We’re just now getting a peak at the newly redesigned Mercedes Benz E Class for 2010, which is set to show up at dealerships in approximately 4 to 5 months. This update to the venerable E class has been long awaited, bringing a series of changes that (they claim) will improve on safety, luxury, and speed. Of course, the biggest change that fans will see is the radically new looking body style. Traditionally, the E class sports relatively conservative exterior styling, it kept the signature double round headlight up until last model year. However, it now carries sharp and aggressive body lines along with LED lights to illuminate the road. I think it’s interesting how cars gradually became more and more round in the last couple of years and now the trend is cycle is continuing, cars are getting more and more angular (aka “boxy”).

The drivetrain for this generation will come with a choice of four engines and one transmission (a seven speed automatic) to suit every driving style. The lowest trim level E350 features a V6 with 268 horsepower and the range topping E550 will feature a V8 with 382 horsepower. A gas sipping diesel alternative will also be offered with a V6 turbodiesel engine in the E350 BlueTEC, which is the label for all MB diesels in the past few years which meet ULEV and BIN 5 emission standards.  AMG’s take on the E class will be using an amped up V8 engine rated for over 500 horsepower. Not too much more has been leaked about the performance aspects of the E63 AMG which should drop at around the same time as its less powerful brothers.

Some very interesting gadgets will be shipped with this new model, some which are trickled down from the S Class, some are all new for Mercedes Benz. It has an Adaptive High Beam Assist system that will automatically optimize the height of the low beam for the current driving situation. That means that the low beam range will be increased to as far as possible when the system does not detect other oncoming cars; it will even turn on/off the high beams if it decides that conditions warrant it. Safety while driving at night is also aided by the “Night View” system, which is an optional feature that will show the oncoming road in “night vision” on the dash display, while highlighting potential road hazards; one of the features borrowed from the S Class.

There is a safe driver assist system going on as well, which has shown up in other luxury marques such as the Lexus LS.  When the car detects other vehicles in its blind spots, it will notify the driver if he or she should try to change lanes; it will also notify the driver if it detects a lane change that is not intended (such as the driver falling asleep).

I do like most of the new changes that this generation brings, such as the driver safety assistance and the complete lineup of engine choices. Some of the changes with the exterior styling are questionable to me; the front end redesign does look good but the rear does not sit well with me, it looks too much like a Hyundai Sonata, although it could just be new car syndrome where you hate the design of a new car until seeing it in showrooms!