What is there not to like about the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350? Seriously, this is a well designed car from the inside out. Let’s start with the styling. Mercedes scored big when it introduced the 1996 E-Class with the now-classic dual oval headlights. Over time Mercedes has done a great job of keeping the E’s exterior design fresh while still incorporating those now distinctive headlamps. The E350 continues to carry a look of class and elegance.

The new V6 engine is smooth and docile around town but when called upon quickly downshifts and accelerates effortlessly. Seamless transmission operation masks the E350’s brisk acceleration as it quickly climbs toward the triple digits. Another attribute is the fuel economy. This big sedan gets better mileage than my lightweight Toyota Tacoma truck.

Climb inside and the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 continues to draw accolades. Simple, easy-to-use and -understand dials and buttons are employed for everything from the climate controls to the navigation system. The E350 don’t need no stinkin’ iDrive! Seating is comfortable for all parties with adequate driver seat adjustments and a quiet ride. Interior materials have a quality feel to them and the overall design of the interior is user friendly.

Now, I didn’t get the opportunity to drive the E350 hard, but around town, steering input felt positive and the brakes gave great feedback when called upon. The E350 accelerates smoothly with sufficient torque to get you where you want to go, and after my stint behind the wheel I found this to be a true luxury sedan – and a very capable one at that.

Of course, no car is perfect and the E350 does have a few minor issues that need attention. Most notable is the view provided by the side mirrors. They are way too small for a car this size; especially the passenger side mirror. From my seating position behind the wheel, the mirror is partially blocked by the right A-pillar. Also annoying is the placement of the turn signal lever. Placed low on the left side of the steering column with the cruise control lever placed higher above it, (where I feel the turn signal lever should be) I regularly hit the cruise control lever when I wanted to turn on the indicator. But the E350’s biggest fault has to be how common the E-Class has become, especially here in southern California. When spending this kind of money on a luxury sedan, you don’t want to see a car like yours at every intersection. Ah, the perils of success.

As a past owner of a Mercedes-Benz E320, I love what the company has done to improve the E-Class with this latest iteration of its main model. The 2006 E350 is a car that does everything well and does it with the style and class one expects from a Mercedes. – Ron Perry