2008 Mercedes-Benz E550

Mercedes isn't bashful about its no-replacement-for-displacement attitude, and the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E550 is no different, with 382 horses pouring from the E550's 5461 cc engine. Suffice it to say, the Mercedes doesn't lack punch, posting a 4.8 second 0-to-60 sprint and a 13.4 second quarter mile at 105.3 mph.

Moreover, with 391 pound-feet available at just 2800 rpm and a telepathic 7G-Tronic seven-speed auto divvying up the torque, the Benz always feels ready to run, whether in first or seventh gear. "Barely need to change cogs, such is the V-8's torque band," notes editor-at-large Arthur St. Antoine.

But when full command is demanded, simply click a steering-wheel paddle or nudge the gearshift from side to side. The only minor fault, as St. Antoine says, "If you're charging and click the upshift paddle, the transmission waits to execute the command until the engine reaches redline."

Tranny nitpick aside, we find a lot to love with the E. The styling, inside and out, still looks clean and classy. The adjustable Airmatic suspension can be dialed in for the optimal ride-handling compromise, be it plush or sporty-either way, the Benz never beats up its occupants and always behaves in a composed manner.

"This car comes close to the others in pace, moves fluidly with no buzzy nervousness, and yet rides splendidly," concludes technical editor Kim Reynolds, who also views the E's 10-way power driver's seat to be "the best." As for the backseat, the Mercedes treats three riders to the most accommodating and supportive bench.

Thanks in part to all-season rubber with more sipes than on a snow tire, the Mercedes posts the long braking distance of 124 feet, an unimpressive lateral acceleration figure of 0.82 g, and a relatively slow figure-eight time for its class of 27.1 sec @ 0.65 g, specs that contradict the aura of our tester's optional AMG sport package. Proper summer tires, we surmise, would remedy most of these shortcomings and enliven the E's somewhat heavy steering and overall sense of weightiness.

Along with road test editor Scott Mortara, Reynolds states he'd buy the $70,305 Benz if money were no issue. But if it is, there are other competitive offerings in its class that are bit easier on the wallet.