2010 MERCEDES-BENZ E550: Pinch me … I must be dreaming

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/07/2009 (6241 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

QUEBEC CITY — So here I am in Quebec City. Half a Frenchman who can barely speak French. I’m driving a German luxury car. To my right, riding shotgun, is a British-born Canadian automotive journalist.

The absurdity of the scene was not lost on me.

My latest trek to Quebec City was akin to winning the Showcase Showdown on the Price is Right. My pseudo-prize package included a first-class flight to Quebec City, a two-night stay in the luxurious Auberge Saint-Antoine hotel and enough fine French cuisine to gain 10 pounds in three days. Pinch me, I must be dreaming.

All kidding aside, there was a distinct reason for my trip. To test-drive the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe.

To get you up to speed, the E-Class Coupe replaces the CLK model and, although it shares many of the styling elements found on the E-class sedan, the coupe version is a distinct model in its own right that is available as either an E550 or an E350. Both models are rear-wheel drive. The E350 features a V6 engine that churns out an impressive 268 horsepower, while the E550 is equipped with a mighty 382 horsepower V8 engine that propels the sporty coupe from zero to 100 km/h in a scant 5.6 seconds. Both engines are linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission that includes steering-wheel-mounted paddles for manual-style control.

The chance to drive these beauties had me more than a little excited, and that excitement transformed into all-out titillation when I spotted the fleet of multi-coloured E-Class Coupes parked in front of our hotel. The good folks from Mercedes had mapped out an exciting test route that offered up some amazing Quebec scenery.

I was paired up with Tony Whitney, a veteran Canadian automotive television host and an award-winning journalist from Richmond, B.C. Whitney is also a really nice guy with a James Bond accent who knows a thing or two about Mercedes-Benz. He suggested we opt for a sleek black E550 coupe, and I quickly concurred.

I climbed into the passenger seat, and in mere moments Whitney and I were out on the open road talking cars. We were in the fast lane and it initially seemed odd that no one was riding our tail, because from where I was sitting it felt like we were barely moving. I glanced over at the speedometer and was pleasantly surprised to note that we were in fact travelling a few clicks faster than the posted limit.

The first highway we travelled on was as smooth as a billiard table, and the E550 rolled along as quiet as a church mouse. Apparently, driving too slow in the left lane is also a Quebec pastime, and when Whitney mashed the gas pedal and moved to the right to pass, the lion was unleashed. The best way to describe this car is an iron fist wrapped in a velvet glove. The growl that erupted from the dual exhaust pipes brought an immediate grin to my face. In the blink of an eye, we were back in the fast lane, cruising silently to our next checkpoint.

When it was my turn to take the wheel we were greeted with a series of twisty roads that really made the E550 shine. Whitney encouraged me to have a little fun, but not too much, and I’ve got to tell you, I was instantly hooked. Compared to most of the cars I’ve driven in my life, the E550 is as quiet as a bank vault, but the powerful engine can generate speed that sneaks up on you at an alarming rate. The E550 Coupe is the best blend of power and luxury I have ever experienced. Given the opportunity, I would have loved to just keep on driving all the way to Nova Scotia.

Following a gourmet lunch that had so many courses I lost count, we also got the chance to test out the E350 Coupe and, although it is a little less spirited under the hood, it is every bit as luxurious and sporty as the E550.

In addition to being a very sleek-looking and fast-moving machine, the E-Class Coupe is also loaded with all the features one would expect from a Mercedes. Safety, both passive and active, is a big priority in all their models, and the E-Class coupe is no exception. Standard safety features include a class-leading nine airbags and active head restraints that move forward during a rear impact. The Attention Assist feature uses front and rear-mounted radar sensors to monitor steering inputs and detect driver drowsiness. Optional Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe braking applies the brakes when it detects an impending impact in order to limit the severity of a collision. The future has arrived.

The grocery-list of standard features on both models is brilliant and would require an entirely separate article to list, while the available options truly encompass every modern feature your motoring mind can conjure.

It is important for me to note that I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. In fact, it was a fork, and on the end of that fork was a great deal of Kraft Dinner.

Back in the day, as an auto detailer, I had the chance to pretend for a few moments that I actually owned one of the many Mercedes-Benz cars I had cleaned. I never imagined that I’d ever have the chance to actually own one. With a starting MSRP of $58,600 for the E350, and $68,200 for the E550, Mercedes-Benz has built a very sporty and beautiful car that is precariously attainable, even for your local auto writer.

 

RIDING SHOTGUN

Tony Whitney

Automotive Journalist/Television Host

The good: A stunning and important-looking car that stands out in a competitive market where looks are extremely important.

The bad: The instruments are a bit too complex, but more time with the car would likely alleviate that. It would be nice if luxury automakers like Mercedes simplified the controls.

The verdict: A great-looking and comfortable car with excellent handling. Most drivers will find the E350 more than adequate. This car will be a very strong seller.