2009 Mercedes-Benz E Class Wagon

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
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Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 E Class Wagon's performance capabilities don't astound test drivers. Overall, it's adequately powered, fuel-thirsty, and lags behind sportier competitors in terms of handling. For enhanced performance, consider the 507-horsepower 2009 E63 AMG Wagon.

Acceleration and Power

The E350 4Matic Wagon features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268-horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 to 5,000 rpm. While test drivers find it adequately powered, most are quick to note that it's no speed demon. Mercedes Benz reports the E Class Wagon accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. Standard for the E Class Wagon is a five-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift, which allows for manual down- and up-shifting.

According to the EPA, the '09 E Class Wagon has a thirsty city/highway fuel economy of 16/21 mpg.

• "E350 is stately from a stop but gathers speed quickly and has fine passing power." -- Consumer Guide
• "The E350 is relatively quick considering its hefty weight..." -- Edmunds
• "The base-model Mercedes-Benz E350 Wagon has a strong and reasonably fuel-efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine that provides ample acceleration for most motorists." -- Forbes
• "This is a thirsty car, but if you can afford the sticker price, a few hundred dollars a year extra for gasoline likely won't dent your wallet." -- Boston Globe

Handling and Braking

Test drivers report that the E Class Wagon is tuned for a comfortable ride, but falls short of the sporty agility competitors, like the BMW 5-Series, offer. Standard on the E350 Wagon is Mercedes-Benz's 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

• "E-Class models always feel stable, with an impressive blend of comfort and control. Only the sharpest bumps intrude.  ... All E-Class models handle with grippy assurance and modest body lean. Steering feel is accurate, and straight-line stability is excellent. However, they're not as nimble as rival 5-Series BMWs, and some testers find them slightly ponderous in fast corners. Powerful brakes deliver short stops." -- Consumer Guide
• "Although power and handling are both adequate, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class doesn't seem to have the balance and tossability of the BMW 5 Series or Jaguar XF. Its straight-line performance is respectable, but when pushed hard in the corners, the E-Class displays noticeable body roll and the brake pedal's soft feel doesn't inspire confidence. As such, the E-Class is best suited for cruising city streets or taking long road trips." -- Edmunds
• "Ride and handling qualities tend to be a bit on the softer side in the Mercedes E350 Wagon, especially compared to the performance-oriented E63 AMG version." -- Forbes
• "The ride was always comfortable ... and the body felt well controlled in all driving circumstance." -- Auto Week
• "Stop-and-go driving is noticeably smoother thanks to retirement of the grabby electrohydraulic brake system that plagued the E-Class from 2003 to 2006." -- Kelley Blue Book