2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

DISTRONIC PLUS SAFETY PACKAGE
It's tough to get excited about safety features, but the Distronic Plus Safety Package's features are truly special. The Pre-Safe Brake system uses radar to warn the driver of imminent collision and even applies the brakes to minimize impact.

SPORT PACKAGE
Ok, so the Sport Package only shows outwardly with bigger wheels and comes with a swanky contrasting interior. You should buy it for the stiffened (and lowered) suspension, which properly livens up the car's handling.

Every 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes loaded with standard equipment, providing comfort and convenience that's fully expected from the brand. From burled walnut interior trim accents to 14-way power seats with memory settings to the premium audio system and "mbrace2" navigation system, the E-Class doesn't leave much room for options (though there are some). Front head- and legroom is very good on all models. The rear seats, however, can be a bit cramped in the Coupe and Cabriolet but are very nice in the Sedan and Wagon. Luggage space is impressive across the line, even in the Cabriolet, which has ample usable trunk space.

Combining elements of 1950s sedans and coupes with muscular rear fenders and its signature front-end design, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is both distinctive and recognizably Mercedes. The Coupe's lack of a B-pillar gives it a smooth look and an air of class. The Cabriolet shares the Coupe's modified grille and boasts an elegant soft top that blends nicely into its sharp bodylines with a classic look. The Wagon is an unsung hero. From some vantage points, its roofline appears to carry a descending curve from front to back, while from other spots it almost seems to be a straight line to an expansive rear cargo area.

For 2013, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has four engine choices and one hybrid gasoline/electric unit. Gasoline engines include the 210-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 BlueTEC diesel; a 302-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 in E350 variants; a 402-horsepower, 4.6-liter V8 for the E550 cars and the monster 518-horsepower, 5.5-liter V8 in the E63 AMG sedan and wagon. All E-Class engines run through a 7-speed automatic transmission with optional manual paddle shifting. The 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is available with either the 3.5-liter V6 or the 4.6-liter V8. The E63 AMG cars are equipped with the tuner's Speedshift transmission with Race Start and rev matching.

3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 (BlueTEC)
210 horsepower @ 3,400 rpm
400 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-2,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/32

3.5-liter V6 (E350)
302 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500-5,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/30 mpg (Sedan), 19/29 mpg (4Matic), 20/28 mpg (Coupe), 19/28 mpg (Cabriolet), 19/27 mpg (AWD Wagon)

3.5-liter V6/electric motor (Hybrid)
302 horsepower (gasoline engine), 27 hp (electric)
273 lb-ft of torque (gasoline engine), 207 lb-ft of torque (electric)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA

4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 (E550)
402 horsepower @ 5,000-5,750 rpm
443 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/26 mpg (AWD Sedan), 17/27 mpg (Coupe), 16/25 mpg (Cabriolet)

5.5-liter V8 (E63 AMG)
518 horsepower @ 5,250-5,750 rpm (550 horsepower optional)
516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700-5,000 rpm (590 lb-ft of torque optional)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 mpg (Sedan), 15/23 mpg (Wagon)

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class models start with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of right around $52,000 for the two-door E350 Coupe. The V8-equipped E550 Coupe is near $59,000. The Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan begins at about $52,000, with 4Matic all-wheel drive adding $2,500 to that. The 2013 E350 BlueTEC diesel starts at around $53,500. The E550 Sedan starts just over $61,000, and is standard with all-wheel drive. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon begins at near $59,000. The power-hungry will find the E63 AMG-tuned four-door Sedan at over $90,000. Options and packages can add tens of thousands to the price of any 2012 E-Class. Resale values should be equal to or better than some competitors, such as Audi's A6 and the Cadillac STS, but may fall behind the BMW 5 Series or Infiniti M. As always, be sure to check out the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area paying for the 2013 E-Class models.

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