2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review (continued)
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Summary

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers a wide range of choices, but all have the attributes that have made them a benchmark among luxury cars. Every model delivers a combination of safety, luxury, practicality, performance, status, and cost of operation that's difficult to match. This remains an iconic car in a market segment crowded with good cars.

NewCarTestDrive.com editor Mitch McCullough reported from Los Angeles, with J.P. Vettraino and Jim McCraw in Detroit, and Greg Brown in Las Vegas.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec ($52,325); E350 ($51,325); E350 4Matic wagon ($56,475); E550 ($59,775); E63 AMG ($85,375); E63 AMG wagon ($86,175)
Engines:	5.5-liter dohc 24-valve V8
Transmissions:	7-speed automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	dual-stage front airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, front and rear curtain-style head-protection airbags; active head restraints; seatbelt pretensioners; Pre-Safe System; antilock brakes (ABS); Electronic Stability Program (ESP), traction control
Saftey Equipment (optional):	none
Basic Warranty:	4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled In:	Sindelfingen, Germany

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Mercedes-Benz E550 sedan ($59,000)
Standard Equipment:	automatic four-zone climate control, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel with multifunction controls, power windows with express up and down, auto-dimming mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, glass sunroof, 10-way power driver and passenger seats with leather inserts and three-position memory, cruise control, walnut trim, nine-speaker surround-sound stereo with six-disc CD changer, Tele-aid emergency communication system
Options As Tested (MSRP):	Sport Package (N/C); Premium II ($4,740) includes the Premium I package with the Hands-Free Communication System, DVD COMAND Navigation, Sirius Satellite Radio, power rear window shade, Headlight Washing System, Bi-Xenon Active Light System, cornering fog lights, Keyless Go, Active Ventilated front seats; Parktronic ($1,100); wood/leather steering wheel ($540); electronic trunk closer ($520)
Destination Charge:	775
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	67975
Layout:	rear-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	382 @ 6000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	391 @ 2800-4800
Transmission:	7-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	17/25
Wheelbase:	112.4
Length/width/height:	191.0/71.7/58.4
Track, f/r:	62.1/61.9
Turning circle:	37.4
Seating capacity:	5
Head/hip/leg room, f:	39.1/57.2/41.9
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	37.8/57.2/35.6
Cargo volume:	15.9
Payload:
Towing capacity:
Suspension, f:	independent, with upper and lower control arms, air springs and variable-rate shock absorbers
Suspension, r:	independent, five link with air springs and variable-rate shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
Ground clearance:	4.1
Curb weight:	3885
Tires:	245/40R18
Brakes, f/r:	vented disc/vented disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:	21.1