Sorry - forgot to mention my input on the design. I kind of like it, but like many of you want to see it with a license plate first. On second glance, it reminds me of a Pontiac Grand Prix because of the shape of the front now... We'll see once they infest the roads around here ;-).

- Eric

 

I bought the last build 06 knowing a "freshened" look was coming shortly. I'm relieved as I prefer my 06 over the pointed front end and wide license plate in the back of the 07. I also prefer the analogue temp gauges over the digital modes. Probably the same reason I like the big analog clock in the instrument cluster.

I'm also not a sporty driver, so I don't notice anything unusual about my Sensotronic brakes or a need for a change in the steering.

It's just a minor preference. It wouldn't keep me from getting the car if I were in the market today.

 

Just saw one with the licence plate mounted on the front bumper, looks okay afterall (but not as good as before). I'll try to post camera pix. Also just learned that '07's mark the return to "normal" brake systems, Yah! No more electronic brake control! Overall, not a bad package and I'm now going for an '07 instead of an '06 CDI. Here are some more tidbits from Netstar:

Interior

MY07 FACELIFT (mid-July 2006)
Model Year 2007 welcomes a facelift for the E-Class, and introduction of 3 new engines:
-E320 BLUETEC: 3.0L V6 with 210hp, 388 lb-ft. torque (Available Fall 2006)
-E550: 5.5L V8 with 382hp, 391 lb-ft. torque
-E63 AMG: 6.3L V8 with 507hp, 465 lb-ft. torque


Other key exterior product changes include:
-a more aggressively styled front air dam
-new front grille
-revised head lamps and tail lamps
-aero mirrors (similar to CLS)
-new side skirts
-2 new paints: Arctic White and Jade Green

Key interior product changes include:
-PRE-SAFE
-new steering wheel (CLS steering wheel)
-re-designed HVAC operating unit
-new shift/selector lever
-4 new upholstery colors: Black, Cashmere, Black/Sahara Beige (Sport Models only), Black/Cognac Brown (Sport Models only)

Photos of the Facelift will be forthcoming.

Equipment Modifications

Value Enhancement
The following options will become standard equipment at no-additional charge:
-Glass Sunroof (414)
-harman/kardon LOGIC7 Digital Surround Sound System (810)
-6-disc CD Changer (819)

New Packaging
Owing to the new standard equipment listed above, we have further streamlined our packaging. Based on the successful E-Class Premium Package, launched with MY06, two "premium packages" will be offered - P1 and P2 - each of which offers significant value and includes options with proven customer demand.

P1 - E350/E320 BLUETEC: $2390 / E550: $2840 / E63 AMG: $2000
-DVD Navigation
-SIRIUS Satellite Radio
-Hands-Free Communication System (requires Multi-Handset or Bluetooth Interface)
-Heated Front Seats (Active Ventilated Seats with Heating Feature for E550 and E63 AMG)
-Power-Rear Window Sunshade (Rear Side-window sunblinds for E350 4MATIC Wagon)

P2 - E350/E320 BLUETEC: $4290 / E550: $4740 / E63 AMG: $3900
Includes all items in P1
-Bi-Xenon low-beam and high-beam headlamps with active curve illumination system
-Keyless Go
-Heated Headlamp Washers

Sport/Luxury Strategy
In addition to the enhancements planned for the upcoming MY07 Facelift, we would like to announce the start of a new E-Class Sport/Luxury product strategy, similar to the successful C-Class strategy. This strategy allows you the flexibility to tailor you inventory to meet growing customer demand for more aggressive and sportier styling. The E350W, E350W4, E550W and E550W4 will adopt a 2-prong approach (Sport and Luxury) while the E320 BLUETEC and E350S4 will remain exclusively Luxury.

The E-Class Sport Sedan will be based on the 333 Sport Package launched late last year. This package, which is no-charge for MY07 Facelift, features key "sport" elements including 18" 10-twin spoke wheels, sport rear bumper with dual exhaust tailpipes, lowered sport suspension, blue-tinted glass, Black-Birdseye Maple Wood, and matte chrome surrounding the gearshift with a white-gauged instrument cluster.

The E-Class Luxury sedan will be similar to the current, stylish model commonly seen today. Key "luxury" features include 17" wheels (for the E350 and E550 models only), an elegant rear bumper, comfort suspension, green-tinted glass, and Burl Walnut Wood complementing the well-dressed interior.

Exterior

The following colors are new:
-Arctic White (650) replaces Alabaster White (960)
-Jade Green (300) replaces Everest Green (816)


Wheels: For MY07, the E350 models will receive a new 7-spoke 17" design. Additionally, the E63 AMG models will receive a new 5-spoke 18" design. Please note: the E320 BLUETEC, E550 Models, and the Sport Package will retain their current wheels.
Also new for MY07 E-Class are Chrome wheels (R86). These wheels will be based on the same 5-spoke 17" design seen on the MY06 E500, and will be available as an option on select Luxury Models only. Please see the Product Highlights section for wheel updates.

Other

E-Class Station Wagon:
In our continuing efforts to streamline our portfolio and provide you with products which support your market requirements, we will offer just a single variant of the E-Class Station Wagon: E350S4. The E350S and E550S4 will no longer be offered for MY07.
Additionally, the Power Tailgate (890) becomes standard equipment.

 

Pictures would be great! Thanks for the report.

Lou

 

I find it funny how when a new model or new styling is released, the amount of people who criticize it. In the last 5 years on this forum, I've seen this happen with every single model or update.

Here is a thread from 2001 about the release of the "new" E class.

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/901-new-e-class.html

The original poster called it a "cross between a Maxima and a Toyota". LOL.

 

Your comment is true, I've heard it said that it's an indication of good design if it's not immediatly accepted!

Regarding the '07 E facelift, it's really starting to grow on me. When you see the car in person, it's evident that the facelifted E has been moved a bit upmarket more towards the CLS. I'm also loving the fact that there's more value in the car and it's now much harder to confuse with the C-Class.

 

Yeah that always happens and it will happen again after the 07 becomes a "classic" compared to the new 2010 model...lol!

M

 

Note also that the original 2001 poster is, according to his current profile, driving (ahem) a 2003 E500. Looks like he didn't waste much time in getting his very own Maxima/Toyota mashup.

 

good observation...

 

I didn't catch that! Pretty funny indeed! I'm sure his opinion has changed.

 

Quoting MagicO309D: "Your comment is true, I've heard it said that it's an indication of good design if it's not immediatly accepted!"

Ahhh... you mean like the world finally accepted the magnificent "Bangel Butt" BMWs? Geez, I think he did more to hurt BMW sales at BMW then Crappy electronics did at MB....

 

IMHO, good design on a car means it shouldn't have to grow on you for you to like it. It should be instantaneous. My fav car, the 997TT, never had to grow on me. When I saw it I thought HOLY ***** that's f-ing SEXYYY.

As for the 2007 E.........talk about a downgrade. 06 owners should be happy that they have the better looking version.

 

I don’t know about sales hurting, at least in the Scottsdale market. Every kid here has one. In fact, just got one for my daughter Saturday (moved on from a 03 Honda). Against my wishes, and no offense, she wouldn’t here of a C!