2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class help you decide if a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is right for you.

2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Automatic-transmission performance (E320, E500)

Steering/handling	Fuel economy (E55)

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

E320 sdn	E500 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E55	Class Average
6	8	10	6.5

E320 can feel languid until engine rpm rises, then it's smooth and quick: 7.3 sec 0-60 mph in our test. Test E500 feels faster, and is, at 5.6 sec. On both, "drive-by-wire" electronics don't consistently coordinate with transmission to furnish alert throttle response; using manual-shift feature helps. Unabated thrust from any speed supports Mercedes' claim of 4.5 sec 0-60 for E55.

Fuel Economy

E320 sdn	E500 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E55	Class Average
5	4	3	4.5

Test E320s averaged 18-23.7 mpg, E500s 19.4-22.4-mpg; the lower figures include gas-eating performance runs. No opportunity to measure with E55. All models require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

E320 sdn	E500 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E55	Class Average
9	6	6	7.1

Stable always, but best in base-suspension E320, which is comfortably controlled and absorbent on most any surface. Sport Package E500 suffers body bounce and tire thump unless its air suspension set to softest mode. Better behaved is E55, which is firm but never punishing.

Steering/Handling/Braking

E320 sdn	E500 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E55	Class Average
7	7	8	6.7

Still not as nimble as rival 5-Series BMWs, but these sedans corner with grippy assurance, modest body lean. Antiskid system a boon in wet weather. E500 steering feels too heavy at low speed, and all models suffer too much on-center play. But straightline stability impressive. Potent stopping power, though "by-wire" brake-pedal feel could be more linear.

Quietness

E320 sdn	E500 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E55	Class Average
8	8	7	6.8

Low but audible coarse-surface tire thrum. Wind rush generally modest. Engines rise to classy full-throttle growl, almost silent otherwise. E55 has sportier exhaust note, slightly more rear-tire noise.

Controls

E320 sdn	E500 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E55	Class Average
7	7	7	6.6

Clear gauges. Most controls illuminated. But some operations aren't obvious, including fussy audio system. Newly available in-dash CD changer is welcome, but its powered cover partly obscures the load slot. Four-zone temperature control available for E320, standard on others. Haven't yet tested latest E-Class navigation system, but hold out slim hope it's any less complex than prior setup. Steering-column stalk for cruise control too easily confused with turn-signal/wiper stalk. Modern, tasteful cabin decor, top-notch materials and assembly--though one test E500 suffered center-console creak.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

E320 sdn	E500 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E55	Class Average
8	8	8	7.2

Cabin feels a bit cozier than previous E-Class, but 6-footers have good head room, plenty of leg space. Seats, tilt/telescope steering wheel have ample power adjustments to tailor good driving stance. Dynamic Drive seats work subtly, seem frivolous. Outward visibility good.

Room/Comfort (rear)

E320 sdn	E500 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E55	Class Average
6	6	6	5.5

Supportive seat, but two adults the comfort maximum. Limited 6-footer head room. Toe space only adequate. Leg room restricted behind tall front-seater. Entry/exit cramped by narrow floor-level passages. "Panorama" sunroof steals no head space, but functions no better than a regular one-panel sunroof.

Cargo Room

E320 sdn	E500 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E55	Class Average
5	5	5	3.9

Long, wide trunk with flat floor. Conveniently low load sill, though trunk height isn't generous. Lid hinges eat into available space, but shielded to prevent cargo damage. Average in-cabin small-items storage.

Value within Class

E320 sdn	E500 sdn w/Sport Pkg.	E55	Class Average
8	6	5	5.7

Their design is more contemporary and sophisticated inside and out, but otherwise, the new E-Class sedans seem no huge advance over the fine cars they replace. They arguably move backward for interior room and, on E500s with the air suspension, for ride comfort. But they do offer worthwhile new features, cost about the same as previous models, and are built and furnished the way a Mercedes should be.

Total Score