2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review by Bill Jackson

Some people think a German luxury sedan should be fast, handle harshly and just generally be a big race car. I don't. I think a German luxury sedan should make you feel bad for not dressing up to drive it; you should want to wear a tie when you're behind the wheel. It should not only be comfortable, it should be composed. For me, driving a car like this isn't about screaming through the countryside like an idiot, it's about driving down the road comfortably in a car that's ready for any conditions that come your way.

With this as the benchmark, the Mercedes E-Class succeeds.

I tested the all-wheel-drive E350 4Matic during an icy, dark and dreary Chicago week. It performed very well in these conditions, including a variety of short city trips and a long, backcountry drive to some ski trails. It had its share of quirks — notably some odd steering personality, as well as some lag in acceleration — but overall I think it's one of the better luxury vehicles I've driven.

See also:

Shifting to neutral N
•► When the vehicle is stationary, depress the brake pedal. •► Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to the first point of resistance. If the engine has been switched off, the au ...

Windshield/headlamp cleaning system
WARNING Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may ignite and burn. You could be seriously burned. Use MB Sum ...

Securing the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away
WARNING Only jack up the vehicle on level ground or on slight inclines/declines. The vehicle could otherwise fall off the jack and injure you or others. If your vehicle is equipped with a whe ...