The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a name derived from the German term for fuel injection, einspritzung, has long been synonymous with sophisticated engineering and refined luxury. For the 2007 model year, the E-Class received significant updates, most notably in the form of the Mercedes-Benz E550. This subtly restyled executive sedan boasts a potent 5.5-liter V8 engine, delivering a thrilling driving experience wrapped in a package of understated elegance. While offering a plethora of technology and luxury features, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 also presents some usability challenges within its cabin tech, making it a compelling, yet imperfect, choice in the used luxury car market.
Exterior Styling: Subtly Enhanced Sportiness
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 showcases a mid-cycle refresh that sharpens its appearance without compromising its classic Mercedes-Benz character. Compared to the earlier E500, the E550 sports a more pronounced and pointed front grille, lending a slightly more aggressive edge to its face. Further cosmetic enhancements include refined headlight designs and the addition of mesh detailing beneath the front bumper. These subtle changes collectively contribute to a sportier aesthetic for the E550, yet it remains a vehicle that prioritizes understated sophistication over overt flamboyance.
Image of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 front showcasing its refined grille and headlight design, emphasizing subtle sporty enhancements.
Interior and Cabin Technology: A Blend of Classic Luxury and Modern Tech, with Caveats
Stepping inside the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 reveals an interior that marries traditional Mercedes-Benz luxury with a suite of contemporary technology features. Plush leather upholstery and rich burl walnut trim create a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. The inclusion of Keyless Go allows for convenient entry and ignition, adding a touch of modern convenience. Furthermore, the 10-way adjustable seats and automatic tilting and telescoping steering wheel ensure a comfortable and personalized driving position. Steering wheel-mounted controls provide easy access to audio settings, phone functions via Bluetooth, and crucially, the multifunction display nestled within the speedometer.
Image showcasing the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 steering wheel and dashboard, emphasizing the user-friendly steering wheel controls and integrated multifunction display.
The in-speedometer multifunction display stands out as a particularly user-friendly feature. Accessible via steering wheel buttons, it provides a range of useful information, including satellite radio details, navigation prompts with turn-by-turn directions, phone status, and vehicle data such as speed and fuel economy. This intuitive display contrasts sharply with the less user-friendly COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data) system LCD.
Image highlighting the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550’s in-speedometer multifunction display showing clear and concise navigation instructions.
The COMAND system, responsible for navigation and other infotainment functions, relies on a less intuitive five-way rocker switch for input, requiring repetitive button presses to enter destinations. The washed-out color scheme of the menu screens further detracts from the user experience. Moreover, the system’s single-function display limitation means users cannot simultaneously view navigation and audio information. For example, accessing song details while navigating requires exiting the map screen, a less than ideal setup compared to the multi-information displays found in some competitor vehicles.
Image of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 center console, focusing on the COMAND system interface and rotary dial controls, illustrating the less user-friendly navigation system.
Further criticisms of the navigation system include the low positioning of the LCD screen in the center console, making quick glances difficult, and the lack of detailed street name information on the maps, even at maximum zoom levels. However, other tech features within the E550 are more user-friendly. The pop-out faceplate for the in-dash CD changer and the inclusion of an auxiliary input jack in the glove box are welcome additions. MP3 CD compatibility with full ID3 tag display and the impressive Harman Kardon Logic7 surround-sound system enhance the audio experience.
Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, while standard, initially only supported a limited range of Mercedes-Benz specific handsets. Wider phone compatibility required an additional dealer-installed Bluetooth Interface Module, incurring extra cost. Optional packages, such as the Premium II package on the test vehicle, added desirable features like heated and ventilated front seats and a power rear-window sunshade, further enhancing passenger comfort.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Understated Powerhouse
Despite some shortcomings in cabin technology, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 truly shines when it comes to driving pleasure. It houses a potent 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, producing 382 horsepower. This engine delivers substantial torque – 391 pound-feet at 2,800rpm – providing effortless acceleration and ample power for overtaking. The E550’s performance is genuinely understated, offering a refined yet exhilarating driving experience.
Image of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 driving on a road, highlighting its sleek side profile and demonstrating its capabilities as a powerful executive sedan.
Mercedes-Benz equipped the E550 with advanced drivetrain technology, including a “Shift into Optimum Gear” function, allowing manual gear selection for maximum acceleration or engine braking. The 7-speed automatic transmission also features driver-adaptive programming, adjusting shift patterns to driving style. A selectable Comfort mode softens the driving experience by starting in second gear and shifting at lower RPMs. The Airmatic air suspension offers adjustable settings, allowing drivers to tailor ride comfort and handling characteristics. While capable of impressive performance figures, the E550 leans towards a comfortable executive sedan feel rather than a pure sports car, even in its sportier suspension settings. An optional Sport Package offered larger wheels, a lowered suspension, and sportier styling cues for a more dynamic driving experience.
Fuel economy is predictably lower for a V8-powered sedan, with EPA ratings of 15mpg city and 23mpg highway. Real-world testing yielded an average of around 20.7mpg in mixed driving conditions. Emissions ratings are also on the higher side for its class, reflecting the larger engine.
Safety Features: Comprehensive and Advanced
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of features. Notably, it includes Mercedes-Benz’s Pre-Safe system as standard. This system anticipates potential collisions using sensor data and proactively prepares the vehicle by tensioning seatbelts, closing windows and the sunroof, and adjusting seat positions to maximize occupant protection. Adaptive brake lights, which flash under hard braking, enhance visibility to following vehicles.
Further safety features include bi-xenon headlights with active curve illumination and cornering fog lights, improving visibility in various driving conditions. Passive safety measures are equally robust, encompassing dual-stage front and side-impact airbags for front occupants, side-impact airbags for rear outboard passengers, and window curtain airbags along both sides. The vehicle’s structure incorporates a steel-reinforced cabin with front and rear crumple zones.
Verdict: A Powerful but Flawed Gem in the Used Market
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 presents a compelling package of potent performance, luxurious appointments, and advanced safety features. Its 5.5-liter V8 engine delivers exhilarating power and a refined driving experience. However, the dated and less user-friendly COMAND system detracts from the overall cabin experience. While priced higher than some competitors when new, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 represents a potentially attractive value proposition in the used car market, particularly for those prioritizing driving dynamics and luxury over cutting-edge infotainment technology. For car detailing enthusiasts in the UK, the E550 offers a rewarding vehicle to maintain, showcasing both classic Mercedes-Benz design and impressive engineering.
