Engine: 3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6

Engine Options: 201-hp 3.2-liter dohc 24-valve turbodiesel inline-6; 268-hp 3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6; 302-hp 5.0-liter sohc 24-valve V8; 469-hp 5.5-liter supercharged V8

Transmission: 7-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 5-speed automatic; 7-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: antilock brakes (ABS); Electronic Stability Program (ESP), traction control; seatbelt pretensioners; dual-stage front airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, front and rear curtain-style head-protection airbags; active head restraints

Optional Safety Equipment: none

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Sindelfingen, Germany

Model Tested: Mercedes-Benz E350 sedan ($50,050)

Standard Equipment: automatic dual-zone climate control, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel with multifunction controls, power windows with express up and down, auto-dimming mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, 10-way power driver and passenger seats with leather inserts and three-position memory, cruise control, walnut trim, nine-speaker stereo, Tele-aid emergency communication system

Options as Tested: 4MATIC all-wheel drive ($2,500); pewter metallic paint with charcoal leather seat inserts ($680); Appearance Package includes active bi-xenon headlights, sculpted side skirts, black birdseye interior trim and Airmatic air-spring suspension ($3,960); Sunroof Package with power glass sunroof, power rear glass shade and rear side window blinds ($1,550); heated front seats ($680); 420-watt harmon/kardin sound system with six CD changer ($970)

Destination Charge: 775

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: rear-wheel drive

Horsepower: 268 @ 6000

Torque: 258 @ 2400

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 18/24

Wheelbase: 112.4 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 189.7/71.7/57.0 inches

Track Front/Rear: 61.4/61.1 inches

Turning Cycle: 37.4 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 39.1/57.2/41.9 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 37.8/57.2/35.6 inches

Trunk Volume: 15.9 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, with upper and lower control arms, air springs and variable-rate shock absorbers

Ground Clearance: 4.8 inches

Curb Weight: 3703 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: 225/55HR17

Brakes: vented disc/vented disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist

Fuel Capacity: 21.1 Gallons