The highly successful, full-size Mercedes-Benz E-Class line of sedans and wagons recently made its 2007 debut. The bread and butter car of the Mercedes line, the E-Class has been restyled for the ‘07 model year, with three new models featuring an impressive array of technologies, including the world’s cleanest-burning diesel.

Walkaround: Mercedes designers are famous for making changes that are subtle, yet functional, while belying the age of the car. The 2007 E-Class is no exception. It’s more aggressive looking than previous models thanks to a restyled front grille and headlights combined with a new bumper and a lower air dam, coupled with more aerodynamic side mirrors and a redesigned rear bumper and tail lights. Subtle, in that you immediately know it’s a Mercedes, but functional improvements also make it a better Mercedes than previous models.

Interior: The interior of the E-Class is steeped in Mercedes’ signature austere, yet totally functional luxury. In addition to the standard leather seating and all the requisite power accessories, a new steering wheel and shift lever are among changes for 2007, along with four new interior colors and an improved climate control layout. New standard equipment includes a glass sunroof, six-disc CD changer and a 420-watt, harman/kardon Logic 7™ premium audio system. Also standard is a power tailgate on the wagon.

The big news for 2007 is that the E-Class line now comes with Mercedes’ high-tech safety system — Pre-Safe — that debuted several years ago in the larger, top of the line, S-Class. Pre-Safe is the world’s first system that can sense and take protective measures by using the valuable seconds of advance warning before a crash.

When it senses a collision, Pre-Safe first tightens the seatbelts, utilizing resettable electric tensioners. In the event the front passenger seat is overly forward, or reclined, Pre-Safe moves it to a less vulnerable crash position. If the vehicle skids — often a precursor to rollover — the system automatically closes the sunroof and any open side windows. If a crash is avoided, the electric belt tensioners automatically relax, ready to deploy again.

When necessary, Pre-Safe reacts to fishtailing (oversteer) as well as “plowing” (understeer) utilizing stability control sensors that measure steering angle, vehicle yaw and lateral acceleration. Emergency braking can also trigger the system, which monitors sensors for the Brake Assist system.

Under The Hood: The E350 continues to use the latest four-valve-per-cylinder V6, that puts 268 horses to the highway with 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The E500 has been replaced by the E550. It’s powered by a new-generation 32-valve 5.5-liter V8, delivering an awesome 382 ponies to the pavement with 391 lb.-ft. of torque.

The E-Class line wouldn’t be complete without the high-performance E63 AMG, which replaces the previous E55 model. The E63 AMG is powered by a 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 producing a stunning 507 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, it’s the first powerplant developed entirely by AMG, and one of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever made. It shares no parts with other Mercedes-Benz V8 engines, and features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket tappets (rather than rocker arms) and a variable intake manifold.

New Bluetec Diesel: The E320 CDI is now the E320 Bluetec, which features a new 3-liter V6 turbodiesel engine producing 208 horses with 388 lb.-ft. of torque. It replaces the in-line six in the previous E320 CDI.

Bluetec combines several technologies that minimize exhaust emissions, including four after-treatment units in the exhaust stream – an oxidizing catalytic converter, a particulate filter, an advanced “denox” storage converter, and a selective reduction catalytic converter, creating the most effective method of exhaust gas after-treatment currently available.

Its advanced engine design also includes four valves per cylinder, centrally located piezo-electric injectors, third-generation CDI direct injection, a turbocharger with variable nozzle turbine and exhaust gas recirculation.

The E320 Bluetec depends on using ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (less than 15 parts per million) that will be available throughout the US this fall.

Behind The Wheel: I drove the new E-Class at its national press introduction in Napa, California in July. Driving with Sue Mead, renowned as one of the best on and off-road drivers in the country, we aggressively put it through its paces on major freeways, the two-lane country blacktops meandering through the wine country, and over the mountains out to the coast. The new E-Class handled flawlessly on all surfaces and terrains. Steering was precise, acceleration was quick and certain, braking was smooth with short stops, and the ride was comfortable and quiet. For a full-sized sedan, the new E-Class handled better than a lot of smaller, lower profile cars — including some so-called sport sedans.

Whines: Only the usual Mercedes whine — the location of the cruise control lever, which is mounted above the turn signal. The ease of engaging the cruise when you intend to signal for a left turn is a design flaw that needs to be addressed.

Bottom Line: This was a great car that has done nothing but get better in 2007. The addition of the Pre-Safe system is a major plus, and even considering its price, when you consider all you get, and how long most people own their Mercedes’ the E-Class is perhaps one of the best values as well as a wonderfully engineered automobile