Carmakers know the value of leaving well enough alone.

But they also know that change, in a market that thrives on it, can be a good thing, too.

Mercedes-Benz has tried mightily to walk the fine line between change and status quo with its popular E-Class for 2007 -- and for the most part, it has succeeded.

There are a few styling refinements to the newest E-Class, but you'd have to have a score card to tell where they were made because the modifications are subtle. There are things such as new taillights, a new snappy chrome bar across the rear of the car, a new gearshift lever and steering wheel, and a few other niceties.

From a performance standpoint, I think the E350 Sport model is the one to beat, even though the E550 model is plenty powerful. The E550, based on my initial brief exposure, comes off as a marvelous highway cruiser rather than the cornering champ that the E350 Sport model seems to be.

It's the lighter weight and better balance of the E350 Sport model that makes it a better road companion. It has a lovely exhaust note, quick response and is nimble on its feet as it hurdles around curves. There's little or no sign of body lean, and the steering requires just enough effort to make it fun for enthusiasts to drive. Mercedes says the steering is about 10 percent more "direct," for better, faster response, and it shows.

The E550 is powered by a new 5.5 liter V-8 that puts out 382 horsepower, up 80 horsepower from the current model year, with 391 pounds/feet of torque. What's even better, the power and torque are available to motorists all across the engine's acceleration band, from 2,800 to 4,800 rpm. No waiting for things to get under way as you drive to enjoy the fun.

The E350 and E550 now offer consumers a choice of either Luxury or Sport themes at no additional cost.

The Sport model has a chrome grille with black inserts, 18 inch 10-twin spoke wheels, blue tinted glass, LED lights, a lowered sport suspension, cross drilled front disc brakes and a dual exhaust, among other things. Inside you'll find black bird's eye maple wood trim, a matte chrome leather shift knob and a white instrument cluster.

Meanwhile, the Luxury model has a black instrument cluster, burl walnut wood trim and a burl walnut wood and leather shift knob.

But the really big news for the E Class is value. Buyers will get a much better equipped E Class this year with $2,750 worth of equipment for only $500 more than last year.

The equipment includes a sunroof, a premium sound system, CD changer and the all-new Pre-Safe program that prepares the car in the event of a crash by closing windows and sunroofs, repositioning the seat and other steps.

The E350 will cost $50,550 compared with $50,050 in 2006, while the E350 4Matic wagon is priced at $55,700. The diesel powered E320 "Bluetec" model will cost $51,550, and the range-topping E550 will be priced at $59,000.

Those prices should entice consumers who comparison shop and those whose attention might wander elsewhere to brands that might have made more dramatic changes to their cars.

Look for a comprehensive test on the E Class in a few months.