2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.