2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class spans an array of all wheel and rear wheel drive luxury sedans and wagons that come in a variety of trims that offer a choice of four engines and two drivetrains to accommodate a variety of discriminating luxury car drivers. There have been no significant changes for the 2008 model year, with the exception of the addition of a new AMG Sport Options Package for the E350 and the E550. With MSRPs ranging from about $50,000 to well over $80,000, the E-Class is not an inexpensive car. However, it is a sleek, safety rich and luxuriously feature rich ride that offers plenty of passenger and driver enjoyment while harmoniously enticing the senses.
The abundant variety of possible E-Class configurations only adds to the alluring appeal of the car. The E320 Bluetec is only available as a sedan and features a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt-telescoping steering column, a Harman Kardon surround sound audio system with a CD changer and auxiliary audio jack and 10-way power front seats with memory. Its 3.0 liter turbodiesel V6 engine delivers 210 horsepower and takes the E320 from 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds. EPA estimates are excellent at 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The E350 is available in both sedan and wagon body styles and is equipped identically to the E320, with the E350 being eligible for a no cost Sport Options Package that substitutes 18 inch wheels, a low profile sport suspension system, chrome tailpipes, tinted glass and chic interior wood trim accents. The E350 effortlessly glides onward with its 268 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 engine and is available with either rear wheel or all wheel drive. Acceleration is relatively quick, and the E350 accomplishes going from 0 to 60 in about 6.5 seconds. Fuel economy is satisfactory for this model, which has been rated at 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The sedan only E550 comes with the Sport Options Package and leather upholstery, 4 zone automatic climate control and semi-active air suspension. Power is supplied by a 5.5 liter V8 engine that delivers 382 horsepower and quickly goes from 0-60 in 5.2 seconds. All wheel drive is optional. The rear wheel drive version has EPA estimates of 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The E63 AMG high performance sedan or wagon adds on to the list of standard features for the E550 with heated front seats, satellite radio, a split folding rear seat, unique interior enhancements, and highly regarded AMG performance and style package that includes a track calibrated sport suspension, advanced braking system and unique AMG specific interior style and options. This super coupe is powered by an astounding 507 horsepower 6.2 liter V8 engine and it will soar past you doing 0 to 60 in just 4.3 seconds.
Non-AMG models are eligible for options packages that bundle several popular features such as sunroof, navigation system, heated and ventilated seats and more. All rear wheel drive E-Class versions are equipped with a 7 speed automatic transmission and the all wheel drive models come with a 5 speed automatic. The E63 AMG comes with ‘Speedshift’ – Mercedes proprietary system that prevents excessive up shifts in turns and enables 50% faster gear changes.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class includes the only diesel powered mid size luxury sedan on the market today (the E320 Bluetec) and it does an excellent job of combining outstanding fuel economy with an exhilarating powertrain. The gas powered E350 offers a lively driving experience and average fuel economy. Sports car enthusiasts will savor the extreme power of the E550 and E63. The entire 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineup offers sophisticated styling, elegantly appointed interiors, ample power and impressive performance-there really is an excellent mid size luxury car here to satisfy just about all personalities and preferences.
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