On Wednesday, we posted our first-hand experience of driving two Mercedes-Benz E-Class cars: the E350 and the E550. Our account solely told a narrative of how we felt during the test drive, but we did not delve much into the actual specifications of either model. The technical aspects of these fine machines are the focus of today’s blog post. The 2014 E-Class boasts an improved system of superior quality.
Though both the E350 and E550 are part of the Mercedes-Benz brand, they maintain a very distinctive character. Regardless of particular preferences or tastes, the meticulous care placed into designing and engineering these cars overshadows any luxury competitor.
This vehicle is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 DOHC with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, which churns out 302 horsepower and 273 ft-lb of torque. To assist with handling, the AGILITY CONTROL® independent front strut suspension and independent rear multi-link suspension – both with stabilizer bar and coil strings – make the ride as smooth as silk. It offers an automatic transmission that includes a manual mode with paddler shifters for those with a slightly more adventurous spirit.
Safety is paramount to the people at Mercedes-Benz, which is why the German automaker created the Intelligent Drive. It combines a series of advanced sensors that keep the driver alert, as well as provide autonomous reactions that ensure safety. Cameras and radars, set at points meticulously chosen by engineers, provide short and long-range views: these control the various collision alerts that inform you of the location of other vehicles on the road, including those in blind spots. The optional DISTRONIC PLUS® adaptive cruise control decelerates and accelerates automatically based upon the flow of traffic.
The 4MATIC® all-wheel drive coupled with the 17” five-spoke wheels will help you maintain traction at all times. And did we mention the Parktronic with active parking assist? That’s right: this car can park itself.
This finely-tuned machine boasts a 4.6-liter biturbo V8 engine boasts direct fuel injection and puts out 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with 18” AMG® twin five-spoke wheels and the 4MATIC® all-wheel drive to help ensure that you are ready for this car’s strength – it hits 60 MPH in 4.9 seconds. In the convertible (as stated in the previous post) the AIRCAP® system prevents drafts while the AIRSCARF® provides gentle warmth from heaters at the back of your neck.
In both the E350 and E550, there are multiple safety features that assist drivers in detecting, avoiding and surviving a collision. While some features were already mentioned in preceding paragraphs, we’ll delve into a few more that you can find standard in both models. One of the most useful is the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) that monitors the car’s response to driving inputs like steering and braking, and it will automatically respond when needed to help keep the car on course. The Brake Assist can instantly maximize braking pressure should it detect a situation that requires a short stopping distance. There are nine meticulously installed airbags, as well as restraints, that reduce chances for injury, including whiplash.
The standard Mercedes-Benz mbrace® system is beyond compare. It can automatically alert emergency response teams (e.g. police and ambulance), transmit the car’s location, activate flashers, unlock the doors, and turn on a few interior lights to assist rescuers.
There are myriad features and options Mercedes-Benz offers as standard that most luxury brands only include at greater cost, labeling it a “premium” package. To get a thorough understanding, it is necessary to speak with one of our knowledgeable brand ambassadors down at Mercedes-Benz of Cary. There, you will work with car enthusiasts who can guide you to the best purchase according to all of your needs.