New Mercedes has drowsy driver alert

DETROIT - Mercedes-Benz gave Detroit a sneak peak at the new version of its all-new 2010 E-class midsize luxury sedan at a private party at the Westin Book Cadillac downtown Saturday night.

The car won't travel the four blocks to the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center, however. It has disappeared from public view until the Geneva auto show in Switzerland in March. The 2010 E-class is to go on sale in the United States this summer.

The production car borrows styling elements from the Fascination concept station wagon, particularly the sharply angled lines of the hood and grille.

The 2010 E-class will offer a feature that senses when the driver gets drowsy and alerts him or her with a chime and a flashing light.

More safety systems will warn the driver about vehicles in the car's blind spots when it begins to wander out of its lane.

Power will come from either a 268-horsepower V6 or a 381-horsepower V8. All-wheel drive models and the high-performance E63 will follow later this year. Mercedes will add a fuel-saving diesel model next year.