2008 Mercedes-Benz E350

It’s funny that no matter how far a manufacturer goes, they’re usually remembered for one pivotal vehicle that’s left a lasting impression in the consumer’s mind. Porsche for example, is a sports car company. Even with the Cayenne SUV and up coming Panamera sedan, to most, a Porsche is a 911. BMW made its mark in the U.S. with the small 2002 sport sedan and, even today, its spiritual successor; the 3 Series is its bread and butter.

E-Class Model Line

With Mercedes, its first big splash was with luxurious midsize sedans. Today, the company now offers an array of vehicles from two-seat sports cars to full-size SUVs. But if you want the heart and soul of Mercedes, it’s the E-Class. And with over a million of the current E-Class sold worldwide, it’s also a vital model for the company’s health.


For 2008, there are now six distinct models—four sedans and two wagons, and a range of powerplants from a super-efficient E320 BLUETEC Diesel to a 507 horsepower AMG 63. In between are the E350 and E550 Sedans. We drove the E350 sedan. From first look of our test vehicle, we knew this is a vehicle worth coveting. So Class, it definitely has. But what does the “E” really mean?


E is for Elegant. It’s hard to believe that the current E-Class design has been with us since the 2003 model year. It’s aged exceptionally well—a trait shared by all Mercedes’. Along the way they’ve tweaked little things here and there, with a minor freshening last year that included new headlamps and taillights.


Our black tester looked especially athletic with the no-cost optional Sport Package that also bowed last year and includes handsome 18-inch, 10 spoke alloy wheels, unique side sills and rear apron and lowered sport suspension. As a finishing touch, dual chrome tailpipes offer a finishing touch to the tastefully understated package.


For those who want to be a little more overt, new for this year is an optional AMG sport package that features 5-spoke AMG wheels and a unique AMG front air dam and rear bumper.

Exhilarating Performance

E is for Exhilarating, in a Mercedes-Benz sort of way. Driving a Mercedes is always a treat. They have such polish, and breeding. Ask little of it, and it will whisk you away, with the 3.5L V6 pumping out 268 horsepower and the super-silky 7-speed automatic silently handling the chores, while the smooth ride and vault-like build quality soothe and remind you you’re into something very good. And for many, that’s as far as it needs to go.


Pity them. For if you really start to hustle the E350 around, you find out you have a willing dance partner for your favorite roads. You can manually sport shift the 7-speed and it responds with quick, aggressive changes. That well-heeled V6 has a lusty growl in the upper rpm range, and that sport suspension earns its pay by holding like glue to the road.


There’s an unmistakable feeling of confidence behind of the wheel of the E-Class, even while you’re enjoying all the performance it offers. Maybe it comes from the knowledge that you have an advanced stability system, Mercedes-Benz’s ESP. (In fact, Mercedes was the first automaker to bring a stability control system to the market.) Always an innovator—especially in safety—for 2008 every E-Class also features Mercedes’ pioneering PRE-SAFE system, the world’s first system that can sense and take protective measures before a crash.

Innovative Safety

If the car senses an impending collision, it first tensions all seatbelts to hold you snug. If the front passenger seat is overly reclined or forward, PRE-SAFE moves it to a more favorable position. It will also adjust the seat bottom to prevent submarining. If the vehicle begins to skid, the system can automatically close the sunroof and side windows to protect you in case of a rollover. Wow. And if that’s not enough, there’s also the Mercedes-Benz Tele-Aid system, which, if the vehicle is in an accident, a live operator will call you through the system to make sure you’re all right. If there’s no response, they will send emergency help.