2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class help you decide if a 2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is right for you.

2001 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	E55 AMG	E430 sdn	Class Average
6	6	8	7	6.1

Mercedes claims 0-60 mph at 7.1/7.8 sec for the rear-drive E320 sedan/wagon, 6.4 for the E430, and 5.4 for the E55. Our tests suggest all are credible figures. Automatic transmission is smooth and responsive regardless of model.

Fuel Economy

E320 sdn	E320 wgn	E55 AMG	E430 sdn	Class Average
5	5	4	4	4.7

Most owners will probably match the EPA city ratings as an overall average. Our E55 returned 19.2 mpg, though with mostly highway driving. All models require premium fuel.

Ride Quality

E320 sdn	E320 wgn	E55 AMG	E430 sdn	Class Average
8	8	6	8	6.4

A model blend of comfort and control. Stability great at highway speeds, and most bumps easily absorbed, though firmly damped, big-tire E55 suffers minor wheel patter over rough pavement and expansion joints.

Steering/Handling/Braking

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

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

Quietness

E320 sdn	E320 wgn	E55 AMG	E430 sdn	Class Average
8	8	6	8	6.7

Engines well muffled even at full throttle, and what little noise they make sounds classy. Low wind rustle too. Only minor tire rumble, but more in E55 than other models.

Controls

E320 sdn	E320 wgn	E55 AMG	E430 sdn	Class Average
6	6	6	5	6.1

Mercedes' usual design and layout is mostly effective. Some switch markings not intuitive, though, and console-mount power-window switches aren't to everyone's liking.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

E320 sdn	E320 wgn	E55 AMG	E430 sdn	Class Average
8	8	8	8	7

Wide console makes things feel cozy, but adults aren't confined. Ample leg-stretching space, plus good head clearance for 6-footers. All models offer good visibility from a comfortable, easily tailored driver's post.

Room/Comfort (rear)

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

A bulky transmission tunnel precludes long-distance comfort for a middle rider, but outboard leg room is good even with the long-travel front seats fully aft. No-strain entry/exit, too.

Cargo Room

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

Plentiful across the board, helped by flat floors and low liftovers. Wagon's standard rear-facing third seat folds easily for cargo, but is sized for kids, not grown-ups.

Value within Class

E320 sdn	E320 wgn	E55 AMG	E430 sdn	Class Average
10	9	4	8	4.7

Unqualified Best Buy luxury choices, with top-notch quality, high resale value, great all-around performance, and many safety features. The E320s are the best dollar buys, and their 4Matic option is a nice plus.

Total Score