2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class help you decide if a 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is right for you.

2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Road Test

Pros	Cons

Cargo room (wagon)	Fuel economy (E430, E55)

Acceleration	Navigation system controls

Steering/handling

Ride

Available all-wheel drive

Build quality

Exterior finish

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

E320 sdn	E320 wgn	E430 sdn	E55	Class Average
6	6	7	8	6.2

Mercedes claims 0-60 mph of 7.1/7.8 seconds for the E320 sedan/wagon. We believe it. The E430 is markedly quicker overall, the E55 a tiger in a business suit.

Fuel Economy

E320 sdn	E320 wgn	E430 sdn	E55	Class Average
5	5	4	4	4.6

Based on our experience, the EPA city ratings are what most owners should average. All require premium fuel.

Ride Quality

E320 sdn	E320 wgn	E430 sdn	E55	Class Average
8	8	8	6	6.5

A model blend of comfort and control. Stability is great at highway speeds, and most bumps are easily absorbed.

Steering/Handling/Braking

E320 sdn	E320 wgn	E430 sdn	E55	Class Average
6	6	7	8	6.3

More athletic than the typical luxury 4-door, if not so nimble as a BMW 5-Series. Still, steering is firm and precise, body lean modest in hard cornering.

Quietness

E320 sdn	E320 wgn	E430 sdn	E55	Class Average
8	8	8	6	6.8

Engines are muted even at full throttle, and what little you do hear sounds "expensive". Low wind noise. Only minor tire rumble.

Controls

E320 sdn	E320 wgn	E430 sdn	E55	Class Average
6	6	5	6	6.2

The usual Mercedes array, and mostly well done. Too many buttons are poorly marked, though, and console-mounted power-window switches aren't to everyone's liking.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

E320 sdn	E320 wgn	E430 sdn	E55	Class Average
8	8	8	8	6.9

Dash design and wide console make things feel cozy but not confined. Ample leg-stretching space, plus good head clearance for 6-footers.

Room/Comfort (rear)

E320 sdn	E320 wgn	E430 sdn	E55	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.1

A bulky transmission tunnel precludes long-distance comfort for a center-seater, but outboard leg room is good even with the long-travel front seats fully aft.

Cargo Room

E320 sdn	E320 wgn	E430 sdn	E55	Class Average
4	8	4	4	3.9

All models have plenty of space, plus flat load floors and low liftovers. The wagon's standard rear-facing third seat folds easily for cargo, but is sized more for kids than grownups.

Value within Class

E320 sdn	E320 wgn	E430 sdn	E55	Class Average
7	7	6	2	4.1

Quality, resale value, performance, and safety features make E-Class models unqualified luxury car Best Buys. The wagon and available AWD are added attractions for superior traction and/or increased cargo capacity. E320s are the best values, with the E430 a stellar rival for the Lexus LS 400 and BMW 540i.

Total Score