The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineup offered a variety of models to suit different preferences, but for those seeking a significant boost in power and luxury, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 stood out. Positioned above the standard E350, the E550 delivered a compelling combination of performance enhancements and upscale features that catered to discerning drivers. Let’s delve into what made the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 a desirable choice in the competitive luxury sedan market.
The base E350 model came well-equipped with features designed for comfort and convenience. Standard offerings included 17-inch wheels, a sunroof to brighten the cabin, and a power tilt-telescoping steering wheel for personalized driving positions. Power front seats with memory functions ensured optimal comfort settings were easily recalled, while MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery provided a durable and refined interior surface. Dual-zone automatic climate control maintained ideal temperatures for both driver and passenger, and auto-dimming mirrors enhanced nighttime driving safety. The COMAND electronic interface system managed vehicle functions, complemented by Bluetooth connectivity and an eight-speaker stereo system with an in-dash six-CD changer and auxiliary audio jack for entertainment. The E350 Coupe shared many features but distinguished itself with a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, sport seats, and a single-CD player, catering to a sportier aesthetic.
However, stepping up to the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 brought substantial upgrades, primarily focused on performance and enhanced luxury. The most significant change was under the hood: the E550 boasted a robust V8 engine, delivering significantly more power and torque compared to the E350’s V6. This engine upgrade transformed the driving experience, providing effortless acceleration and a more engaging feel on the road. Beyond the engine, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 also featured an air suspension system, enhancing ride comfort and handling dynamics. An upgraded braking system provided increased stopping power to match the V8 engine’s performance. Inside the cabin, leather upholstery replaced the standard vinyl, and heated seats were added for enhanced comfort in colder climates. These upgrades collectively elevated the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 beyond the base model, creating a more premium and performance-oriented driving experience.
The differences extended to the coupe version as well. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 coupe received further sporty enhancements, including larger 18-inch wheels, a sport body kit for a more aggressive appearance, and a sport suspension for sharper handling. Shift paddles were added to the steering wheel, allowing for manual gear changes and a more engaging driving experience. Interestingly, the E550 coupe, in its standard configuration, did not include heated seats, a feature present in the E550 sedan, suggesting a greater emphasis on sporty aesthetics and performance in the coupe model.
For both the E350 and 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 sedans, Mercedes-Benz offered Sport packages to further tailor the driving experience. These packages typically included 18-inch wheels for a more assertive stance, a sport-tuned suspension for improved handling, a sport steering wheel for enhanced driver feel, and unique interior trim elements to differentiate the sport models visually.
Furthermore, several Premium packages were available across the E-Class range, including the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550. The Premium 1 Package offered a suite of desirable technology and comfort features. It included a hard-drive-based navigation system for advanced route guidance, 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. A power rear sunshade added rear passenger comfort and privacy, and a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with digital music storage, HD radio, satellite radio, and an iPod/MP3 player interface significantly upgraded the in-car entertainment experience.
Building upon the Premium 1 Package, the Premium 2 package for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 added even more advanced technology and convenience features. This package included all items from Premium 1, plus 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 modern aesthetics. Sedan models also gained a power trunk closer for added convenience, while keyless ignition/entry simplified vehicle access and start-up. Ventilated seats were extended to coupe models with the Premium 2 package, ensuring top-level comfort across body styles. For sedan models prioritizing advanced safety systems, the Driver Assistance package was offered, adding a blind-spot warning system to enhance lane change safety, adaptive cruise control to maintain a set distance from vehicles ahead, and a lane-departure warning system to alert drivers of unintentional lane drifting.
Beyond packages, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 sedan offered stand-alone options for further customization. These included parking sensors to simplify parking in tight spaces, an infrared night-vision display to enhance visibility in low-light conditions, a panoramic sunroof to create an open and airy cabin feel, and split-folding rear seats to increase cargo versatility. For rear passengers, a rear-seat entertainment system was available, and expanded leather upholstery and a multicontour driver seat with massage function offered ultimate levels of luxury and comfort.
For those seeking the pinnacle of performance in the 2010 E-Class lineup, the E63 AMG represented the high-performance variant. The E63 AMG included all the standard equipment of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 and then significantly amplified the performance and sporting character. It featured an even more powerful, larger V8 engine, a sport transmission for quicker gear changes, adjustable drive settings to tailor the driving experience, an adaptive sport suspension for track-ready handling, high-performance brakes for exceptional stopping power, and a sport steering wheel to complete the performance-oriented cockpit. Interestingly, the E63 AMG’s Premium 1 package was streamlined, including only the navigation system, rearview camera, and voice commands, as many of the other features were already standard on the AMG model. The Premium 2 package and most of the stand-alone options available on other E-Class models were also offered for the E63 AMG, allowing for further personalization. An AMG Performance package took the performance even further, adding 19-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential for enhanced traction, even sportier suspension tuning, and a leather/Alcantara steering wheel for the ultimate sporty feel.
In conclusion, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 offered a significant step up from the base E350, providing a compelling blend of V8 power, enhanced luxury features, and available technology packages. Positioned between the E350 and the high-performance E63 AMG, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 presented a balanced and attractive option for buyers seeking a refined and powerful luxury sedan or coupe in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class range.
