The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 stands as a testament to luxury and engineering, offering a blend of comfort, technology, and performance. This model year brought with it a range of configurations and options, allowing buyers to tailor their E350 to their specific needs and preferences. Let’s delve into the standard features, available upgrades, and packages that defined the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350.
Standard Features of the 2010 E350 Sedan and Coupe
The base 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 sedan was well-equipped from the start, boasting a selection of premium features designed to enhance the driving experience. It rolled on 17-inch wheels and featured a sunroof to bring in natural light. Inside, drivers benefited from a power tilt-telescoping steering wheel for optimal driving position, and power front seats with memory functions to recall preferred settings. The cabin was appointed with MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery, offering a durable and upscale feel, and dual-zone automatic climate control ensured personalized comfort for both driver and passenger. Auto-dimming mirrors added convenience and safety, while the COMAND electronic interface system provided control over various vehicle functions. For entertainment and connectivity, the E350 included Bluetooth and an eight-speaker stereo system complete with an in-dash six-CD changer and auxiliary audio jack.
Alt text: Interior view of a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan showcasing the dashboard, seats, and steering wheel, emphasizing the luxurious cabin.
The E350 Coupe offered a similar level of standard equipment but with unique touches that catered to its sportier nature. It featured a panoramic sunroof, expanding the sense of openness, and leather upholstery as standard, adding a further touch of luxury. Sport seats provided enhanced lateral support, and it came with a single-CD player, reflecting potentially different audio preferences for coupe buyers.
Stepping Up: The E550 and AMG Enhancements
For those seeking more power and enhanced features, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 represented a significant step up. Compared to the E350 sedan, the E550 was distinguished by its more powerful V8 engine, delivering increased performance. It also incorporated an air suspension for a smoother ride, an upgraded braking system for enhanced stopping power, and leather upholstery as standard. Heated seats were also included, adding comfort in colder climates. The E550 coupe further differentiated itself with 18-inch wheels and a sport body kit, giving it a more aggressive exterior appearance. A sport suspension and shift paddles behind the steering wheel added to the sporty driving dynamics, although it notably deleted the heated seats found in the sedan version.
Optional Packages: Tailoring Your E350
Mercedes-Benz offered Sport packages for both the E350 and E550 sedans, allowing for a more dynamic driving experience and aesthetic. These packages typically included 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension for sharper handling, a sport steering wheel, and unique interior trim elements to create a sportier ambiance within the cabin.
Alt text: Close-up of 18-inch alloy wheels featured in the Sport Package for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, highlighting the sporty design and enhanced wheel size.
The Premium 1 Package was available across all 2010 E350 and E550 models and added a significant layer of technology and convenience. Key features included a hard-drive-based navigation system to guide drivers, voice commands for hands-free control, and a rearview camera to aid in parking and maneuvering. Heated front seats were included for the E350 sedan and all coupe models, while ventilated front seats were provided for all sedan models, enhancing comfort in varying temperatures. A power rear sunshade added privacy and helped to keep the cabin cool, and the Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, with digital music storage, HD radio, satellite radio, and an iPod/MP3 player interface, elevated the in-car entertainment experience.
Stepping up further, the Premium 2 package encompassed all the features of the Premium 1 package and added even more advanced technology and luxury features. This included adaptive bi-xenon headlights for improved nighttime visibility, adaptive high-beam assist to automatically adjust headlight beams, and LED daytime running lamps for enhanced visibility and a modern appearance. Sedan models also benefited from a power trunk closer for added convenience, and keyless ignition/entry simplified vehicle access and operation. Ventilated seats were also added for coupes within the Premium 2 package. For sedan models prioritizing safety, the Driver Assistance package offered a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, and a lane-departure warning system to help prevent unintentional lane drifting.
Standalone Options for Further Customization
Beyond packages, the 2010 E350 offered a range of standalone options for buyers seeking even greater personalization. These included parking sensors to further assist with maneuvering in tight spaces, an infrared night-vision display to enhance visibility in low-light conditions, and a panoramic sunroof for sedans to mirror the coupe’s expansive roof. Split-folding rear seats added versatility for carrying larger items, and a rear-seat entertainment system kept rear passengers occupied on longer journeys. Expanded leather upholstery offered a more luxurious cabin ambiance, and a multicontour driver seat with massage function took driver comfort to another level.
The High-Performance E63 AMG
At the pinnacle of the 2010 E-Class range was the E63 AMG. This high-performance variant included all the equipment found in the E550 and further elevated performance and driving dynamics. It featured a larger, more powerful V8 engine, a sport transmission optimized for performance, adjustable drive settings to tailor the driving experience, and an adaptive sport suspension for superior handling. High-performance brakes provided exceptional stopping power, and a sport steering wheel enhanced driver engagement. While the E63 AMG’s Premium 1 package was streamlined to include only the navigation system, rearview camera, and voice commands (as much of the other equipment was already standard), the Premium 2 package and most of the standalone options available on other models were also offered for the E63 AMG, allowing for a customizable high-performance experience. The AMG Performance package pushed the boundaries further with 19-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential for enhanced traction, even sportier suspension tuning, and a leather/Alcantara steering wheel.
In conclusion, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 offered a compelling entry point into the E-Class range, with a strong set of standard features and a wide array of options and packages to cater to diverse needs and preferences. From luxurious comfort to sporty performance enhancements, the 2010 E350 and its related models provided a sophisticated and customizable driving experience in the luxury sedan and coupe segments.
