2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan (E350, E320, E550)

Mercedes-Benz's E-Class range has long been the automaker's bread-and-butter lineup. Direct descendents of the rattly, yet long-lasting diesel sedans of the '70s and early '80s, the E-Class has seen considerable evolution over the years to the highly refined vehicles of today.

Price-wise, the bottom of the range belongs to the E350 sedan. Featuring a 3.5 liter V6 engine pumping out 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque and a seven speed automatic, the E350 is hardly a base model. 17' wheels, glossy wood trim, a harman/kardon audio system and dual zone automatic climate controls are feature highlights.

For just $1,000 more, the E320 Bluetec delivers prodigious torque and high fuel economy ratings. Available in all 50 states and all of Canada for 2008, the E320 Bluetec packs a 3.0 liter turbodiesel V6 producing 210 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. of torque. 2008 EPA fuel figures (modified over the 2007 and earlier testing procedures) are 23 miles per gallon city, 32 on the highway, putting the E320 Bluetec at the top of the charts in its class by a wide margin. The E320 Bluetec is otherwise identical to the E350 other than the substitution of 16' wheels. Forget everything you know about diesels with the Bluetec model; low emissions, an especially smooth idle and little to no increase in noise over the E350's V6 come with the added torque and increased fuel economy.

The E550 comes with a 5.5 liter V8 engine producing 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft. of torque. Like the E350 and E320 Bluetec, the E550 features a seven speed automatic with the ability to select gears manually via the gear lever. The E550 also trumps the other models with standard full leather upholstery (compared to a mix of leather and MB Tex vinyl), four-zone automatic climate controls, 18' wheels and an air suspension.

For 2008, E350 and E550 models feature an optional $2,000 AMG Sport package, which includes steering wheel mounted manual shift paddles, an AMG-designed body kit and unique 18' wheels. This isn't to be confused with the no-cost Sport Package (nee AMG), which features different bodywork, blue-tinted glass, different 18' wheels, a lowered suspension and no shift paddles.

Major options include the Premium 1 Package, which includes a navigation system and heated front seats (ventilated in E550s) and the Premium 2 Package, which adds Keyless Go and adaptive Xenon headlamps.

The E350 and E550 are also available with 4Matic all wheel drive. 4Matic adds $1,500 to the price and substitutes a five speed automatic.