EXTERIOR

With signature bright-eyed circular headlights, the E350 coupe appears alert and ready for the day. The low window height added to the E350's sleek appearance. Not to be mistaken for any other brand, the Mercedes emblem in the grille was astonishingly large — in fact, it was larger than my 6-year-old's head.

As with most coupes, the E350's doors were large, but not cumbersome. When we opened the doors and pulled the front seats forward, my boys had plenty of room to enter the second row. However, child-safety seats aren't as agile as children and it was awkward getting them through this same opening. Not impossible, just awkward.

A world of possibility really opened up when we took a look at the trunk. It was huge. This car could make Costco trips and family vacations easy for everyone. Golf clubs? No problem! Strollers? Bring 'em on!

The E350 coupe has a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that's paired with a standard seven-speed automatic transmission. It gets an EPA-estimated 17/26 mpg city/highway. Don't even think about serving it regular gasoline. Premium gas is all the E350 is able to digest.

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Not Really
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): None

    See also:

    Changing the settings of the lockingsystem
    You can change the setting of the locking system in such a way that only the driver's door and the fuel filler flap are unlocked. This is useful if you frequently travel on your own. ► To ch ...

    Video DVD operation
    Switch on COMAND and select video DVD (see the separate operating instructions). Press the or button on the steering wheel to select the Audio menu. DVD changer display (example) 1 Cu ...

    Override feature for the rear side windows
    WARNING When children ride on the vehicle's rear seats, activate the override switch. Otherwise, the children could be injured, e.g. by trapping themselves in the rear side window. To act ...