Benz Faqs

There is a realignment of most models. The only engine carryover is the E350 and its 268-bhp, 258-lb.-ft.-of-torque 3.5-liter V-6 (0–60 in 6.5 seconds, says Mercedes) as a sedan or an all-wheel-drive 4Matic wagon.

Step up to the V-8 and it’s now the E550 powered by the 5.5-liter version inherited (like several elements of the revised E’s) from the new S-Class at 382 bhp and 391 lb.-ft. (0–60 in 5.2 sec.). Sorry, it comes only as a sedan with the option of 4Matic.

Take another step up and you have the rear-drive-only E63 AMG, which swaps the supercharged E55 V-8 for a throaty new 507-bhp, 465-lb.-ft. 6.2-liter V-8 designed by AMG (0–60 in — get this — 4.3 sec.). Here the choice is again sedan or wagon.

Most technically interesting is the sedan-only E320 Bluetec Diesel. This new 72-degree 24-valve V-6 engine has typical diesel upside-down power ratings of 210 bhp and a glorious 388 lb.-ft. of torque (0–60 in 6.6 sec.). Thanks to a tech list that includes piezoelectric injectors, variable-nozzle turbos and new after-engine exhaust treatments, Bluetec should open many American eyes to the advantages of modern diesel automobiles, including fuel economy ratings of 27 city/37 highway mpg.

At least it will among 40 percent of U.S. car buyers, those who live outside the five states (California, New York, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont) with emissions laws that still ban diesels, upcoming lower fuel sulfur levels aside. With luck, the introduction of urea injection in 2008 will solve this dilemma.

All new E-Class models have 7-speed automatics save the 4Matics, which use a 5-speed automatic. Regardless of engine or drive system, a 2007 E-Class adds Direct Control, improving steering precision in league with a suspension retuning. The result is crisper turn-in and a general sense of feeling more in contact with the road.

Lifted from the S-Class are two systems: PreSafe and Adaptive Braking. The former predicts via various sensors when you’re about to have THE BIG ONE —when even Mercedes’ ESP can’t save you — and pre-tensions the seatbelts and adjusts seats for best positioning with the airbags. If it senses the REALLY BIG ONE is imminent, it also closes the sunroof and side windows.If that big hit comes from behind, Neck-Pro moves the headrest forward to cushion the blow to your cranium.

Adaptive Braking senses when you might need assistance in braking — such as removing your foot very quickly from the gas pedal — and it ups brake-line pressure and moves the pads closer to the discs to prime the system. It also squeezes the discs during wet conditions.

We don’t get two trick systems, because of government regulations. Intelligent Lighting has five light modes that change the lighting pattern to better suit country or highway conditions. Flashing brake lights apparently cut the braking times of following drivers, but show up in the U.S. only on V-12 Mercedes models as part of a national test fleet.

Mercedes offers the new E’s in two basic ranges, Sport and Luxury. The latter is the version with 17-in. alloy wheels, brown wood trim and the softer suspension.

Good news for 2007 is that the Sport model with its 18-in. wheels, dual exhaust, white-face gauges and lower suspension is a no-cost upgrade…and arguably a better day-to-day driver than the E63 AMG version, nicely nasty as it may be.

Naturally the AMG edition is inspiring, squatted down on its distinctive 18-in. wheels and lower-aspect-ratio tires. Bluetec sedans start with 16-in. wheels, but get the full run of the option list.

These were already darn fine automobiles and the updates, with only a minimal price increase and added or newer equipment, put a finer edge on them.