2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Walkaround Review at Automotive.com
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2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review: Exterior

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2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review

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Walkaround
Before the launch of the gorgeous CLS sedan/coupe, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class was widely considered to be the most successful design among the company's current sedans. The slight increase in overall length and wider front and rear tracks introduced on the 2007 models did nothing to dispel the car's suave look.

The four-headlight theme was refined for 2008, with transparent louvers over their top sections, a striking effect, and white LEDs used for the parking lights. The front bumper and radiator grille were given a pronounced V-shape, and the spoiler stretched lower.

The front end's new look was carried to the rear along deeper side skirts to a new rear bumper and taillight configuration. New mirrors provided a better view with even less wind resistance. These changes have kept the E-Class looking fresh and youthful, yet elegant.

No further appearance changes have been made for 2008.

The current E-Class introduced many innovations not necessarily apparent to the eye. This was the first Mercedes sedan to use aluminum body components extensively, starting with the hood, front fenders, trunk lid, front crossmember and front subframe. Aluminum is lighter and potentially stronger but more expensive than steel. Aluminum amounts to 10 percent of the body's weight. About 37 percent of the total is modern high-strength steel alloys.

From the aerodynamic perspective, the E-Class is one of the slipperiest sedans extant. Its 0.27 coefficient of drag is a benchmark for sedans and helps minimize wind noise and maximize fuel economy.

The E-Class wagon, available only in E350 and E63 AMG versions, will never be mistaken for anything but a wagon. Nonetheless, it is impressively sleek, and some critics find the tear-drop taper of the rear roof more aesthetically pleasing than the trunk deck on the sedans. Certainly, the wagon's added cargo-passenger flexibility is welcome. If the E350 wagon is too stodgy for your taste, there's always the E63 AMG version.

The E63 AMG sedan and wagon look meaner than the other E-Class cars. With their lower body cladding and 18-inch wheels, the E63s look racy and aggressive. As is often the case, the body add-ons add slightly more drag, if you can call a super slippery 0.28 Cd more drag. The aerodynamic aids are for downforce, to improve grip in fast corners. Next Page



2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  
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