2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class/Review

Pricing : $48,850 to $87,600 MSRP
EPA Fuel Economy (MPG): 13 - 22 City/20 - 33 Highway

The 2011 Mercedes Benz E-Class series offers uncompromising luxury and performance, packaged with the latest in safety features.  It returns for 2011 with two sparkling new additions: a Cabriolet version which adds a soft top, and a wagon.  The E-Class competes with the BMW 5 series, Audi A6, and Infiniti M
Styling remains much the same from the full E-Class redesign in 2010.  E350 trims come powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6, while the E550 offers a step up in power to a 382-horsepower, 5.5-liter V-8.  There is also an E63 AMG-version, which comes with an astonishing 518-horsepower, 6.3-liter V-8. 

New for 2011, Mercedes is offering the diesel E350 BlueTEC Sedan across all 50 states, powered by an ultra-efficient, 210-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 diesel engine.  All variations of the E-Class come mated to Mercedes’ seven-speed automatic transmission, and are available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (4matic), except for the wagon which is only available in all-wheel drive.  E-Class fuel economy ranges from 15-17 mpg in the city and 22-25 mpg on the highway.  The diesel engine will allow you to travel over 600 miles on a single tank.

Each variation of the 2011 E-Class comes in your choice of luxury trim, which comes on 17-inch wheels, or the more aggressive sport trim riding on 18-inch wheels with a tighter suspension. Standard luxury features abound across the E-Class line including a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, double-stitched leather seats, 14-way power front seats, COMAND system with LCD screen, and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer.  Available options include a rear-seat entertainment system, massaging front seats, rear spoiler, iPod/MP3 connectivity, and navigation system.

The 2011 E-Class also boasts a host of advanced safety features, such as Attention Assist which detects fatigue and drowsiness and alerts the driver with audio and visual cues.  All trims come standard with Mercedes’ PRE-SAFE® system which detects impending accidents/collisions, pre-tensions the seatbelts and shifts the passenger seat to a safer position before impact.  Also standard are a nine-airbag system, traction control, antilock brakes, and automatic emergency braking.  Optional safety features are available, like Night View Assist PLUS which detects objects at night and displays them on the video screen, and adaptive headlights. All of these features combine to make the 2011 E-Class an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2011 Mercedes Benz E-Class is a breathtaking car.  With impeccable exterior and interior styling, and a long list of advanced features and safety equipment, it zooms past the competition and establishes itself as the car to beat in the mid-size luxury segment.
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