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DIESEL

The E-class range is so diverse that Mercedes could spin the vehicle line into its own car company. This mid-size E-class is available as a coupe, a convertible, a wagon, or a sedan with a choice of a V-6, a diesel V-6, two V-8s, and rear- or all-wheel drive. This is an unusually well-built vehicle with excellent safety and technology features, and the E-class has gained respect from enthusiast drivers. The ninth-generation E is the sportiest yet, with quick responses and precise steering. The base engine is a hearty, direct-injected V-6 that moves the E-class quickly without feeling taxed. Mercedes has an exclusive hold on diesel powertrains in this segment. Its V-6 is big on torque and frugal with fuel. The V-8-powered E550 can only be had as an all-wheel-drive sedan; the two-door coupes send power only to the rear wheels. The convertible and the coupe are based on the smaller C-class but feature most of the E’s technology. To minimize turbulent airflow and allow for top-down driving in cooler temperatures, the convertible comes with a deflector that rises from the windshield header and neck-warming air vents in the seats. The wagon is only available in two trims: an all-wheel-drive, six-cylinder E350 4Matic or a tire-shredding E63 AMG.

COMPETITORS

Audi A6

BMW 5-series

Infiniti M

Lexus GS

new for 2013

The E350, the E550, and the E63 AMG received new powertrains for 2012, and all E-class models adopted a new steering wheel with standard shift paddles. The only change for 2013 is an upgrade to the second-generation telematics service, Mbrace2. There are rumors that Mercedes is rushing a redesign to address buyers’ cold reception of the E-class’s odd styling. Expect that car to arrive for the 2014 model year.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

ABS; front, side, front pelvis, driver’s knee, and side curtain air bags; traction and stability control; and tire-pressure monitoring are standard. Blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, swiveling headlights, night vision with pedestrian detection, parking sensors, and rear side air bags are optional.

High Mileage

MPG

CITY 14–22

HWY 21–33

PRO

Great balance of sport/luxury

Tame top-down experience

Diesel available

CON

Coupe has humble roots

High price of entry

Gasoline V-6 is thirsty

Base Price Range: $52,025–$93,305

SPECIFICATIONS

DRIVE: Rear-wheel, 4-wheel

TRIM LEVELS: E350, E350 BlueTec, E550, E63 AMG

BODY STYLES: Coupe, sedan, convertible, wagon, 4-, 5-, or 7-passenger

ENGINES: 3.0L turbo-diesel V-6, 210 hp, 400 lb-ft

3.5L V-6, 302 hp, 273 lb-ft

4.7L twin-turbo V-8, 402 hp, 443 lb-ft

5.5L twin-turbo V-8, 518/550 hp, 516/590 lb-ft

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic

PASSENGER VOLUME: 82.0–97.0 cu ft

CARGO SPACE: (convertible/coupe/sedan/wagon) 11.5/13.3/15.9/29.0 cu ft