2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Overview Change Vehicle

This 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2010 E-Class, and includes safety, reliability, and fuel economy information for the E-Class.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is completely-redesigned for the 2010 model year.

First unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the ninth-generation 2010 E-Class is immediately recognized as something different. Gone are the four individual round lamps on the front façade (an E-Class signature since 1995), the door guards tacked-on to each side and the smooth curvatures of the sheet metal. These have been replaced by quad trapezoid lamps, aggressive character lines and angular sheet metal. It is the automaker's new design language, first displayed on the Mercedes-Benz GLK and S-Class — and it looks very fresh.

The interior reflects a similar amount of change. More angular than wrap-around in appearance, the cockpit features a standard five-gauge instrument panel placed in a traditional manner. A prominent infotainment screen sits high on the dashboard (the HVAC vents have been moved below it), with a slew of buttons for the phone, audio and navigation set at mid-height. The dual-temperature controls, and buttons for air distribution, have been relegated to the bottom of the stack. The console-mounted shifter is gone (moved to the steering column), replaced by storage/cup holders. Lastly, the automaker's multifunction control wheel falls perfectly to hand when the driver's arm rests on the center console.

While the sheet metal and styling are new, familiar engines and powertrains are found under the hood of the redesigned E-Class. Carried over from last year, with only minor tweaks, is the six-cylinder engine and its eight-cylinder siblings (including the AMG variant). Standard 2010 E-Class models remain rear-wheel drive, while the automaker's "4MATIC" all-wheel drive option arrives mid-year. Unfortunately, the BlueTEC diesel sedan and gasoline-powered station wagon models have been discontinued.

Mercedes-Benz offers its 2010 E-Class in five different models: E350 Sedan, E350 4MATIC Sedan, E550 Sedan, E550 4MATIC Sedan, and E63 AMG Sedan.

Mirroring its C-Class trend (but less dramatically), Mercedes-Benz will offer two slightly different versions of the non-AMG E-Class Sedan in 2010: Sport and Luxury. Differentiating themselves, Sport models feature slightly larger wheels and tires, larger front brakes (on the E350), and a lower ride height.

All models are very well equipped, even in standard trim. Air conditioning and a full complement of power accessories (windows, seats, locks and exterior mirrors) is standard equipment. Vinyl upholstery is standard on E350 models (leather is optional), while leather is standard on E550 and E63 variants.

Major option packages include Premium Package 1 (HD-based navigation system, Harmon-Kardon premium sound, Sirius Satellite Radio, enhanced voice control, heated front seats, power rear window sunshade, manual side window shades, and a rearview camera), Premium Package 2 (bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights, Keyless-Go, power-operated trunk closing, and a 115-volt power outlet in trunk), Wheel package (18-inch wheels and a 3-spoke steering wheel).

Major stand-alone options include Parktronic parking assist, panorama sunroof, Night View Assist with Pedestrian Detection, heated and active front seats, split-folding rear seats, rear seat entertainment system, and rear side-impact airbags. Interestingly enough, Mercedes-Benz considers its 4MATIC all-wheel drive system a stand-alone option on the non-AMG sedans — the automaker does not list it as a unique model.

The all-new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is available with three different engines, and two unique powertrains. Like most German automakers, Mercedes-Benz alternates between replacing its platforms and powerplants (remember, these engines seem familiar because they are all mildly updated carryovers from the 2009 model).

All E350 gasoline models feature a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The all-aluminum engine features four valves per cylinder, and a magnesium intake manifold. All E550 models are powered by a 5.5-liter V8 rated at 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Like its sibling, the all-aluminum engine features four valves per cylinder and a magnesium intake manifold. All E63 AMG models boast a naturally-aspirated 6.3-liter V8 rated at 518 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque — distinguishing this model as one of the most powerful passenger cars on the road.

All models are fitted with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The E63 AMG receives a special 7-speed AMG multi-clutch transmission with a sport mode for improved performance. The standard driveline sends power to the rear wheels, but Mercedes-Benz also offers 4MATIC (its permanent all-wheel drive system) as an option on the E350 and E550 sedan.

According to the EPA, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan earns 18 mpg city and 26 mpg.* The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 earns 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, while the performance-oriented 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG earns 13 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

* The EPA modified its fuel economy calculation methodology starting with the 2008 model year in an effort to generate more realistic estimates, typically resulting in lower year-over-year fuel economy ratings.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class arrives with the automaker's latest safety innovations and technology. All models are fitted with driver and front passenger airbags, side curtain airbags, and seat belts with pre-tensioners (designed to automatically take in slack at the moment of impact). Electronic stability control is standard across the board, as it is on all Mercedes-Benz models.

Two new safety-related systems on the 2010 E-Class Sedan are Attention Assist and Adaptive Highbeam Assist. Attention Assist is designed to determine whether or not the person behind the wheel is drowsy. Computers monitor multiple sensors in the vehicle and run the data through a complex set of algorithms. If the system determines the driver is inattentive, it will shake the steering wheel and display a cup of coffee on the dashboard as an alert. Highbeam Assist, on the other hand, will automatically raise or lower the output of the headlamps (keeping in mind other traffic) to improve the driver's visibility down darkened roads.

According to the National Highway Transporation Safety Association (NHTSA), the 2010 E-Class Sedan earned 4-star ratings in front passenger impact tests, and 5-star ratings in side-impact tests (the E-Class Sedan's rollover rating is 5 stars). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2010 E-Class Sedan Good ratings in both frontal offset and side-impact testing. The model earned the Institute's "Top Safety Pick" award for 2010.

Consumer Reports gives the 2010 E-Class Sedan an "Above Average" rating for reliability, while JDPower.com predicts the E-Class will deliver "Above Average" reliability (4.5 out of 5 Power Circle Ratings) when it comes to long-term dependability.

Vehix strongly recommends the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

A clean-sheet redesign, but with proven powerplants under its hood, the E-Class represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering in a mid-size sedan. While other competitors are growing long in the tooth (Audi A6), or their new models appear too conservative for the intended target (we’re looking at you BMW 5 Series), the E-Class arrives with crisp styling and impressive road manners.

Whether seeking the standard E350 sedan, in Sport or Luxury trim, or the unbelievably-fast E63 AMG, the E-Class deservedly earns every bit of its loyal following. While the diesel BlueTEC and Wagon models will be missed in 2010, all indications are that they will reappear next year.