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:

    Checklist before driving off-road
    ► Engine oil level: check the engine oil and top it up if necessary. The vehicle can only guarantee a smooth supply of oil on steep stretches if there is a sufficient level of engine oil ...

    Locking and unlocking centrally
    The SmartKey centrally locks/unlocks: • the doors • the trunk lid • the fuel filler flap 1 Locks the vehicle 2 Unlocks the trunk lid 3 Unlocks the vehicle When unlocking, the turn signals ...

    Important safety notes
    WARNING When operating the climate control, the air that enters the passenger compartment through the air vents can be very hot or very cold (depending on the set temperature). This could c ...