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:

    EBD (electronic brake force distribution)
    Observe the "Important safety notes" section. EBD monitors and controls the brake pressure on the rear wheels to improve driving stability while braking. WARNING If EBD has malf ...

    Car radio, CD player and Bluetooth interface as standard
    Nowadays, nobody wants to miss out on the news, the telephone, route guidance or music listening pleasure when in the car. For this reason Mercedes-Benz has equipped the new CLS with state-of-the- ...

    Refrigerant of the air-conditioning system
    The air-conditioning system is filled with R134a refrigerant and a special PAG lubricant. Never use refrigerant R 12 (CFC) or mineral lubricants. Otherwise, you could damage the air-conditioni ...