There was a time when the sedate, broad shouldered shape of a Mercedes-Benz sedan was synonymous with quality, durability and superior engineering. Nowadays, customers are more likely to associate reliability with the shape of a Toyota Camry, while Mercedes has pursued ever sleeker and more swooping body forms. Until now. As the brand finally emerges from its build-quality funk (it was the only European automaker to win quality awards from J.D. Power & Associates in 2008), it clearly intends to help customers recall its tank-like sedans of yore. Meet the 2010 Mercedes E-class.
As expected, the new, "W212" E-class, being previewed to journalists in Detroit ahead of its spring unveiling in Geneva, looks similar to the ConceptFascination design study that debuted in Paris last fall. But that unlike that wagon-***-coupe or any other Mercedes car of late, the new E-class makes no bones about being a classic, conservative sedan. To that end, it wears husky, squared-off sheet metal, an upright roof, and creased "pontoon" fenders similar to those on the new GLK crossover ("a new Mercedes schtick," offers design editor Robert Cumberford). The new car also goes to greater lengths to accentuate its distinctive Mercedes styling elements, particularly its broad chrome grill and dual headlights. Ironically, these details have been so widely imitated by other automakers - we're talking to you, Lexus and Hyundai - that even on a real Mercedes they come off a bit generic. It's more in the overall profile that the E-class comes off as genuinely German in a way no other brand can quite capture.
