Engine: 5.5-liter dohc 24-valve V8

Engine Options: 210-hp 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve turbodiesel V6; 268-hp 3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6; 382-hp 5.5-liter dohc 24-valve V8; 507-hp 6.2-liter V8

Transmission: 7-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 5-speed automatic; 7-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: dual-stage front airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, front and rear curtain-style head-protection airbags; active head restraints; seatbelt pretensioners; Pre-Safe System; antilock brakes (ABS); Electronic Stability Program (ESP), traction control

Optional Safety Equipment: none

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Sindelfingen, Germany

Model Tested: Mercedes-Benz E550 sedan ($59,000)

Standard Equipment: automatic four-zone climate control, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel with multifunction controls, power windows with express up and down, auto-dimming mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, glass sunroof, 10-way power driver and passenger seats with leather inserts and three-position memory, cruise control, walnut trim, nine-speaker surround-sound stereo with six-disc CD changer, Tele-aid emergency communication system

Options as Tested: Sport Package (N/C); Premium II ($4,740) includes the Premium I package with the Hands-Free Communication System, DVD COMAND Navigation, Sirius Satellite Radio, power rear window shade, Headlight Washing System, Bi-Xenon Active Light System, cornering fog lights, Keyless Go, Active Ventilated front seats; Parktronic ($1,100); wood/leather steering wheel ($540); electronic trunk closer ($520)

Destination Charge: 775

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: rear-wheel drive

Horsepower: 382 @ 6000

Torque: 391 @ 2800-4800

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 17/25

Wheelbase: 112.4 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 191.0/71.7/58.4 inches

Track Front/Rear: 62.1/61.9 inches

Turning Cycle: 37.4 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 39.1/57.2/41.9 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 37.8/57.2/35.6 inches

Trunk Volume: 15.9 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, with upper and lower control arms, air springs and variable-rate shock absorbers

Ground Clearance: 4.1 inches

Curb Weight: 3885 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: 245/40R18

Brakes: vented disc/vented disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist

Fuel Capacity: 21.1 Gallons