The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the esteemed E-Class. Building on decades of Mercedes-Benz engineering and luxury, the 2007 model year introduced both stylistic and performance enhancements that solidified its position in the competitive midsize luxury sedan segment. This review delves into the details of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan, exploring its strengths and weaknesses to provide a comprehensive understanding for potential buyers and automotive enthusiasts alike.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineage traces back to the German term “einspritzung,” highlighting the brand’s early adoption of fuel injection technology in the 1950s. For 2007, the E-Class received further “injections” of modernity. A refreshed front fascia, characterized by a sportier grille, provided a visual update, while the engine bay welcomed a potent, nearly excessive boost in power. This came in the form of a formidable 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 engine, transforming the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 into a serious contender ready to challenge rivals like the Audi A6 and BMW 550i on both performance and prestige. Inside, the E550 is equipped with a suite of technology and entertainment features aimed at satisfying the demands of the modern driver, although some aspects, particularly the GPS navigation system, exhibit less intuitive user interfaces.
Exterior Styling: Sharper and Sportier
For those familiar with the E-Class, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan showcases the subtle yet effective mid-cycle refresh. The most noticeable change is at the front, where the E550 adopts a sharper, more pronounced grille, giving it a slightly beak-like appearance compared to the preceding E500. Further enhancing the visual appeal are redesigned headlights, now featuring horizontal “eyelids,” and the addition of mesh detailing beneath the front bumper. These refinements collectively contribute to a more assertive and sporty aesthetic for the E550, without compromising the inherent understated elegance synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz brand. The overall effect is a sophisticated sedan with a hint of aggression, hinting at the power that lies beneath the surface.
Interior and Technology: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Stepping inside the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan reveals an interior that masterfully balances classic Mercedes-Benz design cues with contemporary technology. The cabin is adorned with luxurious leather upholstery and rich burl walnut trim, creating a premium and comfortable environment. However, nestled within this traditional framework are the car’s technology interfaces, including the head unit and HVAC controls, which appear somewhat dated by modern standards. Convenience features like Keyless Go allow for effortless entry and ignition, adding a touch of modern practicality. The 10-way adjustable seats and automatic tilting and telescoping steering wheel further enhance driver comfort and personalization.
In-Speedo Multifunction Display: A Standout Feature
One of the most user-friendly technological highlights within the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan is the multifunction monochrome display integrated into the speedometer. This display, controlled by intuitive steering wheel-mounted buttons, provides a wealth of information at a glance. Drivers can easily access data such as the current satellite radio station, real-time GPS navigation directions (including turn-by-turn prompts with distance and street names), phone status, and essential vehicle readouts like speed, fuel economy, and range. The clarity and accessibility of this in-speedo display significantly enhance the driving experience, minimizing distractions and keeping crucial information readily available.
COMAND System and Navigation: Areas for Improvement
In contrast to the praised in-speedo display, the E550’s Cockpit Management and Data (COMAND) system, with its central LCD screen, presents a less seamless user experience. The navigation system, in particular, deviates from more intuitive interfaces like touchscreens or rotary dials. Instead, it relies on a somewhat cumbersome five-way rocker switch for destination input. This method requires repetitive button presses, making destination programming a less than ideal process. Furthermore, the display’s washed-out light-blue-on-lighter-blue color scheme and the limitation of displaying only one function at a time were noted as drawbacks. Switching between navigation and audio information, for example, requires multiple button presses, a less convenient approach compared to systems offering split-screen or simultaneous information displays found in some competitors.
Audio and Connectivity: Sound Quality and Bluetooth Quirks
Despite navigation interface shortcomings, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan delivers commendably in audio entertainment. The Harman Kardon Logic7 surround-sound system provides an immersive and high-fidelity listening experience across the audio spectrum, maintaining clarity even at high volumes. The inclusion of an in-dash six-disc CD changer and an auxiliary input jack in the glove box caters to various media preferences. MP3 CD compatibility with full ID3 tag display is another welcome feature. However, the standard Bluetooth hands-free interface presents limitations. It is primarily compatible with a select few older Mercedes-Benz handsets, requiring owners of other phones to purchase a dealer-installed Bluetooth Interface Module, adding an unexpected expense. Optional features like a dealer-installed iPod integration kit are also available for those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Comfort Features: Enhancing the Luxury Experience
The tested E550 model, equipped with the Premium II package, further elevates the comfort quotient with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a power rear-window sunshade. These additions underscore the E550’s commitment to passenger comfort and convenience, reinforcing its position as a luxury sedan.
Performance and Driving Experience: Understated Powerhouse
Beneath its refined exterior, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan conceals a potent performance capability. Sharing its engine DNA with the larger S550, the E550 boasts a 5.5-liter all-aluminum, 32-valve V8 engine with variable valve timing. This powerplant produces an impressive 382 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a substantial 391 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. This abundance of torque translates to effortless acceleration and confident passing power in real-world driving scenarios. The E550’s performance is described as understated, suggesting a car that prioritizes smooth, refined power delivery over overt sportiness, while still possessing ample reserves for spirited driving.
Transmission and Driving Modes: Adapting to Driving Styles
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan features a seven-speed automatic transmission with driver-adaptive programming. This system aims to adjust gear shifts based on the driver’s current driving style, optimizing for either performance or fuel efficiency. The “Shift into Optimum Gear” function allows manual gear selection for maximum acceleration or engine braking. Additionally, a Comfort mode softens the driving experience by starting the car in second gear and prompting upshifts at lower RPMs, resulting in a more relaxed ride.
Suspension and Handling: Comfort-Oriented Dynamics
The E550 is equipped with Airmatic air suspension, offering adjustable settings to tailor the ride to different driving conditions or preferences. Despite its performance capabilities, the E550’s driving demeanor leans more towards a comfortable executive sedan than an outright sports car, even in its stiffest suspension setting. The availability of a Sport Package, which includes larger wheels, a lowered suspension, and sportier styling elements, suggests a potential avenue for enhancing the E550’s sporting character, although the standard model prioritizes ride comfort and composure.
Fuel Economy and Emissions: A Trade-off for Power
The trade-off for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan’s robust V8 engine is reflected in its fuel economy ratings. EPA estimates of 15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway are on the lower end for the midsize sedan class. Real-world driving may yield slightly better results, but the E550’s fuel consumption remains a consideration. Furthermore, its emissions ratings are noted as being among the less favorable in its class, particularly concerning greenhouse gas emissions.
Safety Features: Advanced Protection as Standard
A significant safety highlight of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan is the standard inclusion of Mercedes-Benz’s Pre-Safe collision-mitigation system. Previously featured primarily in the S-Class, Pre-Safe utilizes sensor data to anticipate potential collisions. In the event of an impending impact, the system proactively prepares the vehicle and occupants by tensioning seatbelts, closing windows and the sunroof, and adjusting seat positions to optimize airbag effectiveness. Adaptive brake lights, which flash under hard braking, further enhance safety by alerting following drivers.
Braking and Lighting: Enhancing Visibility and Response
Additional active safety features include bi-xenon high-intensity discharge headlights with active curve illumination, and cornering fog lights that improve visibility during turns. European models offer an even more advanced Intelligent Light System, which adapts headlight patterns to various driving conditions, although this feature’s availability in the US market is uncertain.
Passive Safety: Comprehensive Occupant Protection
Passive safety measures in the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan are equally comprehensive, encompassing dual-stage front and side-impact airbags for front occupants, side-impact airbags for rear outboard passengers, and window curtain airbags along both sides of the cabin. The vehicle’s structure incorporates a steel-reinforced cabin with front and rear crumple zones, designed to effectively manage impact forces and protect occupants in a collision.
Pricing and Packages: Premium Positioning
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan comes with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty and includes a complimentary initial checkup. Mercedes-Benz TeleAid system provides access to emergency assistance, information, and roadside services.
Premium Packages and Options: Customizing the E550
The test vehicle was equipped with the Premium II package, a substantial option package that adds features such as DVD navigation, Sirius Satellite radio, heated and ventilated front seats, power rear sunshade, hands-free communication system, Keyless Go, bi-xenon headlights, and cornering fog lights. The base price of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan, combined with options, gas guzzler tax, and destination charges, positioned the tested model at a total price of $65,815.
Market Comparison: Justifying the Premium
Compared to competitors like the 2007 Audi A6 4.2, 2007 BMW 550i, and 2006 Acura RL, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan carries a higher base price. While some aspects of its onboard technology might not fully justify this premium in direct feature-to-feature comparisons, the E550’s powerful V8 engine, luxurious appointments, and overall driving experience contribute to a compelling package that may sway discerning buyers seeking a blend of performance and prestige in a midsize luxury sedan.
Conclusion: A Powerful and Refined Choice
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan presents a compelling proposition in the luxury sedan market. It excels in delivering robust performance from its potent V8 engine and offers a refined and comfortable driving experience. The interior blends classic luxury with a suite of technology features, although some aspects of the COMAND system and navigation interface could be more user-friendly. While fuel economy and emissions are less competitive, the E550 compensates with a comprehensive array of safety features and the prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand. For buyers prioritizing a powerful, comfortable, and well-appointed luxury sedan with understated performance capabilities, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan remains a strong contender.
