The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a series of mid-size luxury sedans and wagons manufactured by DaimlerChrysler. The ‘E’ in the E-Class stands for Einspritzung, which means fuel injection in German. The E-Class is the best-selling Mercedes-Benz model across the globe.
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is available in a choice of six models: E320 BLUETEC Sedan, E350 Sedan, E350 4MATIC Wagon, E550 Sedan, E63 AMG Sedan, and E63 AMG Wagon. The E-Class models are offered in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) versions.
Mercedes-Benz has updated the E-Class for 2007 with an all-new E63 AMG performance variant to replace the E55 AMG. Other changes include two new optional engines, minimalist styling touches, and a Pre-Safe system, which is an advanced collision-mitigation system. Also, a new 5.5-liter V8 E550 has replaced the E500 and the earlier diesel E320 CDI has been renamed as E320 BLUETEC, in keeping with the cutting edge, BLUETEC emission-control technology.
The E-Class comes with a limited warranty for four years or 50,000 miles. It competes with the likes of Lexus GS, Lincoln LS, BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, and Cadillac STS, among others.
Engine and Performance
Three high performance engine options
The E-Class offers a choice of four powerful engines. Under the hood of the E320 BLUETEC Sedan lies a 3.0-liter 24-valve V-6 diesel engine, which produces 208 hp @ 3,800 rpm and 388 lb-ft. of torque @ 1,600 - 2,400 rpm. This engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission.
The E550 Sedan is powered by a 5.5-liter 32-valve V-8 engine that delivers 382 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 391 lb-ft. @ 2,800 - 4,800 rpm. It is teamed up with a standard electronically-controlled 7-speed automatic transmission (5-speed automatic transmission is available with the optional 4MATIC AWD).
The E63 AMG Sedan and Wagon get power from a standard AMG 6.3-liter 32-valve V-8 engine, which knocks out 507 hp @ 6,800 rpm and 465 lb-ft. @ 5,200 rpm. This engine is connected to an AMG-enhanced electronically-controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with AMG SPEEDSHIFT which also features a manual mode.
The C350 Luxury Sedan has a 3.5L 24-valve V-6 engine that churns out 268 hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It has an EPA fuel economy estimate of 20/29 mpg (city/highway) for the 7-speed AT with the optional 4MATIC.
The C350 Sport Sedan has a 3.5L 24-valve V-6 engine that delivers 268 hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It has an EPA fuel economy estimate of 20/28 mpg (city/highway) for the MT and 20/29 mpg (city/highway) for the AT.
Walk-around
Elegant, graceful, & sporty
The 2007 E-Class gets a revised front and rear styling that adds to its aggressive and aerodynamic stance. The sedans and wagons measure 191.0 and 192.3 inches respectively, while all stand on a wheelbase of 112.4 inches each.
The front fascia of the E-Class is adorned by an aggressive front bumper, an attractive grille, and bold-looking variable-focus halogen headlamps with projector low beams. All models, except for the AMG ones, feature an Atlas Grey grille with four chrome ribs and chrome surround. The AMG models come with a Black grille with four chrome ribs and chrome surround, and an AMG-designed front air dam with mesh air intakes and rear apron. Selectable light-sensing headlamps and driver-programmable daytime running lamps with auto-on override in darkness, are also standard on all the six models. Front halogen fog-lamps nestle in the front apron, while a single red rear fog-lamp is integrated into the left tail-lamp cluster. All models come standard with touch turn signals, which flash thrice with one touch of the turn-signal lever for lane changing. Auxiliary LED turn-signal indicators are integrated into side-mirror housings.
All the E-Class models feature automatically-heated dual power mirrors linked to the driver's seat memory, with auto-dimming on the left-side mirror. Also standard are a heated windshield washer reservoir and rain-sensing variable intermittent wipers, which measure rainfall on windshield and adjust the wiper speed and frequency accordingly. The E-Class models also get the benefit of an electrically-heated rear window with auto-shutoff based on time and outside temperature. All models, with the exception of AMG models, come with neutral-tinted glass on windows, while the AMG models feature standard blue-tinted glass.
The E320 BLUETEC Sedan wears standard 16-inch wheels and rolls on 225/55 R16, all-season performance tires. The E350 Sedan, E550 Sedan, and E350 4MATIC Wagon stand on 17-inch wheels and ride on 245/45 R17, all-season performance tires. The E63 AMG Wagon and E63 AMG Sedan come with 18-inch wheels and ride on 245/40 ZR18 front and 265/35 ZR18 XL rear, high-performance tires.
Comfort, Controls & Convenience
Epitome of comfort & luxury
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class epitomizes understated luxury and comfort. All models of the E-Class feature 10-way power front seats, each with 3-position memory and driver's and passenger’s adjustable lumbar support. The driver's seat memory includes steering column and outside mirror positions. The E350 4MATIC Wagon comes with 60/40-split-folding seatbacks and flip-forward seat cushions in the second-row, and a folding, rear-facing 2-passenger seat in the third-row. The E550 Sedan and AMG models also offer the comfort of heated front seats. The AMG models feature AMG-designed sport front seats and 60/40-split-folding seatbacks and flip-forward seat cushions in the second row.
The E320 BLUETEC Sedan, E350 4MATIC Wagon and E350 Sedan come with MB-Tex upholstery and trim, while the E550 Sedan and AMG models come with leather upholstery and trim. All models feature a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, which provides convenient additional controls for basic functions of the audio system and optional phone, as well as operation of the multi-function display. All models have a 4-way tilt/telescoping power steering column, linked to driver's seat memory. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is also accompanied by a leather-wrapped shift knob.
E320 BLUETEC Sedan, E350 Sedan, and E350 4MATIC Wagon have standard dual-zone automatic climate control with individual driver and front passenger control for temperature and speed of airflow distribution. However, the E550 Sedan, E63 AMG Sedan, and E63 AMG Wagon offer the benefit of a 4-zone automatic climate control. The rear-cabin also has an operating panel with dual temperature, speed, and airflow distribution controls. A humidity/dew-point sensor, which helps reduce window fogging during humid weather and helps prevent over-drying of cooled air, is present in all models. All models come standard with power windows and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
The E-Class models also feature a front center console with wood-trimmed roll-top cover, enclosed storage compartment and removable dual cup-holders. Also standard is a folding rear center armrest with enclosed storage and dual cup-holders. 12-volt power outlets in the cabin and the cargo area are a standard feature for all E-Class models. A power tilt/sliding tinted-glass sunroof with one-touch express-open/close and memory is present on all models.
All models feature a tunnel mode, which offers one-touch closing of all windows, the sunroof, and cabin air intake by the air-recirculation button. The E-Class also comes equipped with a driver-programmable easy-exit feature that can raise the steering wheel when the SmartKey is removed from ignition, and restore position when the key is reinserted.
The E-Class models come equipped with numerous entertainment options to enhance the joy of riding. All models come standard with COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data) system, which integrates AM/FM stereo/weather band radio, single-CD player, 6-disc CD changer, and a large color-LCD screen. A Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 digital surround-sound system is also standard on all models. This system features 12 speakers, including dual surround speakers and a subwoofer, and a 7.1-channel amplifier.
The E-Class models also feature an integrated single-feed 6-disc CD changer and an auxiliary input jack in the glove-box, which allows connection of an MP3 or digital music player to the audio system.
Driving Impressions
All-out refined performance
The E-Class is offered in RWD and 4MATIC AWD layouts. Both the drivetrains are equally good performers. However, the 4MATIC AWD offers enhanced traction on rough or slippery terrains and is more suited to them.
The E-Class is available in a choice of four robust engines: 3.0L V-6, 3.5L V-6, 5.5L V-8 and 6.3L V-8, which deliver 208 hp, 268 hp, 382 hp, and 507 hp, in that order. All the engines make plenty of power and deliver impressive acceleration.
The new E320 BLUETEC gets superior fuel economy from the 3.0L V-6. The 3.5L V-6 features fully-variable valve timing and delivers an impressive amount of torque from idle all the way to redline. However, nothing can match the stellar performance of the E550's V-8, which generates plenty of power and torque and delivers smooth, exhilarating acceleration. The 7-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly and helps generate better fuel efficiency in comparison to the 5-speed automatic transmission. All E-Class models are steered by a power-assisted, vehicle-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering, which offers precise control over the wheel direction.
The RWD models of E550 Sedan as well as E350 Sedan ride on an independent 4-link front suspension and the 4MATIC models ride on double wishbone. The front suspension also includes stabilizer bar, coil springs, and gas shock absorbers. The E550 Sedan features an independent 5-arm multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar, while the E350 Sedan is equipped with an independent 5-arm multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar, coil springs, and gas shock absorbers.
The E320 BLUETEC Sedan and AMG models ride on an independent 4-link front suspension with stabilizer bar and independent 5-arm multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar.
The E350 4MATIC Wagon is equipped with a front suspension including double wishbone suspension with stabilizer bar and an independent 5-arm multi-link rear suspension with a stabilizer bar.
The E320 BLUETEC Sedan also comes with a steel spring system, which includes coil springs and gas shock absorbers. The E350 4MATIC Wagon’s steel spring system consists of front coil springs over gas shock absorbers. This model also features rear airmatic suspension with automatic level control and gas shock absorbers.
The E-Class’s suspension system offers crisp, quick responses under all kinds of road conditions. All the E-Class models turn responsively and provide a smooth, firm, ride.
The E550 Sedan, E63 AMG Sedan, and E63 AMG Wagon also feature Airmatic Semi-Active Suspension with an adaptive damping system (ADSII), which is an electronically controlled system that instantly adjusts Airmatic's spring-struts to the road and driving conditions to optimize ride and handling.
All models are equipped with dual-circuit power-assist 4-wheel disc brakes, which are good performers and stop the E-Class models at short distances. All models are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), which detects impending wheel lockup under heavy braking and pumps the front brakes individually or the rear brakes together to help maintain steering and vehicle stability.
Also standard on all models is brake assist, which senses emergency braking by using the speed at which the driver presses the brake pedal and immediately applies maximum available power boost, potentially reducing the overall stopping distance by eliminating the delay caused by a common human tendency not to brake hard enough, soon enough.
With a turning circle of 37.4 feet, the E-Class models are not very difficult to drive and park in crammed spots
Safety
Exhaustive safety measures
The E-Class scored four stars out of five in frontal impacts and five stars for side impacts from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
All models feature PRE-SAFE, which helps prepare occupants for a possible collision before it actually happens. The E-Class models also feature an integrated restraint system, which provides an airbag each to the driver and front passenger, side-impact airbags, and 3-point seatbelts with an emergency tensioning device (ETD), and an adaptive belt force limiter. Outboard second-row passengers are each provided with a side-impact airbag and 3-point seatbelts with ETD and belt force limiter. Center second-row passengers are each provided with a 3-point seatbelt. The E-Class models also come with adaptive dual-stage front airbags, window-curtain airbags, safety seatbelts, active front head restraints, and an integrated rollover sensor.
Occupant Classification System (OCS), which automatically adjusts the front passenger's front airbag on or off based on the weight category determined by weight sensor readings from the front passenger seat, is also a standard safety feature. All models also come with a universal LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system at outboard rear seating positions.
The E-Class models comes with a SmartKey remote control, which integrates remote door lock/unlock buttons, tailgate unlock button and panic alarm, and an automatic anti-theft alarm system with remote panic feature, and many more safety features.