2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon

Split Personality

Depending on which version you choose, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon can be an upscale people mover, or one of the most practical high-performance cars sold.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon is part of an E-Class lineup that has long been considered the gold standard among midsize luxury sedans, striking a balance among style, ostentation, and performance.

The base-model Mercedes-Benz E350 Wagon has a strong and reasonably fuel-efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine that provides ample acceleration for most motorists. It’s mated to a sophisticated, seven-speed automatic transmission that can skip as many as three gears when downshifting for added power when needed. It also includes Touch Shift manual gear selection, though most Mercedes-Benz E-Class owners will likely leave the gearbox in drive and be done with it.

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The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is available on the Mercedes E350 Wagon. The system delivers added handling prowess and stability on wet pavement, though it only comes with the previous generation’s five-speed automatic gearbox.

At the top of the line is the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon, which remains one of the fastest cars on the road, with more than 500 horses under the hood. Unfortunately, low fuel economy makes this version subject to the federal gas-guzzler tax. The immense power and taut suspension make for an intoxicating driving experience that rivals some sports cars. But most motorists will likely be content with the less-powerful E350 Wagon (and an extra $30,000 in their wallets).

Unlike the E-Class Sedan line, the wagon is not offered in a diesel-powered E320 version.

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Ride and handling qualities tend to be a bit on the softer side in the Mercedes E350 Wagon, especially compared to the performance-oriented E63 AMG version. Fortunately, the latter includes an Airmatic air suspension that allows a motorist to choose between four different ride modes that deliver a ride quality ranging from soft to stiff.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon is equipped with an array of sophisticated chassis control systems, safety features, and comfort and convenience items. First introduced in the top-of-the-line S-Class Sedan, Mercedes-Benz’s Pre-Safe system is standard across the E-Class Wagon line. If sensors detect that a collision is imminent, the seat belts are pre-tensioned.

The system also moves the front seats to put occupants in the safest position relative to the airbags, in case they deploy.

Pre-Safe also closes the sunroof and the side windows, which is especially important in case the car rolls.

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The seat belt-tugging, and window- and sunroof-closing take place whether or not the car actually hits anything. Seat belt pre-tensioners in most cars don’t go off until the car has actually suffered damage, called "deformation." That deformation is also the signal that makes the airbags go off.

Separately, active front-seat head restraints to help reduce whiplash injuries in collisions and no less than eight airbags are included.

A number of the latest high-tech features are optionally available for gadget lovers, but many are offered only in costly equipment packages.

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The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon offers an available third-row seat, which makes it a bona fide alternative to an upscale SUV, though limited legroom makes it usable for children only. It is safer than some other third-row seats, because it is located ahead of the rear axle, not behind.