2008 Mercedes-Benz E350

E is for Embracing. You probably will never have to experience PRE-SAFE in action. We certainly hope not. But you will experience the E350’s supremely comfortable interior every time you drive. For the driver, the good times start with a handsome 4-spoke steering wheel and shift knob introduced last year, taken from the super-sporty SL550 roadster no less. Since our tester was equipped with the Sport package, we also enjoyed a handsome white-gauge instrument cluster, matte chrome trim and black bird’s eye maple wood trim. (Opt for the luxury package and you get the old world treat of Burl Walnut instead.) Combined with the deep red Cognac leather on our vehicle, the effect was simply stunning.


The center stack is logically broken down with the climate controls up top and Mercedes’ COMAND integrated system below. We’ve always liked COMAND ’s straightforward design in controlling all the electronic gear from phone to audio to navigation, it still is one of the most intuitive of all the luxury brands, and light years ahead of confusing systems like BMW’s iDrive. Adding to the convenience, you also get a nice digital readout in the center of the speedometer, as well as redundant controls on the steering wheel for most of the COMAND system’s key features.

Comfort and Features

Speaking of well thought out, Mercedes iconic seat controls are still on the upper door panel with little representations of the seat cushions that you nudge to get a perfect fit. Nobody does it better.


E is for Enduring. Maybe that’s part of the Mercedes-Benz magic. While there was a period where it seemed that the automaker was trying to be on the leading edge of every advancement—and suffering some quality control problems in the process—the E-Class feels tried and true. Sit in the interior and there is just this incredible feeling of quality, of a product made to last.


E is for Equipped. Befitting its luxury status, every E350 features an impressive array of standard features, including dual-zone climate control, 10-way power front seats with memory for seats, steering column and mirrors; burl walnut trim, power central locking, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, auto-dimming driver and rear view mirror, COMAND system, 12-speaker harmon/kardon LOGIC7 digital Surrounds system with 6-disc changer (including auxiliary input for your iPod in glove box), multi-function steering wheel, front and rear side and side-window airbags, PRE-SAFE, stability control, rollover sensor, and Tele-Aid system. All wrapped for you in a handsome package for $51,200.

Sport Package

And there’s more good news, the Sport Package, which includes a lowered suspension, those aforementioned handsome 18-ich, 10-twin spoke wheels tires, cross-drilled brake rotors, headlight washers, modified bodywork, chrome dual exhaust tailpipes, blue tinted window glass, black Birdseye Maple wood interior trim and matte chrome instrument cluster with white gauge faces is gratis. No charge. Nada. That’s a bargain no matter how you look at it.


There also a fine array of options offered on the E350, with everything from the AMG appearance package, to a panorama sunroof, to keyless entry and ignition and expected upgrades like Sirius Satellite Radio and DVD-based navigation system. Fine, you say, I know what I want. Not so fast, say we, let us tell you about the rest of the E-Class lineup first.


If you think you might be hitting the slopes, you might want to consider the 4Matic model with all-wheel drive. Feeling thrifty? There’s the E320 BLUETEC diesel sedan that gets 32 mpg on the freeway and up to 675 miles per tank. More power? Consider the E550 sedan with a 382-hp V8. Want a rocket ship? There’s the dominating E63 AMG sedan with a 507-hp V8. Hand-built by a single craftsman, he even signs the engine! And if you need more space, both the E350 4Matic and E63 AMG are offered in a station wagon as well. Yes, a 507-hp station wagon.


E is for Excellence. When all is said and done, the Mercedes-Benz E350 sedan is simply a wonderfully complete sedan. Whether it is performance or luxury, quality or safety, style or status, the E-Class simply excels. An Icon—and, deservedly so. (www.mbusa.com)