The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a name derived from the German term “einspritzung” signifying injection and its historical connection to fuel-injection systems of the 1950s, underwent significant enhancements for the 2007 model year. This year marked a notable evolution for the E-Class, with a refreshed front fascia, a more assertive grille, and a substantial boost in power, most notably in the form of a robust 382-horsepower 5.5-liter engine. This transformation culminated in the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550, a vehicle that redefined Mercedes’s midsize executive sedan lineup, presenting a subtly styled yet intensely powerful touring machine, ready to challenge rivals like the Audi A6 and BMW 550i on the autobahn and beyond. Inside, the E550 boasted a suite of communication and entertainment technologies, ticking many boxes for in-car tech, although some aspects, particularly the GPS navigation, presented user interface challenges.
Observers with a keen eye will immediately notice the sharper front-end aesthetics of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 compared to its E500 predecessor. This is largely thanks to the redesigned front grille, which is now more pointed and beak-like, contributing to a more dynamic appearance. Further cosmetic refinements, including horizontal accents on the headlights and added mesh detailing beneath the front bumper, lend the E550 a more aggressive and sporty demeanor. These changes are carefully integrated, maintaining the car’s inherent understated elegance while subtly enhancing its road presence.
Image alt text: Front view of a silver 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 showcasing its redesigned, sharper grille and headlights, emphasizing the subtle yet sporty facelift.
Speedometer Display: A Highlight Over COMAND
Stepping inside the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 reveals an interior that artfully blends classic Mercedes styling with contemporary cabin technology. The luxurious leather upholstery and burl walnut trim provide a rich and traditional backdrop, contrasting with the more modern, albeit somewhat dated in appearance, head unit and HVAC controls. The inclusion of Keyless Go enhances convenience, allowing drivers to start the engine via a button on the shifter without needing to remove the key fob from their pocket. Further technological sophistication is evident in the 10-way adjustable seats and the automatically adjusting steering wheel, which tilts and telescopes for optimal driving position. The steering wheel itself is equipped with four prominent pushable buttons that control audio settings, manage Bluetooth phone calls, and, notably, navigate through the multifunction monochrome display situated centrally within the speedometer.
Image alt text: Close-up of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 steering wheel, highlighting the four control buttons used for audio, phone, and multifunction display navigation, emphasizing user-friendly tech integration.
Steering Wheel Buttons and Multifunction Display Praised
This multifunction display, embedded within the speedometer, stood out as a particularly user-friendly feature of the 2007 E550. With a simple press of one of the oval buttons on the steering wheel, drivers could access a range of information including the current satellite radio station, real-time GPS navigation prompts (complete with street names and directional arrows), phone status, and essential vehicle data like speed, fuel economy, and remaining range.
Image alt text: Instrument cluster of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550, focusing on the central multifunction display within the speedometer showing navigation directions, a key feature for driver information access.
This easily accessible information via the speedometer was especially appreciated because the E550’s Cockpit Management and Data (COMAND) system LCD display was less intuitive. The navigation system, in particular, lacked the user-friendliness of touchscreens or center-console dials. Instead, it relied on a somewhat cumbersome five-way rocker switch for destination input, requiring numerous button presses to enter even a single address. The washed-out light-blue-on-lighter-blue color scheme of the menu screens also drew criticism for visibility. Furthermore, the COMAND system’s single-function display limitation was a point of frustration. For instance, switching from the navigation map to view the currently playing Sirius song required exiting the map screen, pressing the “Sat” button, and then navigating to the “Info” menu – a less than seamless process compared to the multi-information displays found in some Acura, Lexus, and GM models.
Navigation System Quirks and Audio Excellence
Further complicating the navigation experience was adjusting the voice command volume. Without the owner’s manual, figuring out how to increase the volume of the navigation prompts proved challenging. The adjustment was not through a typical volume setting but rather a “fade” setting – minimum fade equating to minimum volume and maximum fade to maximum voice guidance volume. The placement of the LCD screen itself, set low in the center console, also made quick glances at navigation directions less convenient. Additionally, the map detail was criticized for inadequate street-name information, even at maximum zoom in urban areas like San Francisco.
Image alt text: Interior shot of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 dashboard, focusing on the COMAND navigation display positioned low in the center console, highlighting its less-than-ideal placement for easy viewing.
Despite the navigation system’s shortcomings, other aspects of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550’s cabin technology were well-integrated and user-friendly. Features like the pop-out faceplate for the in-dash six-disc CD changer and the discreetly located auxiliary input jack in the glove box were appreciated. An optional dealer-installed iPod integration kit further enhanced connectivity, enabling iPod control via the car’s head unit. The stereo system supported MP3 CDs with full ID3 tag display and the Logic7 surround-sound system by Harman Kardon delivered an immersive audio experience, maintaining excellent sound quality across all volume levels.
The standard Bluetooth hands-free interface, however, was limited in compatibility, only supporting a specific set of Mercedes-Benz handsets unless the optional Bluetooth Interface Module was purchased. Luxury features like heated and ventilated front seats and a power rear-window sunshade, part of the Premium II package, added to the overall comfort and refinement of the E550.
Driving Pleasure and Performance Prowess
Beyond the cabin technology, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 truly shined in driving dynamics. Its performance was described as understated yet immensely capable. The heart of the E550 was a 5.5-liter all-aluminum, 32-valve V8 engine producing 382 horsepower and a substantial 391 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain enabled impressive acceleration and effortless cruising. The abundance of torque was particularly noticeable and appreciated in real-world driving scenarios.
Image alt text: Open hood of a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550, showcasing the powerful 5.5-liter V8 engine, emphasizing the source of the car’s impressive performance and torque.
Mercedes-Benz incorporated advanced drivetrain technology in the 2007 E550, including a “Shift into Optimum Gear” system that allowed manual selection of the most effective gear for acceleration or engine braking. The E550 also featured driver-adaptive programming for the seven-speed automatic transmission, adjusting shift patterns to suit driving styles. A “Comfort” mode further tailored the driving experience by starting the car in second gear and shifting at lower RPMs for a more relaxed ride.
The E550’s Airmatic air suspension was another customizable feature, offering three settings to adjust ride firmness and handling characteristics. Despite its performance capabilities, the E550 maintained its character as a comfortable executive sedan rather than a pure sports car, even in its stiffest suspension setting. The optional Sport Package, with larger wheels, lowered suspension, and sportier styling elements, could potentially enhance the sporty feel.
Fuel economy for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550, rated at 15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, was typical for a V8-powered midsize sedan. Real-world testing yielded an average of 20.7 mpg in mixed driving conditions. However, the E550’s emissions ratings were less favorable, placing it among the higher emissions vehicles in its class.
Safety and Value
A standout safety feature of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 was the standard inclusion of Mercedes’s Pre-Safe collision-mitigation system. This system, previously featured in the S-Class, used radar to anticipate potential collisions and proactively prepared the vehicle by tensioning seatbelts, closing windows and sunroof, and adjusting seat positions to maximize occupant protection. Adaptive brake lights, which flashed under hard braking, further enhanced safety by alerting following drivers.
Additional safety features included bi-xenon headlights with active curve illumination and cornering fog lights. Passive safety features were comprehensive, including multiple airbags for front and rear occupants and window curtain airbags, all within a steel-reinforced cabin with crumple zones.
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 came with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty and Mercedes’s TeleAid emergency assistance system. The tested model, equipped with the Premium II package, carried a total price of $65,815, including gas guzzler tax and destination charges. While priced higher than competitors like the Audi A6 4.2 and BMW 550i, the driving experience of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 offered a compelling argument for its premium positioning, blending potent performance with refined luxury in a classic sedan package.
