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YES......Ladies And Gentlemen.:)

I already know what you're thinking – the fact that as of late, there's been a notable absence of Mercedes reviews here at eMercedesBenz.  Indeed, we have fallen a bit behind in our Mercedes review coverage, but not to worry my dear readers, because even as you read this, we're diligently catching up on the various Mercedes reviews that we've missed.  In fact, we have not one... not two... not even five... but a grand total of eleven articles we're bringing you, all of which analyze the brand-new 2010 Mercedes E-Class.

To make viewing easier, I'm going to split up the articles into three Mercedes Review Roundups, starting with this one that analyzes the 2010 Mercedes E-Class range as a whole.  Subsequently, i'll then publish the individual E-Class model reviews for your viewing entertainment.  So without further ado, the first of three 2010 Mercedes E-Class Review Roundups.

Enjoy ladies and gentlemen.

And before I go, a huge thanks to our good friend Shiv, the fine gentlemen gracious enough to send us each of the reviews.  As always, we sincerely appreciate it.

"Performance:  three new diesel engines and a couple of direct-injection petrol turbos provide the bread and butter, while V6 and V8 petrols and a V6 diesel are the jam. Despite the emissions clean-up campaign they are more than adequately powerful, with the mid-range 170bhp diesel in the E220 CDI – the big seller – particularly impressive.

Ride & handling:  you'll need to pick your car carefully, because there are three different suspension systems (one for the SE, a lowered version for Avantgarde and Sport models, and air-sprung on the V8-engined E500) plus a variety of wheel-and-tyre combinations. Based on the Avantgarde with 17-inch wheels we've driven, the ride is pliant and supple, high-speed stability is rock-solid and clever shock absorbing contributes towards tidy if unexciting handling.

Refinement:  bad news first: there's some wind flutter along the sides at motorway speed, road noise on coarse surfaces is rather too high and the most powerful four-cylinder diesel in the E250 CDI is gruff when accelerating hard. That aside, the E-Class is a model of refinement and smoothness with a cabin that is a haven of peace.

Quality & reliability:  Mercedes is clawing its way back after a spell when it was criticised for dumbing down on both quality and reliability testing. Mercedes says that the E-Class covered more development miles than any of its previous models, while the materials in the cabin are a decided step back towards top form, with squishy plastics and slick switchgear. Only the lower seat bases and door trims - the areas most likely to be scuffed - are hard and unyielding.

Behind the wheel:  the interior style of the E-Class echoes that of the bigger S-Class to some extent, with a central control unit to operate many functions. The seats offer excellent comfort and can be combined with massagers and automatic side bolsters that hold you tighter when cornering. The trouble is, the more extras you order the busier the interior becomes: there can be more than 60 buttons and switches around the driver.

Mercedes Benz 2010 E-Class Via Drive..

"Slip behind the wheel of the new E-Class and there are some welcome familiarities as well as welcome surprises. When you clip the seatbelt, for instance, it automatically squeezes against your chest to take out unwanted slack. In the rear, the seatbelts can even adjust their holding force depending on the size of the passenger.  Peering over the dash, you can still see the three-pointed star on the nose of the bonnet, a satisfying reminder that the $90,000 [Australian dollar] or more you've spent buys more than brilliant engineering and a sublime driving experience.

The steering wheel and basic-but-functional switchgear follow a familiar Benz theme. Ergonomically, the dials and buttons are easy to use but lack some panache in their presentation. Changes continue: the instrument binnacle has an angled surround, while the mirrors are conspicuously square in keeping with the sharpened exterior. A monochrome circular screen in the centre of the speedo would have more vibrancy in colour but it's at least a neat way of packaging the trip computer, which incorporates a digital speed readout.

Disappointingly, there's still a foot-operated park brake instead of the modern button-operated ones. But it's the only hiccup with what is an otherwise functional, user-friendly layout. The toggle switches to adjust the ventilation system are a lesson in stylish simplicity.  The interior of the E is interspersed with classy satin-finish metal, bright chrome on the door handles and real woodgrain.

Four-cylinder models make do with a five-speed automatic (one cog off the pace in the luxury market, it has to be said) while V6s and V8s get a seven-speed, which also relegates the gear selector to a stalk on the steering column, freeing up more space in the centre console.

Our first experience in the new E came in the E250 CGI. On paper, some may be cautious about a 1.8-litre four-cylinder being tasked with shifting a 1.7-tonne four-door. But the addition of a turbocharger boosts output, with 150kW available.  Performance isn't outstanding but is adequate, especially considering the claimed fuel average is 7.3L/100km. There's a bland sound to the exhaust and a hint of vibration at higher engine revs but the car accelerates cleanly and smoothly, giving the impression of a bigger engine beneath.  The auto transmission generally shifts intelligently, although it can occasionally be caught out on downchanges with a dramatic lurch as it fumbles for the right ratio.

 

The same can be said of the diesel E250 CDI, although its impressive spread of torque (or mid-range pulling power) reduces the need for gear changes. There's a mild drone defining the diesel engine but its flexible low-rev response and ability to maintain speed up hills makes it an effortless tourer."

Source:-mercedesbenz.com