The Mercedes E-Class has long been synonymous with luxury, performance, and cutting-edge automotive engineering. The Mercedes E Class 2010 model year continued this legacy, introducing a range of advancements in chassis technology, engine design, and overall vehicle dynamics. This article delves into the technical specifications and innovations that defined the Mercedes E Class 2010, offering a comprehensive overview for automotive enthusiasts and those interested in the engineering excellence of this iconic vehicle.
Advanced Chassis and Suspension Systems of the 2010 Mercedes E Class
The Mercedes E Class 2010 chassis was engineered for a refined balance of comfort and handling. A key component of this was the sophisticated suspension system, designed to provide a smooth ride while ensuring responsive and precise control.
Double-Link Strut Front Suspension
The front suspension of the 2010 Mercedes E Class utilized a double-link strut design. This system employed two lower links paired with a coil spring strut, complemented by twin-tube gas shocks and a stabilizer bar. This configuration differed from traditional single “A” arm strut setups, offering enhanced impact absorption during frontal collisions. The reduced mass of these components also contributed to improved wheel control and damping precision, minimizing sensitivity to wheel imbalance and brake fluctuations. The forward links were constructed from forged aluminum, while the rearward links utilized forged steel, optimizing strength and weight.
Alt text: Detailed view of the Mercedes E Class 2010 double-link strut front suspension, highlighting the forged aluminum and steel links.
The strut tops connected to the body via triple-path head bearings. This innovative design directed spring forces directly to the body, while damping forces, managed by the shock absorber piston rod, passed through a rubber bushing that rotated with the bearing during steering. A third path managed forces exceeding suspension travel, channeling them directly to the body through a buffer stop.
The front suspension links were mounted to a high-strength steel subframe, which also supported the engine, transmission, and the aluminum rack-and-pinion steering unit, positioned in front of the wheel center.
Multi-Link Rear Suspension for Enhanced Stability
The rear of the Mercedes E Class 2010 featured a refined version of Mercedes’ patented five-link rear suspension. Constructed from variable-thickness sheet steel, a lightweight subframe supported the suspension links and rear final drive gears. The links, wheel carriers, and struts were all revised for this model. While four of the rear suspension links were steel, a link subjected only to stretching and compression forces was made from forged aluminum to reduce weight.
Alt text: Illustration of the Mercedes E Class 2010 multi-link rear suspension system, showing the arrangement of the five links and subframe.
AGILITY CONTROL: Adaptive Damping System
Standard on Mercedes E Class 2010 E350 models, AGILITY CONTROL offered a versatile suspension setup. This system incorporated a small piston connected to a bypass port within the hydraulic flow of each shock absorber. This design allowed for a softer, more comfortable ride on typical roads, while automatically providing full shock damping when encountering dips and challenging road conditions.
For a sportier feel, the Mercedes E Class 2010 E350 coupe offered an upgrade to the AGILITY CONTROL Sport Suspension, featuring stiffer damping characteristics. The E550 Coupe was equipped with the Dynamic Handling suspension, which included electronically adjustable shock absorbers and modified throttle response for enhanced driving dynamics.
AIRMATIC Air Suspension for V8 Sedans
Exclusively available on the V8-powered Mercedes E Class 2010 E550 and E63 AMG sedans, AIRMATIC air suspension provided computer-controlled springing and damping. This system replaced conventional coil springs with compressed air in special rubber bellows. An electric compressor charged the struts with compressed air via fast-acting solenoid valves, regulating air volume and pressure to control the springing rate. At lower speeds or when stationary, the system utilized pressure from an accumulator to ensure rapid and quiet ride height adjustments.
Alt text: Diagram illustrating the components of the Mercedes E Class 2010 AIRMATIC air suspension system, including the air bellows, compressor, and solenoid valves.
The AIRMATIC system effectively offered both comfort and sport suspension characteristics in one. It adapted to driving inputs and road conditions by adjusting springing and damping rates. In normal driving, full air volume remained active for optimal comfort. During cornering at speed, the system briefly reduced air volume, increasing spring rate to minimize body roll and pitch.
The suspension computer received data from body level sensors, acceleration sensors, and a steering angle sensor to determine the necessary shock absorber force and spring rate. Solenoid valves on the shock absorbers provided four levels of damping, switching rates in milliseconds based on sensor input, ranging from soft settings for steady driving to hard settings for maximum stiffness during cornering. Drivers could also manually select between comfort and sport damping settings, with the sport program activating harder settings earlier and lowering the body by 0.6 inches. Automatic level control maintained consistent spring travel regardless of vehicle load, and a driver-activated raise function provided additional ground clearance for rough roads.
Braking, Wheels, and Tires of the 2010 Mercedes E Class
All Mercedes E Class 2010 models were equipped with four-wheel vented disc brakes and a tandem vacuum brake booster. E350 models featured single-piston floating calipers at the front, while the E550 utilized four-piston fixed calipers for increased braking performance. The high-performance E63 AMG was fitted with perforated, vented discs and six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear, ensuring exceptional stopping power.
The Mercedes E Class 2010 offered a range of wheel and tire options. Luxury sedans like the E350 and E550 came with 17-inch wheels and 245/45 all-season tires. Sport sedan models and the E63 AMG featured 18-inch wheels with staggered-width tires, 245/40 front and 265/35 rear. E350 coupes standardly came with 17-inch wheels with staggered-width 235/45 front and 255/40 rear tires. Coupes with the Appearance Package and E550 coupes upgraded to 18-inch wheels with staggered-width 235/40 front and 255/35 rear tires.
Tire Pressure Monitoring was standard across the Mercedes E Class 2010 range. Sensors within each tire transmitted data on pressure, temperature, rotation, and wheel ID to a control unit. Warnings were displayed in the central display if significant pressure loss occurred, enhancing safety and tire longevity.
Engine Options: V6, V8, and the AMG 6.3L V8 in the Mercedes E Class 2010
The Mercedes E Class 2010 offered a choice of powerful engines, ranging from a refined V6 to potent V8 options, culminating in the high-performance AMG 6.3L V8.
High-Torque V6 Engine in the E350
The E350 models of the Mercedes E Class 2010 were powered by a 3.5-liter all-aluminum V6 engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Maximum torque was available across a broad range, from 2,400 to 5,000 rpm, with 87 percent of peak torque accessible from just 1,500 rpm.
Alt text: Image of the 3.5-liter V6 engine in the Mercedes E Class 2010 E350, showcasing its aluminum construction and DOHC layout.
The V6 featured a DOHC layout with variable intake and exhaust valve timing. Innovative tumble flaps in the intake passages improved fuel efficiency by enhancing combustion at part load. The engine block was constructed from aluminum, incorporating forged components like the crankshaft and connecting rods for durability and reduced vibration. A balance shaft further minimized engine vibrations. The exhaust system was a dual design with multiple mufflers and catalysts to balance performance, noise reduction, and emissions control.
Powerful V8 Engine in the E550
The Mercedes E Class 2010 E550 models featured a 5.5-liter V8 engine, internally known as the M273. This engine delivered 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, with peak torque available from 2,800 to 4,800 rpm. Like the V6, it incorporated DOHC, variable valve timing, and tumble flaps for optimized performance and efficiency.
Alt text: Illustration of the 5.5-liter V8 engine for the Mercedes E Class 2010 E550, highlighting its four-cam design and variable valve timing system.
The V8 engine block and cylinder heads were aluminum, with low-friction silicon-aluminum cylinder liners. A two-stage intake manifold broadened the torque curve. The engine also featured advanced emissions control systems, including internal exhaust gas recirculation and close-coupled catalysts.
AMG 6.3L V8 Engine in the E63 AMG Sedan
The pinnacle of performance in the Mercedes E Class 2010 range was the E63 AMG sedan, powered by a hand-built 6.3-liter AMG V8 engine. This naturally aspirated masterpiece produced 518 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, making it one of the most powerful production V8s in its class. This engine was the first developed entirely by AMG and shared no components with standard Mercedes-Benz V8s.
Alt text: Image of the hand-assembled 6.3-liter AMG V8 engine for the Mercedes E Class 2010 E63 AMG, emphasizing its high-performance components and AMG branding.
The AMG 6.3L V8 featured racing-derived technology, including a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy construction, four valves per cylinder, DOHC with variable valve timing, and twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) cylinder bores for reduced friction. A rigid bedplate crankcase and forged steel crankshaft contributed to its robustness and high-RPM capability. The engine was paired with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission for lightning-fast gear changes.
Seven-Speed Transmission and 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive in the Mercedes E Class 2010
All Mercedes E Class 2010 models were equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission, enhancing both performance and fuel economy. The transmission offered a wider ratio spread and closer gear steps, enabling smoother shifts and optimized engine operation. It could skip gears during downshifts for quicker acceleration and utilized a lock-up clutch in all seven gears for improved fuel efficiency.
Alt text: Diagram of the Mercedes-Benz 7-speed automatic transmission used in the Mercedes E Class 2010, highlighting its multi-gear functionality and lock-up clutch system.
The E350 and E550 sedans featured the Direct Select column-mounted gear selector, while coupes and the E63 AMG retained a console shifter with Touch Shift manual control. Drivers could select between Sport and Comfort modes to alter shift points and responsiveness.
The Mercedes E Class 2010 also offered the option of 4MATIC all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability, particularly beneficial in adverse weather conditions. This system provided full-time four-wheel drive with minimal impact on weight and fuel efficiency, ensuring year-round driving confidence.
Conclusion: The Engineering Excellence of the Mercedes E Class 2010
The Mercedes E Class 2010 represented a significant step forward in automotive engineering, showcasing advanced chassis and suspension systems, a range of powerful and efficient engines, sophisticated transmissions, and available all-wheel drive. From the innovative AGILITY CONTROL and AIRMATIC suspension systems to the high-performance AMG 6.3L V8 engine and the smooth seven-speed transmission, the Mercedes E Class 2010 delivered a blend of luxury, performance, and technological innovation that solidified its position as a leader in its class. For those seeking a detailed understanding of automotive engineering in a luxury vehicle, the Mercedes E Class 2010 remains a compelling example of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to excellence.
