Acceleration with 6-cylinger engines ranges from tepid to adequate. Gathering passing power at 40-60 mph requires flooring the throttle at times, and then you endure a long pause before the transmission reacts. An early 300E 4Matic averaged 18.7 mpg. Adding a V8 engine was just what was needed to make the Mercedes-Benz sedans match the acceleration of the Japanese-built Lexus LS 400 and Infiniti Q45. Throttle response at midrange speeds is noticeably stronger than in 6-cylinder models, though the automatic transmission sometimes shifts with an unseemly jerk. E-Class sedans are not very space-efficient, considering their 110.2-inch wheelbase. Front leg room is generous, but in the back it's only adequate. Because of rear-wheel-drive, with its intrusive drive-shaft tunnel and a rather narrow interior, three adults will find a tight fit in the back seat. Trunk space is adequate, however. You can expect a stable, well-controlled highway ride, as well as precise steering and capable handling. With 4Matic 4-wheel-drive (available until 1994), it's virtually impossible to break the wheels loose. Even when you try to do so on wet pavement, this car sticks like glue. For drivers who don't need that much traction, ASD and ASR provide additional grip when it's needed, helping to maintain steering control.

Value for the Money
Service and maintenance can be expensive, but the assurances of longevity compensate in the long run. Strong resale value keeps prices high on the secondhand market.