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Competence is a wonderful thing. It’s the quality that says, no matter what happens, I can handle it. The Mercedes-Benz E350 is a wonderfully competent automobile, a solid piece of engineering that performs, coddles and protects, without being too showy about it. The E-Class is the gold standard among midsize sedans, an aspirational vehicle that is to wealthy families what Camrys and Accords are to the rest of us. The updated E350 carries on the tradition with renewed style and performance. Freshened up for 2007, the E-Class sports a new look, with racy slanted headlights, a bolder grille and oval tailpipes trimmed in chrome. Still, the overall effect remains conservative and unmistakably E-Class8. A Saturday-afternoon cruise through central Arizona, including a quick run up Yarnell Hill on Arizona 89, demonstrated the sedan’s relaxed attitude toward fast touring. This Autobahn-tuned craft can’t stretch its high-velocity cruising legs on local highways, but with road conditions ranging from freeway to winding back road, the E350 showed how well it handles whatever the world throws at it. Part of that comes from Benz’s famously solid structure, often described as “vaultlike,” that makes the sedan feel like one piece of hardware charging along without a hint of rattle or flex. The relaxed occupants nestle into the cozy cabin with a sense of luxurious privilege while the rest of the world rushes past.

PERFORMANCE: The 3.5-liter8 V-6 boosts horsepower to 268, from 221 for the outgoing 3.2-liter engine, and provides strong, smooth and refined performance that compares well with the best V-8s, aside from drag racing. E-Class engine options include a new 5.5-liter V-8 as well as a new “clean” diesel version, but it’s the six-cylinder sedan that historically makes up the bulk of sales. The seven-speed transmission is a nice piece of work, very responsive to throttle input. Arch- competitor Lexus recently announced an eight-speed automatic. So the race is on.

DRIVABILITY: Though weighing nearly two tons, E350 cuts through corners like a hot sports sedan yet delivers a luxury-car ride. Naturally, electronic wizardry has much to do with the smoothness and stability. The steering responds quickly, and the brakes could stop a freight train. Safety features include side and side-curtain airbags, antilock brakes, brake assist, traction control, electronic stability program4 and seatbelt pre-tensioners. The test car came equipped with optional headlights that swivel with the steering, giving better visibility around curves.

STYLING: Mercedes updated the styling for its mainstay sedan, streamlining the front and rear, flaring the wheel arches and restyling the roofline for a coupelike look. The changes are subtle but effective.

INTERIOR: Businesslike, as usual, with a feeling of cozy security. The panoramic sunroof provides a glass panel above the rear passengers as well as the front, including sunshades. The ceiling console glows at night with a soft, almost retro, effect. The seats are supportive, but the bottoms are too hard. Front legroom is great, but at the expense of the folks riding in back.

BOTTOM LINE: Like all Mercedes vehicles, E350 is a pricey number. Then again, $50,000 isn’t what it used to be. A superb sedan in nearly every respect.

Mercedes-Benz E350

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door sedan, rear-wheel drive. Engine: 3.5-liter V-6; 268 horsepower at 6,000 rpm; 258 pound-feet torque at 2,400 rpm. Transmission: Seven-speed automatic. Wheelbase: 112.4 inches. Overall length: 191 inches. Curb weight: 3,740 pounds. EPA rating: 19 city, 26 highway.

HIGHS: Solid feel, agile handling, engine power. LOWS: Stiff seats, tight back-seat space, pricey.

Pricing Base price: $50,550. Price as tested: $58,855.

OPTIONS — Premium package, with navigation, Sirius satellite radio, power rear-window shade, keyless entry and startup, and bi-xenon headlamps with Active Curve Illumination, $4,290. — Premium leather, $1,540. — Panorama sunroof, $1,000. — Premium paint, $700. — Shipping, $775.