2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Base

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 was powered by a 5.5-liter, 32-valve V8 engine that produced 382 horsepower. The engine was linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission with electronically controlled shifting and driver-adaptive programming that automatically adjusted shift points depending on the driver's style. The transmission also featured an Optimum Gear that selected, when the driver nudged the shift lever, the best gear for acceleration or braking. Another transmission feature was a driver-selectable Comfort mode, which adjusted upshifts at a lower rpm for better control in difficult driving conditions.

The E550 was equipped with a number of features that were becoming common in Mercedes' mid- and high-range vehicles. For instance, the E550 came 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.

Also new was a PRE-SAFE system, which works with the Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program to sense impending accidents. In the event of an accident, the system makes adjustments to seats and closes the sunroof and windows to ensure optimal safety for the driver and passengers.

Other features standard for the E550 included a four-zone automatic climate control, heated 10-way power front seats with three memory settings, luxury upholstery and trim, Burl Walnut wood trim, electronic cruise control, a power tilt and sliding glass sunroof, a SmartKey keyless entry system, and a 12-speaker Harmon/Kardon digital surround-sound stereo system with a CD player, CD changer, and optional DVD navigation system.

The E550 was also available with, at no extra cost, an optional Sport Package that included sculpted side skirts, a sport rear bumper with dual exhaust, 18-inch 10-twin-spoke wheels, perforated disc brakes, headlight 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 E550's extreme power was the component that most impressed drivers, who also liked the car's handling, smooth ride, and styling. On the downside, some drivers noted the E550 tended to guzzle fuel, while others noted problems with repairs and Mercedes' customer service.