2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Mercedes' best-selling line loses its diesel model for 2000 but gains an all-wheel-drive V8 sedan, minor styling revisions, standard rear side airbags, and new communications options. The E320 sedan and wagon continue with a 221-horsepower 3.2-liter V6, the E430 sedan with a 275-hp 4.3-liter V8, and the limited-production high-performance E55 AMG sedan with a 349-hp 5.4-liter V8. The only transmission is a 5-speed automatic, now with Mercedes' separate Touch Shift gate for manual shifting. Wagons have a rear-facing third-row seat for 7-passenger capacity.
The E430 sedan joins E320 models in offering Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive. And Mercedes' antiskid Electronic Stability Program becomes standard on all models instead of optional on 320s. All models also come with Mercedes' TeleAid emergency assistance system, curtain side airbags that drop from above the side windows to limit head injuries in side collisions, and new lower-body side airbags in back as well as the front. New options include voice-activated cell phone, in-dash satellite navigation system, and an audible parking-warning system. All Mercedes vehicles now include some maintenance items in the 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.

Competition

This diverse segment offers the widest price range. It covers everything from the $33,000 Saab 9-5 to the $128,000 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $42,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. In the same vein, the more-expensive Lexus LS 400 continues to impress, excelling in every way except for handling.
If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series, Jaguar S-Type, or Lexus GS 300/400. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the new Cadillac DeVille or Mercedes-Benz CLK.

News

Mercedes remains committed to diesel power, which is why the lack of an "oil burner" in the E-Class line is only temporary. The forthcoming E320 CDI sedan is expected to be certified for sale in all states bar California, where diesel engines of all kinds are currently embroiled in heated clean-air politics.
Though the E-Class should see few other changes for 2001, a wagon version of the hot E55 AMG is now on sale in Europe, and there's an outside chance that it might come to the U.S. if only to one-up BMW, which doesn't (yet) offer its high-performance M5 as a wagon. Mercedes has also introduced an E55 sedan and wagon with 4Matic all-wheel drive as a counter to Audi's high-performance S8 Quattro. With Mercedes seemingly determined to fill every sporty-model market niche, the 4Matic E55s could well be sold in America as well, though likely on a very limited basis.
Mercedes' best-selling U.S. line isn't slated for a redesign until model-year 2003. At that point the E-Class will reportedly get a longer wheelbase and more passenger room without changing length, plus sleeker styling patterned on that of the latest big S-Class. Spy reports say that Mercedes' anti-lean Active Body Control suspension will be available, though probably not on all models, and standard equipment will include new knee front airbags, giving the next E-Class a record total of 12 inflatable restraints.

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

E320 sdn	E320 wgn	E430 sdn	E55	Class Average
64	68	63	58	56.6

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		41
Average Score		56
High Score		68

2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 10/19/1999

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

E320 4-door sedan	$47,100	$43,803	$645

E320 AWD 4-door sedan	$49,900	$46,407	$645

E320 4-door wagon	$47,950	$44,594	$645

E320 AWD 4-door wagon	$50,750	$47,198	$645

E430 4-door sedan	$52,450	$48,779	$645

E430 AWD 4-door sedan	$55,250	$51,383	$645

E55 4-door sedan	$69,800	$64,914	$645

Price note: AWD denotes all-wheel drive. E55 add gas guzzler tax $1000.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

E320 sedan

Powertrain

3.2-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags w/automatic child seat recognition system, front and rear side-airbags, front and rear side head-protection, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, TeleAid emergency assistance system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate control, interior air filter, variable-assist power steering, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with memory feature, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, 10-way power front bucket seats with memory feature, center console, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors with memory feature and driver-side automatic day/night, passenger-side mirror tilt-down parking aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, AM/FM/cassette w/CD changer controls, digital clock, tachometer, rear defogger, illuminated visor mirrors, remote fuel door and decklid releases, universal garage-door opener, variable intermittent wipers, reading lights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Front and rear fog lights, theft-deterrent system, first-aid kit, full-size spare tire, 215/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: permanent all-wheel drive.

E320 wagon adds to E320 sedan:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cloth and leather upholstery, folding third seat, cargo cover, intermittent rear wiper and heated washer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Automatic rear load leveling suspension, roof rails, AWD adds: permanent all-wheel drive.

E430 adds to E320 sedan:

Powertrain

4.3-liter V8 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Bose sound system.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

235/45WR17 tires, AWD adds: permanent all-wheel drive.

E55 adds to E430:

Powertrain

5.4-liter V8 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power sunroof, heated multi-contour front seats, rain-sensing automatic wipers, power rear window sunshade.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Aerodynamics package, Xenon headlights w/washers, projector beam fog lights, sport suspension, 245/40ZR18 front tires, 275/35ZR18 rear tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
E1 Option Pkg.
E320, E430	$1,575	$1,465
Heated front seats, Xenon headlamps, heated headlight washers.

E2 Option Pkg.
E320	$1,575	$1,465
Bose sound system, power sunroof, rain-sensing wipers.

E3 Option Pkg.
E430	$4,010	$3,729
Front air dam, side sill skirts, rear apron, projector beam fog lights, special alloy wheels. NA 430 AWD.

K2 Option Pkg.
E320 sedan, E320 wagon, E430, E55	$1,795	$1,454
Integrated portable cellular telephone, 6-disc CD changer.

K2A Option Pkg.
E320 sedan, E320 wagon, E430, E55	$2,190	$1,774
Voice-activated integrated portable cellular telephone, 6-disc CD changer.

Designo Espresso Edition
E320 sedan, E430	$5,900	$5,487
E320 wagon	$6,500	$6,045
E55	$5,200	$4,836
Elm wood console trim, elm wood/charcoal leather steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery (E320, E430), charcoal/light brown floormats. Requires heated front seats. Not available AWD.

Designo Silver Edition
E320 sedan, E430	$5,900	$5,487
E320 wagon	$6,500	$6,045
E55	$5,200	$4,836
Maple wood console trim, maple wood/charcoal leather steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery (E320, E430), charcoal/dark green floormats. Requires heated front seats. Not available AWD.

COMAND System
E320 sedan, E320 wagon, E430, E55	$1,995	$1,855
Navigation system, AM/FM/CD player, steering wheel radio controls.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
E320, E430	$1,130	$1,051


Full leather upholstery
E320 wagon	$1,345	$1,251


Nappa leather upholstery
E320 sedan, E430	$700	$651
E320 wagon	$2,045	$1,902
Requires special order charge.

Multi-contour power front seats
E320, E430	$710	$660


Heated front seats
E320, E430	$605	$563


Power rear window sunshade
E320 sedan, E430	$410	$381


Parktronic System
E320, E430	$975	$907
Requires special order charge. Not available AWD.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack
E320 wagon	$450	$419


Special paint
E320 sedan, E320 wagon, E430, E55	$610	$567
Some colors require special order charge.

Special order charge
E320 sedan, E320 wagon, E430, E55	$1,000	$1,000
Fee for one or more options requiring special order charge.

2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4-door sedan	Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	111.5	111.5

Overall Length, in.	189.4	190.4

Overall Width, in.	70.8	70.8

Overall Height, in.	56.7	59.3

Curb Weight, lbs.	3691	3757

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.3	82.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	21.1	18.5

Seating Capacity	5	7

Front Head Room, in.	37.6	38.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.3	41.3

Rear Head Room, in.	37.2	37.0

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.1	36.1

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc V6	sohc V8	sohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.2 /195	4.3 /260	5.4 /322

Horsepower @ rpm.	221 @ 5500	275 @ 5750	349 @ 5500

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	232 @ 3000	295 @ 3000	391 @ 3000

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	21/30	18/24	16/23

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4-door sedan

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4-door wagon

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	4/50,000	--

Free roadside assistance	--/--	Unlimited

Free scheduled maintenance	4/50,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Germany

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

< 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Photos

Also in the 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Road Test

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Prices & Equipment

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Specs & Safety

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Photos

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Full Review

All Mercedes-Benz E-Class

All Mercedes-Benzs