E400 4MATIC
Tires: 245/45R18 front, 245/40R18 rear
Wheelbase: 113.1 inches
Length: 190 inches
Weight: 4,200 pounds
Fuel capacity: 17.4 gallons
City: 20 mpg
Highway: 26 mpg
Web site: www.mbusa.com
Give us an E-Class anytime. As in the E400 coupe. Redesigned for 2018, the 10th-gen midsize luxury car is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 bi-turbo engine packing 329 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 354 pounds-feet of torque @ 4000 rpm. The 4Matic (four-wheel drive) ride is mated to a standard 9-speed automatic, which can be driven in individual, dynamic, comfort, eco, sport and sport + modes. The independent multilink front and rear suspension works splendidly to absorb unpleasant highway bumps and sudden sharp turns. Returning a weighted response to the driver’s input is a razor-sharp electromechanical power rack-and-pinion system. Zero to 60 in the four-seater is achieved in 5.2 seconds.
The E400’s handsome road presence is dominated by the familiar three-pointed star sitting on the low-positioned mesh grille, a long hood with power domes, with LED headlights. The cabin is extravagant and stylish as is expected of any Benz with dual-zone auto a/c, flat-bottomed power tilt/telescopic steering column, ambient lights, wood veneer on doors and dashboard, circular air vents and a power trunk lid. The previous rotary knob for the Command system has been replaced with a touchpad to control the audio, navigation and phone infotainment on the 12.3-inch display screen. And who can miss the elegant Mercedes analog clock on the dash? Agreed, premium materials abound though we do wish the trunk capacity of 13.1 cubic feet could have been slightly larger.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, Electronic Stability Program, Pre-Safe (partial braking in an emergency), rearview camera, keyless start, active brake assist, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system.
During our test-drive week, we equaled EPA’s 22 combined city/highway mpg in this $61,400-base-priced ride (with options, $84,785). Not inexpensive by any means. But the remarkable car boasts smooth and linear acceleration, incredible handling and steering feel. Truly, the E400 is dream car to take for a spin.
