its fuel economy and fuel tank capacity, unlike the other two rivals.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a cabin done in a style that is meant to recall solid, dependable Mercedes from the past. Angles are sharp, the materials first-rate, and the look is decidedly somber, especially when adorned in monotone color schemes and dark wood trim -- very German, in other words.
The general design is the same regardless of body style, except for the available three-spoke sports steering wheel and electric gear selector.
Model |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
BMW 5 Series |
Audi A6 |
---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
37.9/57.8/41.3 |
39.1/58.3/41.4 |
37.5/57.1/41.3 |
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
38.2/56.9/35.8 |
38.0/56.2/36.1 |
37.8/55.9/36.9 |
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft) |
15.9 |
14.0 |
15.9 |
In terms of space and comfort, the E-Class sedan is excellent. The seats are firm but offer endless comfort and support over the long haul. The coupe and AMG models feature sport seats that offer a closer fit, designed to keep you in place through turns. The sedan's backseat is quite spacious, matching the BMW 5 Series as the most welcoming rear quarters in the midsize luxury class.
Every 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class infotainment system come richly fitted with standard equipment, providing comfort and convenience expected from the marque. From Burl Walnut trim to 14-way power seats with memory settings to the stereo/speaker/CD changer setup and Mbrace navigation/support, the E-Class models are very well-equipped.
The 2010 revamping of the E-Class exteriors combined muscular rear fenders with a signature front end into a look that is unmistakably that of a Mercedes-Benz. The Coupe’s lack of a B-pillar gives it a smooth aesthetic and an air of class all its own. The Cabriolet shares its grille with the Coupe and has an elegant soft top that blends nicely into its lines.
The look with the soft-top is classic and, as you might expect, it weighs a lot less than a folding hardtop. The Wagon is a surprising treat; its roofline at some angles appears to carry a descending angle from front to back, while at others it seems to be a straight line to an expansive rear cargo area.
Model |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
BMW 5 Series |
Audi A6 |
---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
3825 |
3792 |
3858 |
Length (in.) |
191.7 |
193.1 |
193.5 |
Width (in.) |
75.9 |
73.2 |
73.0 |
Height (in.) |
57.7 |
57.6 |
57.4 |
Wheelbase (in.) |
113.1 |
116.9 |
111.9 |
The sedan is the baseline for the E-Class, with all the other models sharing its cues, wrapping them in different packages. The E-Class is just a few pounds shy of becoming the heaviest in the division. The Audi A6 takes the name for being the heaviest, however, the exterior figures in terms of size are almost similar to the three rivals featured here.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, front pelvic airbags, side curtain airbags, and a driver knee airbag. Also standard is Attention Assist (a driver drowsiness and alerting monitor) and PreSafe (it anticipates an imminent crash and automatically takes measures to better secure occupants).
The Driver Assistance package adds a blind-spot warning system, a lane departure warning/correction system, and PreSafe braking. Rear side airbags are optional on the sedan, coupe, and convertible, while an infrared night vision system is optional on the sedan and wagon.
With this accomplished lineup, Mercedes has crafted not just one but instead four cars that are hard to beat. Certainly, there are other choices, especially among sedans. The BMW 5 Series is sportier, the 2011 Audi A6 is more stylish and the 2011 Infiniti M37 is less expensive, but none of these choices has the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan's well-rounded excellence.