2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Overview

For 2010, U.S. customers will have their choice of either the E350 or the E550. Both are available as either a coupe, or sedan. The coupe is available only in rear-wheel drive, but the sedans are available in either luxury or sport trims and with either RWD or Mercedes' 4MATIC All-Wheel-Drive. The E63 AMG tops out the E Series lineup and available only in rear-wheel drive.

The E350 trims offer a 3.5L V6 engine making 268 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 258 pounds-feet of torque @ 2400-5000 rpm. The E550 trims feature a 5.5L V8 engine making 382 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 391 pounds-feet of torque @ 2800- 4800 rpm. RWD trims are mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission while all AWD powertrains are mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, all with overdrive.

All E-Class trims come very well equipped as luxury cars. Available options include a navigation system, premium sound system, satellite radio, HID headlights, rear park assist, backup camera, keyless start, hard disk drive, HD radio, panoramic roof, night vision and heated/cooled seats.

Window curtain airbags and side-impact airbags are standard on the E-Class, along with PRE-SAFE, a system that tenses the seatbelts if it anticipates a collision and closes the sunroof and side windows if it anticipates a loss of control.

New standard technology for 2010 includes Attention Assist, which detects driver drowsiness; Adaptive Main (High) Beam Assist, for oncoming drivers; enhanced LED daytime driving lights; Blind Spot Assist; Lane Keeping Assist, which uses vibrations in the steering wheel to inform the driver if they're veering out of their lane; Speed Limit Assist, which recognizes speed limit signs as the car passes them, then displays the relevant speed limit in the speedometer; and Brake Assist Plus.

The E63 AMG features a hand-build 6.3L V8 engine that produces an astonishing 518 horsepower and 465 pounds-feet of torque. It does this by utilizing four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket-style tappets and a variable intake manifold.