What's New for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
A new V6 engine adds power to the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 sedan and wagon. The 3.5-liter powerplant develops 268 horsepower and comes attached to a new seven-speed automatic transmission. Models equipped with 4Matic all-wheel-drive will receive a five-speed automatic transmission with TouchShift manual control. A new AMG Sport package is available on the E350, too, including 18-inch, thin-spoke alloy wheels; low-profile performance tires; a subtle body kit; and polished exhaust tips. The AMG Sport package is not available with 4Matic.

Advantages of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class:

• Perfectly balanced ride quality and handling
• Exceptional front seat comfort
• Quiet interior at any speed
• All-wheel drive available in most configurations

Objections to the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class:

• Touchy, non-linear electronic brake system
• Bland character
• Lacks useful cupholders

Editor's Advice:
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class possesses the key attributes required of a luxury car. It is exceptionally comfortable and quiet at any speed, with a perfect balance between supple ride qualities and superb handling. We have only one major complaint with the E-Class, and it's about the brakes. Mercedes' brake-by-wire system has computer software that gauges pedal pressure and sends electronic signals to tell the brakes what to do. The result is a brake pedal that is difficult to modulate, grabby, and suffers reductions in braking power that are not commensurate with the amount that the pedal has been relaxed. It should be noted, however, that the brakes themselves work brilliantly – it's the way that they are applied that cause us pause. With a dizzying array of unusual features available for the taking, it's easy to jack up the price of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but how can you resist such tempting items as Drive Dynamic Seats that automatically inflate according to the movement of the car, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, Distronic adaptive cruise control, and a navigation system that will play DVD movies when the gear selector is in the parked position? If you've got the means, indulge. And with available all-wheel-drive in select models, it's hard not to recommend the handsome if not distinctive-looking Mercedes-Benz E-Class.