The instrument cluster uses black script on white gauges with LED lighting and beautifully crafted real wood trim, and a three-spoke steering wheel. There's a big speedometer in the middle, with a menu-operated display for diagnostics, feature selection, ambient temperature, date and other information at the center screen. To the left sits a large analog clock, to the right the tachometer. On either end of the cluster are neat bar gauges that resemble thermometers, displaying fuel level and coolant temperature.

A cluster of switches between the visors on the headliner controls cabin lighting and the Tele-Aid SOS call button. The panel also includes a switch to operate the sunroof, with the HomeLink package located on the bottom of the rearview mirror. Redundant controls on the steering wheel hub operate the phone, radio and information display.

The main audio, telephone and navigation controls are in a new COMAND module with a 16:9 ratio screen proportion. Centered around the new LCD display screen, the system is a big improvement over the previous system. A single row of switches operates door locks, flashers and seat heaters. The console has a funky pop-up cupholder and a large storage bin (two bins if you don't order the telephone package). There are storage bins in each door and map pockets on the front seat backs.

The 10-way adjustable front bucket seats are firm enough for good support when driving fast, but not hard on the back when you're cruising along. The sporty seats grip firmly, and there's more than enough adjustment using Mercedes' door-mounted seat controls to accommodate just about everyone.

Our gripes? The Mercedes cruise control is managed with a stalk on the left side of the steering column, above the turn signals. On the new E-Class, the cruise stalk may be even closer to the turn signals than before, and at some point, no matter how long you've driven the car, you are going to hit the cruise control when you intend to turn on the blinker. Mercedes engineers insist that theirs is the most effective cruise-control operation going. We've yet to meet anyone who prefers it. On the other hand, we've met few people who dislike the cruise control to the point that they'd overlook all the strengths of a Mercedes-Benz.

Also, the new E-Class features ambient cabin lighting, the latest trend in interior design. These strips of soft, low-level cabin lighting in the headliner remain on during darkness, like a fancy nightlight in the bathroom. Initially, at least, it's disconcerting while driving at night, because we're used to nothing but the instrument lights. The distraction goes away as you become accustomed, but we're still not convinced of the benefits.

On the plus side, the E-Class now has an indicator that lets the driver know if any of the doors are ajar and, if so, which one.

The back seat has all the comforts you'd want. There are separate air vents for both sides, a fan-speed switch and separate temperature adjustments for rear passengers; a 12-volt power point; reading lamps; a wide, fold-down center armrest with cupholders and divided storage. Headrests are provided for all three rear seating positions, and they can be retracted remotely when there's no one riding in back for greater rear vision. Speaking of which, the outside mirrors are small, limiting the field of view somewhat.

The trunk is one of the largest in the class. With 15.9 cubic feet of space, the E-Class has more cargo volume than the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, or Lexus GS. It's even larger than the trunk in big S-Class Mercedes. The trunk floor is as long as it is wide, with load height just above the bumper.

Wagons offer 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats, nearly 69 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The M-Class, by comparison, offers 81 cubic feet with the seats down.