Argo Online

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse

By Obi Nkwonta

Innovation has captivated us for many years. This year, Mercedes-Benz has introduced us to the future, where things are shiny and new and technology is automatic. Mercedes-Benz has grasped the idea of innovation in several of its cars.

The one car, however, that has introduced innovation at its finest is the new 2010 Mercedes E-Klasse. The E-Klasse has been in the Mercedes-Benz family since the 1950s. Every four years, the car company adds the latest in technology to this car including all-wheel drive, hydraulic suspension, and a tire pressure monitor. The all-new 2010 E-Klasse, however, introduces new technology that has never been produced in any car in its class

I had a chance to test this car out on the hills of Plainfield, NJ, using its various features to improve my driving experience. For example, one feature is the driver-fatigue system. This feature will wake up the driver if he or she begins to lose focus while driving. Another advanced feature is the Drive-dynamic multicontour driver seat with massage which allows the person in the driver’s seat to feel two different levels of massage that will stimulate back muscles and, more importantly, combat fatigue.

The Night View Assist PLUS system, though, is the most advanced feature on the car. When the low beam lights are turned on, it allows the driver to view objects in the dark from 300 feet away. With the help of infrared technology, the car will be able to alert the driver when pedestrians are walking on the road in the dark. These features were previously available on Mercedes’ flagship car, the S-class. This makes the E-Klasse a serious luxury car competitor.

Technology doesn’t make the car, however. It’s the mechanics. The E-Klasse demonstrates pure German Engineering through its remarkable performance. Buyers have a choice of three models with different engines. If you’re looking for power and fuel efficiency, the E350 is the best match for you. With a 3.5 liter V6 generating 268 horsepower, the E350 speeds from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.3 seconds. The V6 engine also averages an estimated 24 miles per gallon with 26 on the highway and 19 in the city. If you’re looking for more power, the E550 has it. Its 5.5 liter V8 engine generates 382 horsepower, taking the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.2 seconds. It also averages an estimate 22 miles per gallon, with 24 on the highway and 18 in the city. The E350 and E550 are available in both coupe and sedan designs. If you’re looking for maximum power, the E63 has it all. Branding the performance label AMG, which is German abbreviation for Mercedes-Benz racing, the E63 harnesses a 6.2 liter V8 generating 518 horsepower, taking the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4 seconds, making it one of the fastest sedans in the world. Whichever model you choose, the E-Klasse always promises to outperform.

E-Klasse has outperformed most of the competition in terms of handling. With an available 4Matic all-wheel drive system, the E-Klasse is able to grip the road in any condition. When driving in slalom, you can tell that the car really hugs the road. Thanks to Mercedes-Benz’s patent- pended Electronic Stability System (ESC), when turning, the car will automatically reduce engine power if it detects wheelspin, understeer, or oversteer. What is also significant about this car is its ability to know how you drive. Built-in to every E-Klasse model is a computer chip that analyzes how you drive. The computer chip will then setup accurate settings to your car so that you will feel comfortable driving it. The superior handling of this car will cause the driver to do slaloms more often.

Mercedes-Benz has done an excellent job in remaking the E-Klasse. It’s these types of cars that will make the driver want to get at more and have fun on the road. The price of the all-new E-Klasse ranges from just under $50k to over $105k. I recommend anyone who has the money, to go and purchase it. Over fifty years of innovation have put into this one car. It will be the ride of your life.