2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is heir to a long tradition of quality and innovation. Indeed, the incarnation of the modern E-Class in the 1996 model year gave the world its first front door mounted airbags. There are a number of would-be challengers in the midsize luxury class, including Acura RL, BMW 5-Series, Jaguar XJ Series, Audi A6, Lexus GS and Cadillac CTS. But throughout the world perhaps only the name Rolls-Royce compares with the recognition of Mercedes-Benz.

The last exterior refresh for the E-Class was the 2007 model year, but there are a number of new developments for 2009. New wheels, all-wheel drive, in-dash CD/DVD changer and a Bluetooth hands free cell phone system lead this list.