2010 Mercedes Benz E550

         For many years, autotesters across the country have been describing the Mercedes E-class as the almost perfect sedan==good riding, good performance, roomy in front, a bit snug in back, and a big trunk.
     So--for 2010, what has Mercedes done for us lately?    A sleeker look with high style creases along the side, a slightly angled grille, still roomy in front, improved in back, and a large trunk.
   Our test car, the 5 and a half liter V8 is the ultimate in smoothness and performance, yet the throttle is so well controllled that there is no unplanned leaping from a stop sign.
   One feature I hadn't encountered before was a tightening of the driver's seat-back on the left or the right during sharp turns--probably good for high speed cornering, but I live on a 25 mile curvy road, so I was being embraced left and right every ten seconds. I turned it off.
   Mileage--in the upper 20s on the road. Starting price--$56,300 for the V8-much less for the V6.