Mercedes-Benz E350

The Mercedes-Benz E350 four-door sedan was introduced in 2006 as a replacement for the E320. And in keeping with the Mercedes standard practice of naming its vehicles after the engine size, the E350 was equipped with a 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 engine that produced 268 horsepower, up from 221 horsepower for the E320.

The E350 was equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission with electronically controlled shifting and a driver-adaptive programming that adjusted shift points depending on the driver's style. The transmission also included an Optimum Gear that selected, at a nudge of the shift lever, the best gear for acceleration or braking, as well as a Comfort mode, which adjusted upshifts at a lower rpm for better control in difficult driving conditions.

The E350 was also equipped with an Electronic Stability Program that monitored steering and braking to keep the car stable and balanced under aggressive driving. All-speed traction control, anti-lock brakes, and Brake Assist, which provided maximum available braking in an emergency situation, were also part of the package. The automaker's 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system was available as an option.

Other standard features were extensive, and included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, dual front and side airbags, leather seats, and a premium stereo system with a CD player.

For 2007, Mercedes added at no extra cost an optional E-Class Sport Package that included sculpted side skirts, a sport rear bumper with dual exhaust, 18-inch 10-twin-spoke wheels, perforated disc brakes, headlamp washers, and a sport suspension. Inside, the Sport Package added Black Birdseye Maple wood trim and a matte chrome instrument cluster with white gauges.

The vehicle also received a standard glass sunroof and a new Pre-Safe advanced safety system for 2007.