2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E550 Sport

Few sedans combine muscle and luxury as well as the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E550 Sport, and both drivers and reviewers have taken notice, giving the E550 high marks in just about every category.

The sedan's beefy 382-horsepower, 5.5-liter V8 engine in particular has received acclaim for both its performance and its quietness. It's the same engine Mercedes has dropped into other high-end vehicles, including the S550 sedan, the CL550 coupe, and the GL550 full-size SUV.

The V8 engine links to a smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission, or a five-speed automatic if 4MATIC all-wheel drive has been added as an option. Both transmissions include driver-adaptive programming, which automatically adjusts shift points depending on the driver's style, as well as the Touch Shift feature, which enables the driver to upshift or downshift manually by nudging the shift lever left or right.

Mercedes-Benz has added a new AMG Sport Package as an option for the E550 for 2008. The Sport Package includes a front air dam, rear bumper, and dual chrome exhaust pipes designed by AMG, Mercedes' in-house sport tuner. An AMG steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles and 18-inch five-spoke wheels are also included in this option package.

Other than that, the E550 changes little for 2008. Still, the E550 has plenty to offer drivers, including such standard features as leather upholstery and trim, Black Birdseye Maple interior wood trim, four-zone climate control, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, and a 12-speaker Harmon/Kardon audio stereo system with a six-disc CD changer.

To ensure a smooth ride, the E550 comes equipped with an Airmatic Semi-Active Air Suspension  system, which automatically adjusts the sedan's spring-struts to provide responsive handling as well as an optimal ride over any road surface. An Electronic Stability Program monitors steering and braking to keep the car stable and balanced under aggressive driving, while the sedan's anti-lock brakes include Brake Assist, which provides maximum available braking in an emergency situation.

Safety features include the Pre-Safe system, which closes windows, tensions seat belts, and adjusts the front seats in the event of an impending accident. And for security, a SmartKey remote control system and the Tele Aid GPS-based Stolen Vehicle Recovery program are also included.