5
0
Premium midsize car; Built in Germany
  • 2-door convertible
  • 2-door coupe
  • 4-door sedan
  • 4-door wagon
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $18,000 – $72,000*


2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4-door sedan front


2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4-door sedan rear


2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior


2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2-door coupe


2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2-door coupe

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Build quality
  • Cargo room
  • Quietness
  • Ride
  • Brake performance
Cons:
  • Cargo room (coupe/conv.)
  • Fuel economy
  • Rear-seat comfort (coupe/conv.)

Our Recommended nod goes to the E-Class sedan. It’s comfortable, quiet, and as luxurious as you would expect a Mercedes-Benz to be. All but the power hungry will find the V6 model sufficient for everyday use. Coupes share many of the sedan’s virtues, but cramped interior accommodations make them more suitable for single folks or empty-nesters. Convertibles are pricey but extraordinarily well engineered. AIRCAP is a thoughtful solution to the problem of not being able to carry on a conversation or listen to the radio with the top down. The convertible adds further strength to an already solid lineup. The E63 AMG delivers world-class acceleration and handling, yet can be comfortably driven every day.

Overview

Redesigned for 2010, the long-lived Mercedes-Benz E-Class gained freshened styling, new features, and a new body style. Mercedes’ premium-midsize car came as a four-door sedan and a new-for-2010 two-door coupe with pillarless hardtop styling, which was essentially a slightly larger replacement for the CLK. Most of the powertrains from the 2009 E-Class carried over for 2010. Reprising their roles were the entry-level E350 and high-end E550. Also offered were the high-performance E63 sedan, as tuned by Mercedes’ AMG performance arm. E350s held a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. E550s had a 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8. The 2010 E63 adopted the 518-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 from the larger S63. A seven-speed automatic transmission was standard on all 2010 E-Class models. All models had standard rear-wheel drive, but E350/E550 sedans offered Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

Standard safety features included antilock braking, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain-side airbags with rollover deployment, front-side airbags, front hip-protecting side airbags, and a driver-knee airbag. Rear-side airbags were an option. Mercedes’ driver-adjustable air suspension was standard on the E550 sedan. Among the new features available on the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class were adaptive high-beam headlights, which include a camera designed to recognize oncoming traffic and adjusts lamp intensity between low and high beams. Also new for the E-Class were a night-vision system and Mercedes’ active multi-contour seats with massage function. Other options available on most models included a navigation system, a rearview camera, an electronic trunk closer, keyless access and engine start, and adaptive cruise control. The sedan’s optional Sport Package included specific wheels and trim. Similar features were available on the coupe as part of its Appearance Package. Competitors included the BMW 5-Series, Infiniti M, and Jaguar XF.

Yearly Updates

2011 E-Class
For 2011, the E-Class lineup expanded with the addition of a diesel sedan as well as new convertible and station wagon body styles. The four-door sedan and two-door coupe versions of Mercedes’ premium-midsize car saw no major changes. New for 2011 was the turbodiesel E350 BlueTEC sedan with a 210-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. The coupe and convertible came only as the E350 and E550. A seven-speed automatic transmission was standard on all E-Class models. All coupe, sedan, and convertible models had standard rear-wheel drive. Only E350 and E550 sedans offered Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The station wagon was AWD only and had the gasoline V6 engine.
2012 E-Class
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class line got more-powerful engines along with a high-performance version of the station wagon. The E350’s 3.5-liter V6 gained 34 horsepower. The E550 got a 402-hp 4.6-liter turbocharged V8 to replace a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8. The rear-drive E550 sedan was dropped, so all now came only with all-wheel drive. The performance-oriented E63 added a wagon version, and all models got a new 518-hp 5.5-liter turbocharged V8 to replace a 6.2-liter V8; an optional AMG Performance Package boosted it to 550 hp.
2013 E-Class
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineup gained a new gas/electric hybrid sedan and 4MATIC all-wheel drive for the coupe. The coupe and convertible now had heated seats as standard equipment, and all models received electromechanical power steering as well as the updated mbrace2 telematics system.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

E350 models use a 3.5-liter V-6 engine rated at 268 horsepower, or 302 starting in 2012. Early E550 models had a 5.5-liter V8 developing 382 horsepower; for 2012, it was replaced by a turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 with 402 hp. A 518-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 went into the E63 AMG until 2012, when it was replaced by a turbocharged 5.5-liter of the same rating. The E350 BlueTEC has a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, developing 210 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. The E400 Hybrid mated the 302-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor for a combined 329 horsepower. All E-Class models use a seven-speed automatic transmission. The E350 coupe, sedan, and wagon have been available with all-wheel drive, as has the E550 sedan.

Turbodiesel dohc V64
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.0/182
Engine HP 210
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 400
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automatic

 22/33
dohc V61
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/213
Engine HP 268-302
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 258-273
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automatic

 18/26

 19.5
dohc V6/electric7
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/213
Engine HP 329
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 480
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automatic

 24/30
dohc V82
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.5/333
Engine HP 382
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 391
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automatic

 16/24

 17.1
Turbocharged dohc V85
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.6/281
Engine HP 402
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 443
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automatic

 16/27
dohc V83
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 6.2/379
Engine HP 518
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 465
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automatic

 13/20

1. E350. 2. E550; 2010-2011 models. 3. E63; 2010-2011 models. 4. E350 BlueTEC. 5. E550; 2012-2013 models. 6. E63; 2012-2013 models. 7. E400 Hybrid.

Road Test

Early E350 models have plenty of power but require large throttle inputs in order to extract the most performance. V8 models are appreciably stronger than their V6 counterparts, and the smaller, lighter coupes are livelier than their sedan siblings. Mercedes has quoted a 6.5-second 0-60 mph acceleration time for the E350 sedan and 5.2 for the E550 sedan. The E350 coupe was clocked at 6.2 seconds 0-60 by the manufacturer; the E550 coupe was timed at 5.0 seconds. Though it doesn’t feel as fast as Mercedes’ estimate, the E550 is still plenty quick. Convertibles are heavier than their coupe and sedan counterparts, and acceleration is blunted in comparison. The transmission in the E350 convertible has to shift frequently to keep up with demand in hill-and-dale driving. An E550 convertible has plenty of smooth power. The turbocharged V8 fitted to E550s for 2012 is as quick as its predecessor. The E63 AMG with either engine is a rocket; Mercedes-Benz claims 4.4 seconds 0-60 mph, and it feels about that fast. Its seven-speed transmission shifts with more authority than in the E350/550, but it’s never harsh.

Fuel economy is so-so. In Consumer Guide testing, a rear-drive E350 sedan averaged 21.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. An AWD E350 sedan averaged 20.4 mpg. An E350 coupe averaged 17.9 mpg in mixed city/highway use. E550 coupes averaged 17.1 mpg in city/highway driving and 20.9 mpg with mostly highway use. With convertibles, an E350 averaged an excellent 25.8 mpg in all highway driving; an E550 averaged 21.2 mpg with more highway driving than city use. All except the diesel BlueTEC require premium-grade gas. Available in all 50 states, the E350 BlueTEC uses an exhaust-treatment system that requires periodic dealer maintenance.

Most E-Class models respond well to dips and swells in the highway surface–even those with optional sport suspensions. V8 sedans came standard with a computer-aided air suspension that was designed to react differently under low-speed and high-speed conditions, controlling each wheel independently based on sensor inputs. With it, the ride remains as supple in the E550 as it is in the lighter E350 sedan. Coupes and convertibles exhibit decent body control. Because of their performance suspension, E550 models suffer from noticeable impact in the cabin. E550 convertibles suffer from noticeable, though not annoying, cowl shake. E350 convertibles are coupe-solid with the top up. As expected, an E63 is the firmest of the bunch, but it’s still comfortable as a daily driver, even with its adjustable suspension at its most taut setting.

Any E-Class offers pleasant and capable handling, but all fall well short of being outright sporty. We’ve noticed some body lean in fast turns. Steering feel has seemed sloppy to some testers, even on versions equipped with the Sport Package. Braking is highly responsive, easy to modulate, and impeccably secure. The exception is the E63, which has firm, direct steering, outstanding body control, and strong brakes.

Wind and road noise are well suppressed in all models. V8s are slightly quieter than V6s under acceleration, but even then the V6 can hardly be considered “loud.” When the optional panoramic sunroof is open, wind rush is well contained up to about 70 mph. The convertible’s novel AIRCAP works as advertised. Normal conversation is possible at highway speeds with the top down and AIRCAP deployed. E63 produces a throaty, muscle-car grunt during acceleration. It never fully goes away while cruising, but it’s hardly unpleasant.

The transmission shift lever in sedans moved to the steering column; coupes retained a console-mounted shifter. The controller dial for the COMAND system that programs audio and navigation systems is within easy and comfortable reach on the center console in all body styles. That system still requires some work to access and establish preferred audio and navigation settings. Some functions can also be carried out by an array of buttons on the console. The steering-column stalk for the cruise control is still located in a place where it can be confused for the turn signal and wiper stalk–a long-standing complaint. The convertible top powers up and down in about 20 seconds, which can be done at speeds up to 25 mph. Sedans and coupes have different dashboard and door-panel designs, but each is made up of price-appropriate materials. Colors and textures are varied, and wood and metal highlights raise the chic factor. Sedans adopted the nighttime ambient cabin lighting from the larger S-Class.

In sedans, front-seat headroom and legroom are ample, even for taller or longer-legged drivers. Headroom in the coupe and convertible is much more limited. Seats are comfortable and supportive. The S-Class’ multi-contour seats with a massage function in the backrest have been available in E-Class sedans and coupes.

In sedans, two adults fit nicely across the rear seat, but three might find things crowded. Legroom is adequate but not generous. A comfortable seatback angle and good headroom are found under the sedan roof. It’s a completely different story in the coupe and convertible, where most adults will find their heads rubbing the headliner. Legroom is also in very short supply. Though not as awkward as in some coupes and convertibles, entry and exit are not nearly as easy as they are in the sedans.

Sedans feature a deep, flat-floored trunk, but the coupe trunk is smaller and the floor rises slightly at the back, just behind the rear seats. Split-folding rear seatbacks have been available. Convertibles have less space, as they need a place to stow the top. As such, convertibles only have enough cargo room to accommodate a weekend’s worth of soft luggage for two. They also have a center pass-through, which can allow for loading longer items. With the shifter moved off the console in sedans, space is freed up for a pair of cupholders. Each body style features a console box with a split top that can be accessed from either the driver or passenger side, but the box in the sedan is larger.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 AWD w/Sport package

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 7
70%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 7
70%
Quietness - 8
80%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 8
80%
Room/Comfort Rear - 6
60%
Cargo Room - 5
50%

Other

Value - 8
80%

Total: 67

Specifications

2-door convertible
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
106.9 185.0 73.6 54.0
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
13.8 17.4 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.2 35.8 41.3 32.9
2-door coupe
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
106.9 185.0 73.6 54.0
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
15.9 17.4 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.2 35.8 41.3 32.9
4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
113.1 191.7 75.9 57.6
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
19.1 21.1 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
37.9 38.2 41.3 35.8
4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
113.1 192.7 75.9 58.9
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
79.0 21.1 7
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.3 39.8 41.3 35.8
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2010 E-Class 4-door sedan

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Seat
Description: The pneumatic four-way lumbar support in the seat may quit working because the valve gets stuck and rapping on it with a tool (screwdriver handle) releases it. (2010)
Suspension problems
Description: The rear suspension may sag after sitting due to a leak in the suspension element(s). (2010)
Water leak
Description: Bad seal on seam can allow water to enter trunk near left tail lamp. (2013)
Windshield washer
Description: The low washer fluid warning may appear when the reservoir is full if distilled water is used instead of tap water, if ratio of solvent to water is too low or if the mix is nearly all washer concentrate. (2010-11)
Electrical problem
Description: The analog clock may run slow or stop working if the interior temperature gets too hot requiring replacement of the instrument cluster. (2010)
Electrical problem
Description: Side marker lights may be continuously on because of damaged circuit. (2010, 2013)
Electrical problem
Description: Malfunction in fuse or relay boxes may result in the engine not starting. (2012-13)
Electrical problem
Description: Parking sensors may not recognize obstacles because of low-voltage situation. (2013)

Recall History

2010-11 E-Series coupe/cabriolet
Description: On certain vehicles, power steering system might fail due to loss of fluid.
2011 E-Series diesel
Description: On certain vehicles, O-ring may not have been properly lubricated, which could lead to leakage from the fuel filter.
2011 W212 and S212
Description: On certain vehicles manufactured from July 8-12, 2010, insufficient adhesive between vibration damper and its inner ring could cause sudden separation of the ring from the damper.
2011 E-Series diesel
Description: Diesel fuel filter may leak from around the heating component onto the road surface.
2011-2012 E350
Description: Fuel-filter flange may crack under high temperatures, resulting in a leak and possibly a fire.
2012 E350 and E550 coupe
Description: Improper stitching of right-side curtain airbag could impede deployment.
2013 E-Class
Description: A rubber seal at the back of the engine bay may stick to the hood when it is opened and could then fall into the engine compartment where it could possibly come into contact with the exhaust system and start a fire.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
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