2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe

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2010 Mercedes E-Class Review
As Mercedes-Benz expanded its lineup to some 15 separate nameplatesnot counting the AMG modelsit resulted in mass confusion on the showroom floor and significant marketing challenges in promoting individual models. Things needed to get simpler, and now they have. The replacements for Mercedes mid-sized CLK-class coupe and cabriolet models will henceforth be identified as part of the E-class family. (The CL coupes will also become part of the S-class lineup.) The new E coupe has more suspension and powertrain bits in common with the E than the C, according to Mercedes-Benz USA product manager Bernhard Glaser. Dimensionally, however, the E coupe is much closer to the compact C than the mid-sized E, sharing the C-classs 108.7-inch wheelbase, and the exterior dimensions remain within an inch or two of the C even given the wider, longer, and lower bodywork. Compared with the E-class sedan, however, the E coupe has a three-inch-lower roof and five fewer inches of wheelbase, and is about 200 pounds lighter, seven inches shorter, and a whopping five-and-a-half inches narrower.

Walkaround
Mercedes clearly wants the E coupe to be seen as an E, and so it adopts the sedans design cues, including quad headlamps and the Ponton-inspired rear quarters. Few pieces are actually shared, however; look closer and youll notice that the fender contours are ever-so-slightly exaggerated compared with those of the sedan and that the low-beam headlamps are unique. Unique also describes the grille treatmenthere, it features two bars bracketing the three-pointed star, whereas the sedan has three or four grille slats with a vertical hood ornament. Most distinct, however, is the roofline, which like that of the CLK, remains pillarless (that is, if you dont count the mullion that forms the little rear quarter window). Wheels start out at 17 inches in diameter, with 18s optional on the E350 and standard on the E550. All E coupes get a full-length, partially retractable moonroof as standard equipment, the light from which is particularly appreciable from the snug rear bucket seats. In the front row, the low-mounted seats ensure a sporty driving position, and settling in is made easier as the seatbelts are presented upon startup by motorized arms. The driver faces a dashboard that recalls the sedans retro-inspired, angular cabinetry without copying it outright; differences include a subtle V-shape that helps reduce the designs imposing squareness, while a conventional console-mounted transmission shifteras found on the C-classstands in for the sedans column-mounted electronic gear stalk.

Summary
The driver faces arguably one of Mercedes best-ever gauge clusters, which combines five Porsche-like intersecting circles with clear, crisp displays. All E-classes feature Mercedes COMAND infotainment system that bundles secondary controls into a reasonably sensible screen-based interface, and E550 coupes add navigation as standard. Other options include front seat ventilation, pneumatically adjustable seat bolsters, and a five-channel surround sound stereo.

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2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550

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2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Review
Maybe it's a good thing the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has changed. The understated and even slightly effeminate lines of the outgoing SL have been given a dramatic overhaul. The new nose is more aggressive and masculine, even strident. In ushering in this change, Mercedes is trying to blend styling cues from its current lineup note the similarity of the new headlamps to those of the CLS and S-Class with homage to the SL's past. Although the technical changes to the new 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL are modest, the aesthetic revisions are sufficient for Mercedes to present it as a new model. The latest SL might lack the simple, graceful elegance of its illustrious predecessors from the 1950s and '60s, but this convincing presentation should ensure this car's continued success.

What's New
A few style points on the new 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL are the bold, six-point radiator grille that recalls the SLs of the 1960s and '70s, and the sexy power domes in the hood which hint at the original 300SL of the 1950s. At the rear, a new aero diffuser beneath the bumper emphasizes the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL's sporting credentials, although its functional benefits are questionable. Some of the detailing, such as the gill-style air intakes in the front fenders, seems a little contrived, but there can be no denying that the new SL now has more visual presence than before. The changes to the interior of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL are minimal to say the least. The new instrument dials and three-spoke steering wheel both hint at the SLR, and there's a new hard-disk satellite navigation system with sufficient capacity for music storage. Mercedes has also introduced a version of the Airscarf system pioneered by the SLK, and now the heating elements and fans are incorporated into the seat's head restraints, producing a flow of hot air around your head and neck.

Summary
The most interesting change to the SL is the introduction of new power-assisted variable-ratio steering. The ratio of the steering rack quickens as you dial in more steering lock, increasingly sharply at angles above 5 degrees. In theory, this new system combines improved straight-line stability with quicker response when the road starts to twist. "The car feels much lighter, agile and sporting," Dierks tells us. As before, the power-assist changes according to road speed and works in conjunction with the SL's active body control.

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2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550

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2009 Mercedes CL550 Review
A large, grand touring coupe such as the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is something of a rare sight, a Weimaraner in a suburb full of golden retrievers. Usually, folks with the big bucks and a penchant for six-figure automobiles get either a large sedan or a flashy sports car. But there's something undeniably elegant about a big coupe with its stretched-out body, sleek roof line and hunkered stance. Staying true to Mercedes' coupe tradition, the CL-Class features frameless side windows as well as a lack of B-pillars, which together give the car an airy look and feel. A rising character line and a tapered rear end further the CL's ready-to-pounce impression, which is confirmed when one nudges the accelerator pedal. When you're not being pressed back into the seat by a wave of torque, you'll want to take a few moments to appreciate the handsome cabin design. The tasteful use of wood and metallic accents, along with impeccable fit and finish, bring old-world class to the big Benz that would give a Bentley a run for its money. Based loosely on the S-Class platform, the CL-Class shares that sedan's power plants and leading-edge high-tech features, such as night view assist. The CL-Class is offered in four trims that include the anything-but-base CL550, the V12-powered CL600 and the even more pumped-up AMG brothers, known as the CL63 and CL65. In the niche segment of exotic four-seat grand touring coupes, not many can match the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class's enticing blend of passenger room, performance and opulence. Yet, in spite of its smooth moves, the CL-Class is too heavy to be much of an athlete, so those looking for more of a sports car feel should consider the BMW 6 Series or Maserati GranTurismo. That said, we expect that just about everyone who takes a CL for a test-drive will be smitten by its classy presence and quiet, luxurious cabin. Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a large grand touring coupe available in four trim levels: CL550, CL600, CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG. The CL550 comes packed with luxury features such as bi-xenon headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a hard-drive-based navigation system, a 600-watt Harman Kardon audio system with six-disc CD/DVD changer and satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, 14-way power heated front seats, power sunroof, power door and trunk closers and park assist. Options for the CL550 include the AMG Sport Package and a pair of premium packages. The former is essentially fancy wheels and a body kit, while the latter two equipment groups include features such as keyless starting, ventilated front seats, a nighttime vision assist system and "Drive Dynamic" front seats whose bolsters automatically inflate to add support during hard cornering. The V12-powered CL600 adds those premium packages' features, leaving but two options: an iPod integration kit and 19-inch wheels. The ultra-performance-focused AMG versions offer even more powerful engines as well as unique exterior enhancements, sport-tuned suspensions, high-performance brakes, 20-inch wheels and AMG multicontour leather sport seats. The chief difference between these two super coupes is their engine choices: the CL63 AMG has a 518-horsepower V8 while the CL65 AMG features a 604-hp twin-turbo V12. There is also a limited-edition CL65 painted in "liquid metal" to celebrate AMG's 40th anniversary. Powertrains and Performance The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL550 is powered by a 5.5-liter V8 (382 hp and 391 pound-feet of torque) that sends its power to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission. The CL600 features a twin-turbo V12 engine (510 hp and 612 lb-ft) mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Either way, performance is impressive, with the CL550 hitting 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and the CL600 doing the same in just 4.5 seconds. The CL63 AMG delivers a more visceral experience with its AMG-developed 6.3-liter normally aspirated V8 (518 hp and 465 lb-ft) that's paired with a performance-tuned version of the seven-speed automatic transmission. The end result is a 0-60 time equal to the CL600. The truly power-hungry will lust after the CL65 (604 hp and 738 lb-ft), which can leap to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and possesses high-speed acceleration more akin to a Formula 1 racecar than a comfy four-place GT. Safety All the latest safety features are standard, such as a full complement of airbags (including side curtain and driver's knee), adaptive xenon headlights and stability control. There is also PreSafe which, when it senses a possible accident (via rapid brake pedal and steering inputs and/or stability control intervention) will automatically position the front-passenger seat for optimum airbag use and close the windows and sunroof if a rollover is imminent. All but the CL550 feature PreSafe Brake, which can automatically apply up to 40 percent of the vehicle's braking capacity when it senses a seemingly imminent collision.

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2010 Mercedes-Benz E350

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2010 Mercedes E-Class Review
As Mercedes-Benz expanded its lineup to some 15 separate nameplatesnot counting the AMG modelsit resulted in mass confusion on the showroom floor and significant marketing challenges in promoting individual models. Things needed to get simpler, and now they have. The replacements for Mercedes mid-sized CLK-class coupe and cabriolet models will henceforth be identified as part of the E-class family. (The CL coupes will also become part of the S-class lineup.) The new E coupe has more suspension and powertrain bits in common with the E than the C, according to Mercedes-Benz USA product manager Bernhard Glaser. Dimensionally, however, the E coupe is much closer to the compact C than the mid-sized E, sharing the C-classs 108.7-inch wheelbase, and the exterior dimensions remain within an inch or two of the C even given the wider, longer, and lower bodywork. Compared with the E-class sedan, however, the E coupe has a three-inch-lower roof and five fewer inches of wheelbase, and is about 200 pounds lighter, seven inches shorter, and a whopping five-and-a-half inches narrower.

Walkaround
Mercedes clearly wants the E coupe to be seen as an E, and so it adopts the sedans design cues, including quad headlamps and the Ponton-inspired rear quarters. Few pieces are actually shared, however; look closer and youll notice that the fender contours are ever-so-slightly exaggerated compared with those of the sedan and that the low-beam headlamps are unique. Unique also describes the grille treatmenthere, it features two bars bracketing the three-pointed star, whereas the sedan has three or four grille slats with a vertical hood ornament. Most distinct, however, is the roofline, which like that of the CLK, remains pillarless (that is, if you dont count the mullion that forms the little rear quarter window). Wheels start out at 17 inches in diameter, with 18s optional on the E350 and standard on the E550. All E coupes get a full-length, partially retractable moonroof as standard equipment, the light from which is particularly appreciable from the snug rear bucket seats. In the front row, the low-mounted seats ensure a sporty driving position, and settling in is made easier as the seatbelts are presented upon startup by motorized arms. The driver faces a dashboard that recalls the sedans retro-inspired, angular cabinetry without copying it outright; differences include a subtle V-shape that helps reduce the designs imposing squareness, while a conventional console-mounted transmission shifteras found on the C-classstands in for the sedans column-mounted electronic gear stalk.

Summary
The driver faces arguably one of Mercedes best-ever gauge clusters, which combines five Porsche-like intersecting circles with clear, crisp displays. All E-classes feature Mercedes COMAND infotainment system that bundles secondary controls into a reasonably sensible screen-based interface, and E550 coupes add navigation as standard. Other options include front seat ventilation, pneumatically adjustable seat bolsters, and a five-channel surround sound stereo.

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2010 Mercedes-Benz E350

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2010 Mercedes E-Class Review
As Mercedes-Benz expanded its lineup to some 15 separate nameplatesnot counting the AMG modelsit resulted in mass confusion on the showroom floor and significant marketing challenges in promoting individual models. Things needed to get simpler, and now they have. The replacements for Mercedes mid-sized CLK-class coupe and cabriolet models will henceforth be identified as part of the E-class family. (The CL coupes will also become part of the S-class lineup.) The new E coupe has more suspension and powertrain bits in common with the E than the C, according to Mercedes-Benz USA product manager Bernhard Glaser. Dimensionally, however, the E coupe is much closer to the compact C than the mid-sized E, sharing the C-classs 108.7-inch wheelbase, and the exterior dimensions remain within an inch or two of the C even given the wider, longer, and lower bodywork. Compared with the E-class sedan, however, the E coupe has a three-inch-lower roof and five fewer inches of wheelbase, and is about 200 pounds lighter, seven inches shorter, and a whopping five-and-a-half inches narrower.

Walkaround
Mercedes clearly wants the E coupe to be seen as an E, and so it adopts the sedans design cues, including quad headlamps and the Ponton-inspired rear quarters. Few pieces are actually shared, however; look closer and youll notice that the fender contours are ever-so-slightly exaggerated compared with those of the sedan and that the low-beam headlamps are unique. Unique also describes the grille treatmenthere, it features two bars bracketing the three-pointed star, whereas the sedan has three or four grille slats with a vertical hood ornament. Most distinct, however, is the roofline, which like that of the CLK, remains pillarless (that is, if you dont count the mullion that forms the little rear quarter window). Wheels start out at 17 inches in diameter, with 18s optional on the E350 and standard on the E550. All E coupes get a full-length, partially retractable moonroof as standard equipment, the light from which is particularly appreciable from the snug rear bucket seats. In the front row, the low-mounted seats ensure a sporty driving position, and settling in is made easier as the seatbelts are presented upon startup by motorized arms. The driver faces a dashboard that recalls the sedans retro-inspired, angular cabinetry without copying it outright; differences include a subtle V-shape that helps reduce the designs imposing squareness, while a conventional console-mounted transmission shifteras found on the C-classstands in for the sedans column-mounted electronic gear stalk.

Summary
The driver faces arguably one of Mercedes best-ever gauge clusters, which combines five Porsche-like intersecting circles with clear, crisp displays. All E-classes feature Mercedes COMAND infotainment system that bundles secondary controls into a reasonably sensible screen-based interface, and E550 coupes add navigation as standard. Other options include front seat ventilation, pneumatically adjustable seat bolsters, and a five-channel surround sound stereo.

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2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550

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2009 Mercedes SL550 Review
The optional new Direct-Steer System on this 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster, combined with the suspension's standard Active Body Control, makes the car particularly well suited for, well, anything. And right now 'anything' is a hard run through the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles. Top down. The setup gives you perfect feedback and absolutely flat cornering at any speed so much so that we're soon testing our own mettle, pushing through the next turn at a higher speed, then higher, then higher yet. We never reach the car's limits instead we reach ours and back off lest we test the laws of physics on a road with no Armco and a 7,500-foot elevation. A Look at the New Look The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 represents the first major overhaul of the fifth-generation (R230) SL roadster since the car's introduction in 2003. Mercedes-Benz calls it a partial reskin, and the sheet metal differences are clearly visible. Mercedes admits that the restyling was necessary because some of its customers complained of the 2003-'08 car being 'too girly,' perceiving it as a 'chick' car. Indeed, there is no shortage of SLs being driven around by wealthy 60-year-old men and 30-year-old trophy wives. So after more than 140,000 SLs since 2003, the company felt the iconic roadster needed a more masculine design to get more men behind the wheel. This Mercedes-Benz has clearly done. New Tech Gets It Done They've improved the SL under that new skin, too. The new Direct-Steer system continually varies the ratio of the steering from 12:1 to 15:1, depending on the angle of the front wheels and the speed and load forces on the suspension components. At the heart of the system is a new rack with ingeniously devised gearing the gears actually vary in their distance from each other. In and around the central position, the steering is a larger numerical ratio for good straight-line stability. Once the steering angle reaches 5 degrees, the ratio becomes smaller numerically and the steering quickens, reducing the number of turns lock-to-lock. Brakes remain unchanged, with 13.8-inch-diameter front discs and 12.6-inch-diameter discs in the rear. And truth be told, no change or upgrade is needed. Apply the brakes hard and a giant hand seems to come out of nowhere to safely haul you down from any speed with excellent pedal feel and modulation. Tire size also remains the same, 255/40WR18 front and 285/35WR18 out back, but the wheels wear a new design to match the car's more macho look. As Easy as ABC M-B engineers have also further refined the SL's standard Active Body Control (ABC) system. You'll remember that ABC completely eliminates antiroll stabilizer bars front and rear and replaces them with computer-controlled shock absorbers that constantly control body movement depending on the car's speed, steering angle and other factors. In its newest iteration, the system compensates for the body's pitching, rolling and lifting movements, as well as continually adjusting the suspension settings to changing driving conditions. In fact, the system will automatically dial in oversteer when you're cornering hard to make the car more responsive, change to neutral at lower speeds, then change to understeer at high straight-line speeds to ensure straight-ahead stability. The suspension ride is also adjustable. In more mundane everyday driving, dial in the suspension's Comfort setting and you could be in a luxury S-Class sedan for all your butt knows. Dial it up to Sport and experience a level of handling and maneuverability that is far beyond the driving capability of 99 percent of the drivers who will ever sit behind the wheel of this car. Under the Hood The SL's V8 still displaces 5.5 liters and develops 382 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 391 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. But M-B claims an improvement in fuel consumption. New EPA estimates for the car are 14 city/21 highway. We wish the carmaker would improve the DOHC engine's bottom-end torque. When you punch down the throttle, you still have to wait a few milliseconds for the revs to build and the engine to climb up on the cams. When that happens, however, things happen, fast. M-B claims a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds, which is quic

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2009 Mercedes-Benz S550

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2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been the symbol of success among doctors, bankers, lawyers and other wealthy types seeking the ultimate luxury sedan. Powerful, luxurious and built with the solidity and precision of a bank vault, the S-Class announced prestige, quality and good taste. The outgoing model, produced for the 2000-'06 model years, was especially popular. For 2009, Mercedes has set out to revamp its flagship sedan. That formidable task required a balancing act worthy of a Cirque du Soleil performer. The company's goal for the full redesign was to re-establish the S-Class as the premier vehicle in the premium luxury sedan segment without losing sight of the car's trademark style and personality. To accomplish this, Mercedes updated the car's exterior styling, added more power, increased the car's handling agility, improved the quality of the interior and went with an infusion of the latest luxury- and safety-oriented technologies. Compared to the previous model, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is visually sleeker and, more controversially, bolder thanks to its engorged wheel arches. Width is increased by 0.6 inch, height is up 1.1 inches, the wheelbase is stretched 3.2 inches and overall length is 1.7 inches greater than before. For occupants, the most significant advantage of the size increase is additional rear-seat room. On the inside, major interior changes include a new control and display layout, higher-quality materials, more comfortable front seats and an easier-to-use COMAND system. In terms of the driving experience, one will almost certainly notice the new engine in the 2009 S550. It sports a 5.5-liter, 4-valve-per-cylinder V8 that pumps out 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. These are hefty increases over the outgoing 5.0-liter V8 -- horsepower is up 82 ponies and there's 52 more lb-ft of torque on tap. For those wanting more, the twin-turbo V12 in the S600 (it's a bit more powerful than last year) and the insane 6.0-liter V12 in the S65 AMG continue to be available this year. The new S-Class also steers and handles noticeably better than the old car. New and updated features are in plentiful supply on the '07 S550, S600 and S65 AMG. One highlight is the 'Distronic Plus' smart cruise control. It has the ability to slow the car down to very low speeds automatically, making it possible to drive for very long distances on the freeway without touching the pedals. Other impressive S-Class items include a Night View Assist infrared night-vision system, a rear parking camera with a dynamic-view display, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system and a panorama sunroof. By any measure of performance, luxury, safety and sheer technological prowess, the redesigned M-B flagship sets a new standard. Superior steering feel may still give the BMW 7 Series an edge for the pure driving enthusiast, while the Audi A8 continues to rival the Benz for sumptuous cabin ambience. But all things considered, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class presents a well-rounded case for luxury sedan buyers in spite of its bracing price tag. Mercedes has successfully pulled off that tricky balancing act between progress and tradition with the new S-Class.

Summary
There are currently three trim levels available on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class luxury sedan: the S550, the V12-powered S600 and the performance-oriented S65 AMG. Notable items on the S550's standard equipment list include bi-xenon headlights, an air-spring suspension, 14-way adjustable front seats, the COMAND all-in-one control interface, a hard-drive based navigation system, hands-free cell phone communication, a Harman Kardon audio system with a 6-disc CD changer and of course, rich leather and wood trim. Major options include an Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, ventilated front seats with a massage feature, a keyless entry and start system, the Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control and Night View Assist infrared night vision system. One can also order an AMG wheel-and-body trim package. The Rear Seat Package equips the car with power-adjustable, heated-and-cooled rear seats and four-zone climate control. The S600 sedan is similar but comes with almost all of the S550's optional features as standard. The S65 AMG takes the same approach but also features 20-inch lightweight AMG wheels, specific exterior styling pieces, larger and more powerful brakes and sport-tuned versions of the car's air suspension and ABC system. Powertrains and Performance The 2009 S550 sports a 5.5-liter V8 that makes 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. In testing, we've found that this is enough for a 6.1-second 0-60-mph time. The 7-speed automatic transmission comes standard as well as an array of touch and go features and that you wouldn't find on any Luxury stlye beauty other than that of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

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