In the twilight of its model lifetime, we take a final look at one of the most steadfast vehicles ever introduced to the US market by Mercedes-Benz, the E-Class sedan. With South Florida being one of the firm’s two largest markets, (California being the other) and the E-class as seemingly prevalent as the Toyota Camry, LLN checks out the entry-level E 350.

So, What is it?

Seen in European configurations ranging from taxicabs to ambulances, the E-Class is the Mercedes-Benz “everycar.” Here in the States, it is considered a luxury car, and judging by the way it arrives on these shores in full-zoot mode, the five-passenger sedan will remain as such.

Refreshed in 2006, the E-Class is the blank canvas for a variety of applications as seen in these United States. In addition to the 3.5-liter E 350 sedan and wagon, there is the E 320 Bluetec Diesel, the E 550 Sedan, and the E 63 AMG high-performance sedan and wagon. The E 350 and 550 are also available in 4Matic all-wheel-drive modes.

What’s It Up Against?

Competing against the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS, Jaguar XF, and Cadillac STS, it seems as though the E 350 may be a little long in the tooth. But through it all, the company has managed to make sure that the “E” has continued to remain relevant. An example would be the recent introduction of the 50-state-legal E320 Bluetec Diesel.

Any Big Breakthroughs?

The current E 350 broke big with its introduction in the 2005-model year. Previously available in earlier generations as the E 300, then E 320, the big breakthrough is that there are no big breakthroughs in this car. It seems as though every time Mercedes-Benz introduces an innovation on one vehicle, the results trickle down throughout the rest of the line, as well.

Case in point: The new seven-speed automatic transmission with Touchshift. Introduced in the 2004 E 500, became available the following year in the E 350, which increased power and fuel economy throughout its range. Through the use of the AMG steering wheel with paddleshift controls, the driver is able to clutchlessly step through the gears while keeping both hands on the wheel.

The M-B PRE-SAFE system adds value to the overall package by its ability to pre-tension the safety belts, adjust a reclined seat, and close windows in a manner of microseconds, in the event that its sensors anticipate an upcoming event.

As gauged by owner comments on consumer websites, the E continues to get better and better.

How Does It Look?

Certain things are classic. A Weber grill. A Gibson Les Paul guitar. Eggs Benedict. A Rolex Presidential watch. Their designs have withstood the test of time to be recognized the world over as true classics. And so it is with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350. A familiar shape for the past six years, and onward to 2010 where its replacement is scheduled, the E 350 and the rest of the E-Class family do not feature the flamesided designs of BMW’s 5-series, nor the fluid shapes of Audi’s A6 model. Instead what we have is a three-box design that, although refined through the years, has remained fairly consistent.

Through the years, the M-B designers have managed to step the look up, freshening it to reflect the sensibilities of the time. A little chrome here, a little carbon fiber there, to help keep the look relevant. They have largely succeeded.

And Inside?

Quality materials help to make the interior a refined if conservative workplace for the driver and passengers. It is comfortable, but others in the competitive set are on par with the E-class. We like the Comand System AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with harmon/kardon technology, and its ability to sync with certain telephones, but a Bluetooth option should soon be on its way. The iPod/mp3 connectivity through the glove box, although not the most elegant solution, does the job, but it needs to step up into the realm of other systems on the market in order to really shine.

The leather wrapped seats coddle the driver and front passenger with good support and bolstering on all sides. The armrest is comfortable, and other times seem to get in the way. The AMG sport steering wheel (part of the AMG Sport Package) features a thick leather wrapping and shift paddles, that allows the driver to keep both hands on the wheel during spirited romps to the country club (As if!). Our E 350 featured a dark and light combination of beige leather, offset by black plastic panels and nicely finished black Birdseye maple trim throughout the cabin. In place of the loosely upholstered soft padded leather on the door, that looks like it belongs under plastic furniture covers in your grandmother’s apartment at Century Village, we would just pull the material tighter for a cleaner, more modern look.

We like the open feeling that comes with the optional Panorama sunroof ($1010) that our E 350 was equipped with.

But Does It Go?

It gets the job done. The 3.5 –liter V6 is more refined with each iteration that follows. The 24-valves work in concert to provide 268-horsepower at 6000 rpm, and more importantly 258 lb-ft of torque between 2400 and 5000 rpm. With the E-class weighing in at 3740 pounds, that equals out to nearly 14 pounds per pony of available horsepower. While not in the range of an AMG E 63, it is still good for 0-60 times at a respectable 6.5-seconds. The E 350 is electronically limited to 130 mph. The exhaust note sounds aggressive enough, too.

Suspension bits include a four-link with coils up front, and include an anti-dive setup that keeps the E relatively flat during hard braking. Pulling up the rear is a five-link with gas charged shocks and stabilizer bars. The hydraulic speed-sensitive power steering does not seem overly boosted, and provides good feel in both everyday driving and high-speed maneuvering on the interstates. Give the assist to the AMG five-spoke wheels and low-profile18-inch all-season tires for the nimbleness while underway.

The only issue that we had with the E-Class was with the push-button start/stop control on the top of the leather-covered shift knob. Until we made a concerted effort to keep our thumbs from resting there, we occasionally found, while shifting from park to drive or reverse, that the thumb wants to use the button as though it were a transmission lockout switch. As a result, we saw ourselves turning off the car instead of successfully moving it forward or backwards.

Why Would You Buy It?

This is the sedan for you if you like classic design and a look that hasn’t quite grown tired yet. With enough creature comforts inside to carry you through to the end of a three-year-lease, and a somewhat respectable mileage rating of 17 city/ 24 highway, it’s a car that is easy to live with, as long as fuel prices don’t go much further north of $4-dollars per gallon. After that, it’s time to go E 320 Bluetec! I mean really, can 7,500 Beirut taxicab drivers be wrong?

Why You Wouldn’t

If you’re the cool kid on the block that constantly needs to be on the razor’s edge of new design and technology, showing off to your friends a car that can park itself, then look elsewhere. This is not your car.

What Does it Cost?

See our full pricing guide.

Words and photos by Mark Elias