2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class gets remade

The all-new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan, the German manufacturer’s best seller, is back with a new look as controversial as the time it gained four round headlights for the first time. The new E-class is unoriginal in almost all aspects, starting from the Lexus GS-like front end to the Mitsubishi Galant-like rear lights, with a dash of LEDs in the front bumper to get that Audi effect that is so common nowadays on modified cars here. About the only original bit is the flared rear-side fenders, paying homage to 1950s ‘Ponton’ Mercs, although it doesn’t fit in at all on a modern sedan.

As with all Mercedes-Benz models, the 2010 E-Class midsizer comes in countless variants, and that’s just for the sedan. The exterior gets either oval foglamps or LEDs on the front bumper, trapezoidal or oval exhaust tips under the rear bumper, and various alloy-wheel options. The new model is ever-so-slightly larger than the outgoing model, with torsional rigidity up by 30%, and it is apparently more aerodynamic than before, even with the upright front-end designed to satisfy European pedestrian-safety regulations.

The uninspiring interior is all angular and looks outdated already, with a BMW-like rotary dial for the Audi-like integrated screen. Gadgetry includes Attention Assist that keeps track of steering angle and alerts the driver if they’re getting drowsy with an audible alert and a coffee-cup icon on the dash. Lane departure warning is optional, along with adaptive high-beam headlights that dim when oncoming traffic is approaching. Radar-based cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, 20-disc infotainment system, infrared night-vision and 11 airbags round out the special features.

Engine choices include four, six and eight-cylinder units, offering anything from 136 to 525 hp. The best picks have to be the 292 hp 3.5-litre V6-powered E350, the 388 hp 5.5-litre V8-powered E500, and the 525 hp 6.2-litre boosted V8-powered E63 AMG. Most of the models come with a standard 7-speed automatic gearbox.

An expensive sports kit, worth more than Dhs 15,000 in European pricing, will give any E-Class the ‘fast’ AMG look. The kit adds side skirts, special bumpers, 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, different seat trim, three-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles, aluminium pedals, lowered suspension with a 15 mm drop, and perforated front brake discs with silver calipers.

The 2010 E-Class will hit Dubai and GCC showrooms by summer. Later this year, the E-Class Coupe and Estate body styles will be launched.