Mercedes-Benz 2.1 L 2014

Although the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has received only a midcycle refresh, the list of updates is dizzying. Compared to last year's model, the 2014 E-Class is a lot sleeker and a little safer, while two of its specialty variants -- the diesel E250 Bluetec (formerly the E350 Bluetec) and the E63 AMG -- have undergone major mechanical surgery. The current-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been one of our favorites since it debuted back in 2010. This car impresses us time and again with its trifecta of refinement, performance and cutting-edge technology. But the 2014 version's improvements are quite compelling, starting with that sleek new shape, which ditches the previous E's blocky front end in favor of a streamlined flow from nose to tail. The sedan and wagon have also lost their prominent rear fender flares, leaving the coupe and convertible to carry this torch. The evolution continues under the skin, particularly in the turbodiesel E250 Bluetec, which swaps in a four-cylinder engine for the outgoing E350 Bluetec's V6. Fuel economy gains are substantial, yet the smaller diesel's robust 369 pound-feet of torque ensures that there's still adequate get-up-and-go. Most other E-Class models are mechanically unchanged apart from a new electric power steering system, which actually doesn't feel much different from the previous steering system. However, the outrageous E63 AMG gets a bump in horsepower (now rated 550 on the base version), standard all-wheel drive, electronically adjustable shock absorbers with rear air springs, and an optional S package that increases output to a more tolerable 577 hp. Throw in a slew of new safety technologies borrowed from the latest S-Class, including an available advanced lane-keeping system that involves an object-sensing stereoscopic camera, and you've got a recipe for one of Mercedes' best all-around automobiles yet. Of course, there are plenty of good cars in the midsize luxury class, most notably the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Lexus GS, though none of them can match the sheer variety of body styles and engines in the E-Class lineup. If you're looking for the best all-around luxury sedan (or wagon, coupe or convertible), the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a good place to start your search.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class rides on a rear-wheel-drive platform, but 4Matic AWD is widely available. The E400 Hybrid, E550 coupe and both convertibles are the only E-Class models that don't offer it, while both wagons (E350 and E63 AMG) as well as the E550 and E63 AMG sedans come standard with 4Matic. Note that the AMG version of 4Matic sends more power to the rear wheels -- 67 percent versus the usual 55 percent -- to facilitate performance driving. Every E-Class, except for the E63, employs a seven-speed automatic transmission, and for 2014, every E-Class features shift paddles on the steering wheel. The E63's automatic has seven speeds as well, but it uses a multiplate clutch pack instead of a torque converter for enhanced response and control. Both transmissions come with an automatic stop-start function that turns off the engine when the car stops to save fuel.