2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2010 E Class has undergone an evolutionary change rather than a revolutionary one in the manner of the extensively redesigned C Class.

Changes are most visible on the skin. Gone are the oval headlights that featured on its face for past two generations, replaced by pairs of rectangular lights on each side. The new car is more angular and creased more sharply than before, with a three pointed star perched up atop the bonnet. The changes are not merely a styling refresh, but a design evolution. The 2010 Mercedes E Class looks meaner, more confident and with a more defined personality.

Mercedes says it tested this car harder than any other, with test mileage equivalent to driving around the equator 850 times. The result is a car that prides itself on safety, intelligence and comfort.

The new car is slightly longer than the outgoing E class. Although the interior space feels unchanged, there is more headroom, legroom and bootspace.

The interior is a blend of S Class and C Class. The column shifter, instrument cluster and a host of other touch points have been inspired by the S Class while some bits and bobs like buttons and knobs are shared with the C Class – cost optimisation without compromising the quality. Seats are well padded, supportive and come with all electronics to give you a comfortable driving position.

There are plenty of available engine options. Initially, the E300 and E350 V6 variants will be available as well as the more powerful E500. A seven-speed transmission case brings engine power to life.

In subsequent months, smaller inline-four cylinder engines - the E200 and E250 - will also be hitting the showroom floors. To top it all, the awesome E63 AMG version is likely to come to the Middle East dealers in October. A coupe version will complement the saloon in the coming months.  

We tested the E350 on a route snaking through relatively calm roads from Dubai, through Hatta and into the mountains of Fujairah and back, a drive of approximately 300 kilometers.

Although techno-loaded, the E Class makes you feel at home instantly. There is a remarkable sense of friendliness and simplicity packaged with all the gizmos, and there are a lot of them. One, the Lane Departure System takes some getting used to.  Cross lane markings without signalling and there is a vibration in the steering to alert the driver. Once the initial curiosity and excitement of a vibrating wheel is over, one can see the obvious safety underlining to this technology. The vibrations are subtle enough and not noticeable visually, but effective enough to alert the driver.

Another interesting safety feature on the E Class is an alert system that detects if the driver is drowsy and sounds an alarm. Although the climate control system, noise, vibration and harshness levels and seats are comfortable enough to put you to sleep, fortunately I never got to test this system. I probably should have pretended to be drowsy to check out how smart this system really is. Next time.

Driving quality felt very smooth. Compared to Mercedes of the past, the suspension felt firmer and provided better feedback, and the steering was fairly direct. Overall, the new E Class ride comes across as a fine balance of sportiness and comfort.

There are two trim lines on offer – Elegance and Avant Garde, both with myriad features and engines to choose from. AMG and additional personalisation options are also available.