Mercedes-Benz CL63, CL65 AMG

Images of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63, CL65 AMG

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe ranks 5 out of 13 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 6 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is a luxurious tourer with a dash of style and a staggering list of high-tech safety features. It isn’t a high-performance coupe, but the V8-powered E550 version can almost pass for one.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe occupies a strange niche in the luxury car world -- one that leaves it without true competitors. Despite its name, it’s not a two-door version of the 2010 E-Class sedan. It offers the same two engine options as the E-Class sedan, but it’s built on the smaller chassis of the C-Class sedan. Mercedes says the car is the spiritual successor to the 2009 CLK Coupe -- but, sharing much of its safety equipment with the E-Class sedan, it seems a step more upscale than the CLK.

That leaves it in a unique position. It’s a softly-tuned, comfort-oriented two-door with a stylish, sporty look, inside and out. However, it’s not a true sport coupe. In the V8-powered E550 trim, it has the acceleration to back up its sporty appearance, but in the V6-powered E350 trim it doesn’t. Reviewers say neither edition has the crisp handling balance and firm suspension most buyers expect in a two-door luxury car.

But, to a certain segment of the American public, a Mercedes-Benz coupe simply makes a stylish statement no other car can match. The gorgeous, pillarless look of the E-Class Coupe may be all the excuse those shoppers need to justify the car. This one is clearly for Mercedes fans, and may not really be competing with any other car.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class ranks 1 out of 13 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 52 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class held the top spot in our Luxury Large Car rankings for most of 2008 and 2009, but Mercedes has improved it anyway. Entirely redesigned for 2010, the new E-Class has a new sense of style inside and out. It features more athletic road manners than the car it replaces and, incredibly, a lower price. The new E-Class is a must-see for every luxury large car shopper.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class doesn’t make any sense. 

It’s a better car than the 2009 E-Class. It has an eye-catching look that’s best seen in person, an opulent interior with an old-world panache that other luxury cars can’t match, a newfound sporty character and a list of safety equipment that boggles the mind. Yet it’s cheaper than the car it replaces. Mercedes improved the E-Class drastically for 2010, then cut its price. A seasoned auto critic with the New York Times writes, “I can’t recall a price cut of this magnitude -- nearly 9 percent -- on any recent car, let alone one that’s been fully redesigned.”

The new car is less-expensive than the old one, but it isn’t cheaply made. The Times continues, “Not only is there no evidence of cost-cutting, but in terms of interior luxury, the E-Class actually moves closer to the flagship S-Class sedan.”

Mercedes-Benz S550

the Mercedes S550 is the benchmark for luxury sedans. Editors say the S550 excels in offering all the prestige, comfort and technological features a luxury car owner would expect, and more. Its vast cabin is a cocoon of quietness, elegance and high-quality ambiance, reviews emphasize. Redesigned in 2007, the current S550 sedan continues with the new longer wheelbase and distinctive design. The big Benz's powertrain is a 382-hp V-8 engine matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission driving either the rear wheels or an optional AWD system, branded "4MATIC." Reviewers are surprised by the S-Class' quick acceleration and outstanding handling, often commenting that the Mercedes S550 drives like a much smaller sports sedan.

The Mercedes S550's interior design gets compliments for its refinement and quality materials, although many auto writers say the screen-based COMAND multi-function control system could be more intuitive and less complicated. Among the many available advanced features are an Active Body Control suspension, heated/ventilated seats with built-in massage function, and a Night View system which presents a view of the road ahead with an infrared camera. Reviews say one big drawback to the Mercedes S550 is its high price. Other lower-priced luxury cars mentioned as worthy alternatives include the Lexus LS 460 (*est. $62,900 to $72,900), the BMW 750i (*est. $76,800 to $79,900) and the Audi A8 (*est. $70,690 to $74,690).

Among the many sources that give top ratings to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Edmunds.com ranks it as one of the best sedans priced over $60,000 and provides a well-written summary review with a list of the car's strengths and weaknesses. Motor Trend contributes a head-to-head four-car comparison test of top-dollar luxury sedans that includes the S550. Consumer Reports also has an informative summary review coupled with exclusive reliability information available only to subscribers. Both Cars.com and Consumer Guide name the S-Class as best buys and offer detailed reviews of the Mercedes S550. The Car Connection has a thoughtful summary of the S-Class, and New Car Test Drive also gives detailed driving impressions, although not much criticism. Kelley Blue Book also recommends the S-Class and gives a valuable general review.