2011 Mercedes-Benz E-class

A new generation arrived for 2010, as a coupe or sedan. Last year, the E-Class was given a new body style and interior. Sedans come with a choice of a diesel V-6, gas V-6, V-8, or AMG V-8. All are backed by a seven-speed automatic, but the AMG gets its own seven-speed. The coupe replaced the CLK-Class, and in actuality it uses a different version of the platform than the sedan does. Compared with the CLK, the coupe is lower, longer, and wider, yet still shorter and lighter than the sedan. The coupe comes with a choice of two engines -- the 3.5-liter V-6 and the 5.4-liter V-8 as in the sedan.

Now added to the lineup are a cabriolet and a wagon. The four-seat cabriolet uses a soft top and has an Aircap feature, which reduces wind and noise, and Airscarf which can blow heated air from all four headrests onto the necks of everyone in the car. The wagon, in Luxury or Sport trims, can seat up to seven, thanks to a third rear-facing row.

Body styles: Sedan, coupe, convertible, wagonEngines: 3.0L V-6, 3.5L V-6, 5.4L V-8, 6.2L V-8Transmissions: 7-speed automaticModels: E350 Bluetec, E350 Sedan, E550 Sedan, E63 AMG, E350 Coupe/Cabriolet, E550 Coupe/Cabriolet, E350 4Matic Wagon

The E-Class cabriolet and the wagon are new to the lineup for 2011. The soft-top convertible, which seats four, comes with the same engines as the sedan -- 3.5-liter V-6 and 5.4-liter V-8 -- and seven-speed automatic. It's designed to keep passengers warm and noise levels down in open-air driving, even when it's cold out. The wagon comes as an AWD V-6 only, with a third row that faces back and a rear air suspension.

The E-Class uses styling cues that are reminiscent of Mercedes past. The design is not universally loved, but it is a definite standout on the road. New 18-inch AMG wheels are available and the coupe gets a new grille.

Leather and burl walnut wood trim are standard, as are power front seats. Mercedes' COMAND system is standard as well, with a seven-inch screen. Black Coupe and cabrio can be ordered with ash wood trim and two-tone interiors.

The sedan and coupe lean more toward being comfortable and smooth than high-performance cornering. When driving the coupe hard, its semi-C-Class underpinnings limit the car's handling. However, slow down just a touch, and coupe and sedan become much nicer to drive. The sedan is the only model in the line available with all four engines, including Mercedes' excellent turbodiesel.

Traction control, stability control, and four-wheel discs with ABS and brake assist are standard across the line. Up to 11 airbags are available (nine standard), as are features such as active lane keeping assist and blind spot assist.

E350 Sedan: 18 mpg city/26 mpg highwayE350 4Matic Sedan: 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway E350 Coupe: 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway E550 Sedan: 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway E550 4Matic Sedan, E550 Coupe: 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway E63: 13 mpg city/20 mpg highwa

• Excellent build quality
• Cool technology available
• Smooth power
• Optional diesel
• Decent rear-seat room in coupe/cabrio

• Controversial styling
• No AMG option in coupe/cabrio/wagon
• Coupe's platform limits hard driving
• Only one engine for wagon

Odd style, great car underneath

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