New Mercedes E-Class Sedan Priced $4,600 Below Current Model (US)

Mercedes-Benz USA is undercutting itself when it comes to pricing the new 2010 E-Class range. Proof of this is the basic 292hp (215kW) E350 sedan which will come in at US$49,475 including shipping. This is against the US$54,075 being charged for the current vehicle, a saving of US$4,600. The E-Class goes in sale in the US in June.

"We are continuing the strategy we started with the new C-Class two years ago," said Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, "by pricing close to actual transaction prices."

To acquire an E550, buyers will have to part with at least US$57,175 for the RWD version while the 4Matic AWD will set them back an extra US$2,500 on the base price. The same goes for the 4Matic AWD version of the E350. The E550 has a 5.5-litre V8 engine with 387hp (285kW).

The US will also be getting the E-Class Coupe in late June at a base price of US$48,925 for the E350 Coupe, as opposed to US$48,975 for the CLK 350 which it replaces. The more powerful E550 Coupe will have a minimum price of US$55,525. November 2009 will see the US introduction of the 525hp (386kW) top-of-the-range E 63 AMG.

Plenty of kit will be available with the new E-Class. Included on the list are comforts like the COMAND central control system that runs things like the satellite navigation system and radio/CD module. It has a 7-inch colour display monitor and nine airbags for added safety.