The base E-Class 350s get a standard 3.5L V6 engine rated at 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The E550 trims come with a 5.5L V8 engine rated at 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. All engines are mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. A newly available 210-horsepower, BlueTEC 3.0-liter diesel V6 is available in all 50 states in rear-wheel drive sedan form.
The E63 AMG is powered by a 6.2L V8 engine that produces 518 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The high-performance beast features an innovative combination of adaptive AMG Ride Control and rear air suspension to endow the car with razor-sharp handling and smooth-as-glass ride, all driver-adjustable through a series of suspension settings, which range from comfort to race-like sport-sharp. For those who would rather not fuss with the myriad settings the E63's adaptive suspension offers, a button labeled simply "AMG" will put set the vehicle up for optimum performance.
The E350, available in both coupe and sedan forms, includes seats wrapped in M-B Tex, a synthetic leather, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, power-adjustable steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, a power sunroof and Mercedes-Benz' COMAND media and vehicle control system.
The E550 upgrades the seat fabric to full leather, adds upgraded vented disc brakes and AIRMATIC air suspension.
Options on the E-Class include navigation, HD radio, a harman/kardon surround sound system, heated and ventilated front seats iPod integration, rearview camera, blind spot assist, active cruise control and Parktronic parking assistance sensors just to name a few.
The E-Class convertible is equipped with a one-inch-thick folding convertible roof. The roof provides insulation while folding tightly enough to not compromise trunk space too much. New, standard AIRCAP provides a retractable louver for the front window directing air over the occupants' heads. Combined with a rear perforated windscreen, the passenger compartment remains nearly wind-free even at freeway speeds.
The E350 wagon, new for 2011, is similarly equipped to the sedan and convertible, but also includes a capacious cargo area capable of holding 69 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats folded. When not hauling, the wagon is capable of holding two additional passengers thanks to a pair of rear-facing seats that can fold away into the floor when not in use.
Mercedes-Benz' attention to safety is in full effect in the new E-Class lineup. Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes, traction and stability control, a full array of airbags, a rollover sensor and a tire pressure monitoring system. Mercedes-Benz' PRE-SAFE system is also included, which tightens seat belts, repositions seats and attempts to close the windows and moonroof if an imminent crash is detected.
A Worldwide Symbol Of Refinement, Class And Style
New Wagon Body Style For 2011
Fuel-sipping BlueTEC Diesel Engine Available
The Changes and improvements for the 2011 E-Class series are extensive.
For 2011, the E-Class range now includes new convertible and wagon body styles, but the exterior design of the entire E-Class lineup got an exterior refresh.
The new cabriolet is class-leading in every way. Featuring the solid, smooth handling of the E-Class sedan, it innovates with Mercedes-Benz' new AIRCAP system, which is a pair of wind deflectors that divert air to keep the passenger compartment serene, even with the top down. It also includes AirScarf that directs heated air out of vents in the headrests.
The new E-Class wagon is built on the E-Class sedan platform and is available with a 3.5L V6, the 7-speed automatic transmission shared with the rest of the lineup and 4MATIC all-wheel drive only.
An all-new E350 BlueTEC diesel sedan debuts for 2011. It features a 50-state legal 210-horsepower 3.0L V6 diesel powerplant.
The E-Class Cabriolet is arguably one of the most luxurious and best-driving convertibles currently available. Mercedes-Benz build quality and technical innovation provide unparalleled performance and comfort. A clever folding cloth top, even while folded, allows for 11 cubic feet of trunk space.
The E-Class wagon, new for 2011, offers 68.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Featuring a powerful 268-horsepower V6, it offers excellent cargo transport in unequaled comfort.
And the E63 AMG sedan carries on into 2011 as one of the best-performing, most comfortable performance sedans available. Starting at $87,600 The E63 is by no means inexpensive, but few other sedans can match its perfect harmony of luxury and blistering performance.
