Safety & Features

As of this writing, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested the E-Class wagon. (IIHS has tested the E-Class sedan, but because of the structural differences, those results don't apply here.) Nine airbags, including curtains for the first two rows, are standard; so is an electronic stability system, active front head restraints and antilock brakes. Mercedes' Attention Assist system — which monitors various parameters (steering behavior, for example) for signs of driver drowsiness and alerts you if it detects any — is also standard. Click here for a full list of safety features.

A host of safety options includes second-row side airbags, blind spot and lane departure warning systems, collision detection with automatic braking, and night vision with pedestrian detection.

Standard features on the E350 wagon include all-wheel drive, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a moonroof and a CD stereo with an auxiliary jack. Leatherette upholstery is standard. It's decent stuff, as faux leather goes, but why genuine cowhide isn't standard on a near-$60,000 car is beyond me. Leather is optional, as are a panoramic moonroof, the Harman Kardon audio system, a navigation system, heated and ventilated seats, and xenon headlights. The Sport Package, with a firmer suspension and unique exterior and interior appointments, is a no-cost option, and Mercedes expects the vast majority of buyers to choose it. Bah.

Load an E350 wagon to the hilt, and the price can crest $75,000.

    See also:

    Checking the coolant level
    Only check the coolant level when the vehicle is on a level surface and the engine has cooled down. – Turn the SmartKey to position 2 (Y page 139) in the ignition lock. On vehicles with KEYLES ...

    Copying music files from audio CDs to the hard disk
    Audio files can be copied from CD to COMAND's hard disk. Select Audio by sliding and turning the COMAND controller and press to confirm. Switch on CD/audio DVD or MP3 mode. Select a m ...

    Cruise control lever
    Cruise control lever 1 To store the current speed or a higher speed 2 To store the current speed or a lower speed 3 To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS 4 To store the current speed or to call up the la ...