The 2010 Mercedes-benz E-class marked a significant step forward in automotive engineering, particularly in its chassis design and engine technology. This article delves into the sophisticated components that underpinned the W212 E-Class sedan and coupe, showcasing the innovations that delivered a blend of comfort, performance, and efficiency that Mercedes-Benz is renowned for. From its meticulously engineered suspension systems to its powerful and refined engine options, the 2010 E-Class exemplified automotive excellence.
Front Suspension: Double-Link Strut System
The front suspension of the 2010 E-Class utilizes a double-link strut configuration, a departure from the traditional single “A” arm setup found in many strut systems. This design incorporates two lower links paired with a coil spring strut, complemented by twin-tube gas shocks and a stabilizer bar. The dual lower link arrangement is specifically engineered to enhance impact absorption during frontal collisions, contributing to improved safety. Furthermore, the low mass of these components plays a crucial role in achieving more precise wheel control and damping characteristics, minimizing sensitivity to wheel imbalance and brake fluctuations. The forward links are constructed from forged aluminum, while the rearward links utilize forged steel, optimizing strength and weight distribution.
The strut tops are connected to the vehicle body through triple-path head bearings. This sophisticated system directs spring forces directly to the body structure, while damping forces, managed by the shock absorber piston rod, pass through a rubber bushing that rotates with the bearing during steering maneuvers. A third path is designed to handle forces exceeding normal suspension travel, channeling them through a buffer stop directly into the body, further enhancing structural integrity and ride comfort.
The front suspension links are mounted to a high-strength steel subframe, which also serves as a mounting point for the engine, transmission, and the aluminum rack-and-pinion steering unit, positioned ahead of the wheel center. This integrated subframe design contributes to overall chassis rigidity and precise steering response in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Rear Suspension: Refined Multi-Link Design
The rear suspension of the 2010 E-Class builds upon Mercedes-Benz’s proven and patented five-link design, further refined for this model. Constructed from variable-thickness sheet steel, a lightweight subframe supports the suspension links and the rear final drive gears. The links, wheel carriers, and struts have all undergone revisions to optimize performance and handling. While the majority of the rear suspension links are made of steel, one link, specifically designed to handle stretching and compression forces without bending, is crafted from forged aluminum, reducing unsprung weight and improving suspension responsiveness.
AGILITY CONTROL: Adaptive Suspension Technology
Standard on the E350 sedan and coupe models, AGILITY CONTROL suspension provides a versatile approach to ride comfort and handling. This conventional coil-spring suspension system incorporates a small piston connected to a bypass port within the hydraulic flow of each shock absorber. This innovative design allows for a softer, more compliant ride on typical road surfaces, while automatically adjusting to provide full shock damping when encountering dips, uneven roads, or during spirited driving on winding roads. AGILITY CONTROL effectively balances comfort and control in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
For drivers seeking a sportier driving experience, the E350 coupe offers an upgrade to the AGILITY CONTROL Sport Suspension, featuring firmer damping characteristics. The E550 Coupe takes handling a step further with the Dynamic Handling suspension, which includes electronically adjustable shock absorbers and modified throttle response, allowing for a more dynamic and personalized driving experience.
AIRMATIC: Computer-Controlled Air Suspension
Exclusively available for V8 sedan models including the E550 and E63 AMG, the AIRMATIC air suspension system represents the pinnacle of ride control technology in the 2010 E-Class. AIRMATIC utilizes compressed air within special rubber bellows instead of traditional coil springs, providing computer-controlled springing and damping simultaneously. An electric compressor actively charges the struts with compressed air via fast-acting solenoid valves while the vehicle is in motion. These solenoid valves precisely regulate air volume, thereby adjusting air pressure and the effective spring rate. A charge valve integrates a central pressure sensor and connectors for the polyamide plastic pneumatic lines. At low speeds or when stationary, the system draws pressure from an accumulator (central reservoir) with a charging pressure of 227 psi (16 bar) to ensure rapid and quiet ride height adjustments.
AIRMATIC effectively offers both comfort and sport suspension characteristics in a single system. It adeptly resolves the traditional conflict between ride comfort and dynamic handling by continuously adapting springing and damping rates based on driving inputs and road conditions. Under normal driving, the full air volume remains active, providing optimal comfort akin to soft conventional springs. However, during cornering or more aggressive maneuvers, AIRMATIC momentarily reduces the air volume, resulting in a firmer spring rate to minimize body roll and pitch. Air reservoirs are integrated into the front spring struts and remotely mounted on the rear subframe.
The AIRMATIC computer receives data from body level sensors located on the front and rear suspensions, along with acceleration sensors and a steering angle sensor. This comprehensive sensor input allows the system to determine the precise shock absorber force and spring rate required in real-time. Solenoid valves on the shock absorbers provide four distinct levels of damping, switched by the computer in milliseconds (less than 0.05 seconds) based on sensor data.
These four damping levels are:
- Stage 1: Soft compression and rebound for steady-state driving.
- Stage 2: Soft rebound with hard compression damping.
- Stage 3: Soft compression with hard rebound damping.
- Stage 4: Hard rebound and compression for maximum damping stiffness during cornering.
The 2010 E-Class typically operates in Stage 1 during normal driving conditions. When body movement exceeds a certain threshold, the system dynamically switches between Stages 2 and 3 to counteract body pitch and roll. Drivers can also manually select between two suspension damping settings, “Comfort” and “Sport”, altering the thresholds for switching between the four stages and adjusting the spring rate. Sport mode activates firmer settings earlier and lowers the vehicle by approximately 0.6 inches for enhanced handling. Automatic level control maintains consistent spring travel regardless of vehicle load, and a manual ride height adjustment allows drivers to raise the vehicle by one inch for rough road conditions at lower speeds. The system automatically reverts to normal ride height at higher speeds.
Brakes, Wheels, and Tires
All 2010 E-Class models are equipped with four-wheel vented disc brakes and a tandem vacuum brake booster. E350 models utilize single-piston floating calipers at the front, while the E550 upgrades to four-piston fixed calipers for increased braking performance. The high-performance E63 AMG features even more robust braking, with perforated, vented discs and six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear, ensuring substantial stopping power to match its performance capabilities.
The E350 and E550 Luxury sedans come standard with 17-inch wheels and 245/45 all-season tires. Sport sedan models and the E63 AMG sedan feature 18-inch wheels with staggered-width tires – 245/40 front and 265/35 rear. E350 coupes are equipped with 17-inch wheels and staggered-width tires (235/45 front, 255/40 rear). E350 coupes with the optional Appearance Package and E550 coupes upgrade to 18-inch wheels with staggered-width tires (235/40 front and 255/35 rear).
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The 2010 E-Class incorporates a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) as a standard safety feature. Sensors inside each tire transmit radio signals indicating tire pressure, temperature, rotation direction, and a unique ID to a control unit. If significant pressure loss is detected, a “Check Tires” warning appears in the central display. Rapid pressure loss triggers a “Caution Tire Failure” warning. The system automatically clears warnings when correct tire pressure is restored and also provides individual tire pressure readings in the display. This system enhances safety by alerting drivers to potential tire issues, which can improve handling, tire life, and prevent potential tire blowouts.
Fuel Efficiency Enhancements
The 2010 E-Class incorporates several refinements to maximize fuel economy:
- On-Demand Power Steering Pump: A bypass valve in the power steering pump supplies hydraulic pressure only during steering inputs, significantly reducing engine load when driving straight.
- Intelligent Alternator Control: The alternator is decoupled from the engine when the battery charge is above 80%, recharging only during deceleration or braking, minimizing parasitic engine load.
- Variable On-Demand Electric Fuel Pump: The fuel pump operates variably based on demand, reducing the load on the alternator.
- Low-Friction Final Drive Gears: Modified final drive gears minimize friction, reducing energy consumption.
These fuel-saving technologies, combined with the vehicle’s overall design and engine efficiencies, contribute to the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s commendable fuel economy for its class. Furthermore, highlighting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sustainability, 85% of the materials used in the 2010 E-Class are recyclable, and Mercedes-Benz holds the ISO 14062 environmental certificate, recognizing its comprehensive approach to environmental compatibility throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
V6 Engine: The E350 Powerplant
The E350 sedan and coupe are powered by a 3.5-liter all-aluminum V6 engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers its peak torque across a broad rev range, from 2,400 rpm to 5,000 rpm, with 87% of maximum torque available from just 1,500 rpm, providing responsive performance across diverse driving conditions.
The V6 engine features a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) layout enabling variable intake and exhaust valve timing. This technology, coupled with a two-stage intake manifold and intake tumble flaps, contributes to the engine’s broad torque curve and fuel efficiency. Tumble flaps within the intake passages, located near the combustion chamber, pivot open under partial load to enhance combustion by creating turbulence within the intake valve and combustion chamber. During higher engine loads, these flaps fully recess into the intake manifold walls. While enhancing torque, the primary function of tumble flaps is to improve fuel economy, with tests indicating approximately a 2% increase in fuel efficiency.
The engine construction features a forged crankshaft with four main bearings within an all-aluminum engine block. A balance shaft, driven by a double chain from the crankshaft, is incorporated to mitigate the inherent vibrations of a 90-degree V6 configuration. Iron-coated aluminum pistons are connected to forged steel connecting rods, contributing to reduced reciprocating mass. The aluminum-silicon engine block utilizes etched cylinder bores, creating a durable, low-friction silicon surface for the piston rings, reducing weight and enhancing engine longevity. The engine is equipped with five mufflers and three catalytic converters within its dual exhaust system, optimizing power, fuel economy, noise reduction, and emissions control.
V8 Engine: Powering the E550
The E550 sedan and coupe are powered by a 5.5-liter V8 engine (M273), generating 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Maximum torque is available from 2,800 rpm to 4,800 rpm. This V8 engine, characterized by dual overhead camshafts per cylinder bank and variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust, incorporates lightweight design principles with an aluminum block and cylinder heads, and low-friction silicon-aluminum cylinder liners. Intake tumble flaps and a two-stage intake manifold further enhance fuel economy and broaden the power curve.
Mercedes-Benz pioneered three-valve-per-cylinder technology, but advancements in emissions reduction have enabled the use of a higher-flow four-valve architecture in this engine family. Beyond internal exhaust gas recirculation and secondary air injection, the engine utilizes close-coupled catalysts with linear oxygen sensors to ensure low exhaust emissions. Variable valve timing, adjustable over a 40-degree range, optimizes valve overlap for internal exhaust gas recirculation at part throttle, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions, while maximizing power output at full throttle. Tumble flaps in the intake passages enhance combustion and fuel economy, similar to the V6 engine. A two-stage magnesium intake manifold further optimizes the torque curve, using longer intake paths at lower engine speeds to enhance torque and shorter paths at higher speeds for maximum horsepower.
Engine assembly includes a forged crankshaft with five main bearings in an all-aluminum block with Silitek cylinder liners. Aluminum pistons and forged steel connecting rods contribute to reduced weight. Double-wall exhaust piping and twin catalytic converters, along with secondary air injection and oxygen sensors, ensure effective emissions control.
E63 AMG Sedan: High-Performance Engineering
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG sedan represents a comprehensive high-performance upgrade to the E-Class. Developed by AMG, Mercedes-Benz’s performance division, the E63 AMG boasts significant enhancements beyond its powerful 6.3-liter AMG V8 engine. These include larger brakes, staggered 18-inch wheels and tires, and a seven-speed MCT (Multi-Clutch Technology) transmission with AMG Speedshift.
The MCT transmission replaces a conventional torque converter with a wet start-up clutch, providing the direct feedback of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic. It offers four driving modes: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus), and “M” (Manual), selectable via the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Gearshifts in “M” mode can occur in just 100 milliseconds. Controlled Efficiency mode prioritizes smooth, early upshifts for fuel economy, while Sport and Sport+ modes offer progressively faster and more aggressive shifting. The transmission includes automatic rev-matching and a RACE START function for maximum acceleration.
The E63 AMG features a wider body with flared front fenders, AMG-specific front and rear aprons, and side skirts. The suspension utilizes coil-spring struts and special control arms at the front, and AMG-specific air springs at the rear, balancing handling and load-leveling. The speed-sensitive power steering is 22% quicker than standard E-Class models. The interior includes sport seats, an AMG instrument cluster, sport steering wheel, and AMG Drive Unit controls for shift modes, suspension settings, ESP, and RACESTART.
The E63 AMG is powered by a 6.3-liter naturally aspirated AMG V8 engine, the first engine developed entirely by AMG, producing 518 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This high-revving engine (over 7,000 rpm) delivers nearly 90% of its peak torque from 2,000 rpm. The engine features a silicon-aluminum alloy construction, four valves per cylinder, DOHC, variable valve timing, bucket tappets, an 11.3:1 compression ratio, and a variable intake manifold. It utilizes TWAS (twin-wire-arc-sprayed) cylinder bores, a production engine first, resulting in low friction and highly durable cylinder surfaces. A rigid bedplate engine block construction and a forged steel crankshaft enhance strength and reliability.
The engine incorporates vertical intake and exhaust ports, and a dual-length intake manifold managed by the Bosch 9.7 engine management system. Bucket followers in the valve train, hydraulic lifters, and variable valve timing further contribute to performance and efficiency.
Seven-Speed Transmission: Enhanced Efficiency and Performance
All 2010 E-Class sedan and coupe models are equipped with a Mercedes-Benz seven-speed automatic transmission. Compared to transmissions with fewer gears, the seven-speed enhances both vehicle acceleration and fuel economy, while providing smoother, almost imperceptible gearshifts. The wider ratio spread between first and seventh gear allows for smaller engine speed changes during gearshifts, optimizing fuel efficiency and responsiveness.
The seven-speed transmission can skip up to three gears during downshifts for quicker acceleration and smoother transitions. It uses a hydrodynamic torque converter with a lock-up clutch that engages in all seven gears, eliminating torque converter slippage and improving fuel efficiency, similar to a manual transmission when locked.
The E350 and E550 sedans feature “Direct Select,” a column-mounted gear selector, freeing up center console space. Coupe models and the E63 AMG sedan retain a console shifter with Touch Shift for manual gear changes. The transmission adapts to road grade and driving style, adjusting shift logic for both fuel-efficient cruising and more dynamic driving. Sport and Comfort modes, selectable via a center console button, alter shift points and shift speed, allowing drivers to customize transmission behavior based on driving preferences.
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive: Enhanced Traction and Stability
Shortly after its initial launch, the 2010 E-Class sedan became available with an updated version of Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. This full-time four-wheel-drive system provides year-round traction and stability benefits on both dry and wet road surfaces with minimal impact on weight or fuel efficiency. The increasing popularity of refined all-wheel-drive systems, especially in the luxury market, underscores the benefits of enhanced traction and stability in diverse driving conditions. Mercedes-Benz has sold over 1.2 million 4MATIC vehicles, reflecting the system’s proven reliability and effectiveness in enhancing driver confidence and vehicle control.
