2010 Mercedes-Benz gets redone totally
The all-new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan is back with a brand new look. Looking as boring as anything out of China, about the only original bit is the flared rear-side fenders, paying homage to 1950s ‘Ponton’ Mercs of yore, which doesn’t fit in at all on a modern sedan.
As with all Mercedes-Benz models, the 2010 E-Class comes in unlimited variants, and that’s just for the sedan. The exterior gets either oval foglamps or LEDs on the front bumper, trapezoidal or oval exhaust tips under the rear bumper, and various alloy-wheel options. The new model is slightly larger than the outgoing model, with torsional rigidity up by 30%, and it is apparently more aerodynamic than before, even with the upright front-end designed to satisfy European pedestrian-safety regulations.
The uninspiring interior is all angular and looks outdated already, with a rotary dial for the boxy integrated screen. Gadgetry includes Attention Assist that keeps track of steering angle and alerts the driver if they’re getting drowsy with an audible alert and a coffee-cup icon on the dash. Lane departure warning is optional, along with adaptive high-beam headlights that dim when oncoming traffic is approaching. Radar-based cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, 20-disc infotainment system, infrared night-vision and 11 airbags complete the special features.
Engine choices include four, six and eight-cylinder units, offering anything from 136 to 525 hp. The American market will get the 292 hp 3.5L V6-powered E350, the 388 hp 5.5L V8-powered E500, and the 525 hp 6.2L turbo V8-powered E63 AMG. All models come with a standard 7-speed automatic gearbox.
An expensive sports kit in Europe will give any E-Class the ‘fast’ AMG look. The kit adds side skirts, special bumpers, 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, different seat trim, three-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles, aluminum pedals, lowered suspension with a 0.5-inch drop, and perforated front brake discs with silver calipers.
The 2010 E-Class will hit American showrooms by this summer. Later this year, the E-Class Coupe and Estate body styles will be launched.
Posted: January 25th, 2009
at 11:31pm by The Editor
Tagged with 2010 mercedes-benz e-class
Categories: European Cars
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