2003-2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Road Test

Among sedans, the E320 can feel languid until engine rpm rises; then it's smooth and quick. An E320 accelerated to 60 mph in a brisk 7.3 seconds. The E500 feels faster, and can reach 60 mph in 5.6 seconds with the five-speed automatic. The E500 4Matic wagon is just slightly slower. "Drive-by-wire" electronics don't consistently coordinate with the five-speed transmission to furnish alert reactions, but using the manual-shift feature helps. Slightly "soft" throttle response aggravates that automatic's occasional reluctance to downshift for passing. Unabated thrust from any speed marks the behavior of the E55 sedan, which could reach 60 mph in as little as 4.2 seconds. Despite mild lag in low-speed power delivery, the CDI diesel sedan can accelerate to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. Test E320 sedans have averaged 18 to 23.7 mpg, while E500s with a five-speed automatic averaged 19.4 to 22.4 mpg. The lower figures include gas-guzzling performance runs. E320 wagons with 4Matic have averaged 16.8 to 17.3 mpg, and E55s have returned 13.7 to 15.3 mpg. The E320 CDI averages 33.7 mpg in mostly highway driving, and 27 to 29.2 mpg with more city usage. All gasoline-engine models require premium-grade fuel. Stable always, the E-Class is best in base-suspension E320 form, which is comfortably controlled and absorbent on most any surface. The Sport Package E500 suffers from body bounce and tire thump, unless its air suspension is set to the softest mode. Better-behaved is the E55, which is firm but never punishing. With 17-inch tires, the E320 amplifies pavement blemishes and harms ride comfort. Still not as nimble as rival 5-Series BMWs, the E-Class sedans corner with grippy assurance and modest body lean--especially with AWD. The antiskid system is a bonus in wet weather, and 4Matic brings an additional of all-weather security. E500 steering feels rather heavy at low speeds, and all models suffer from excessive on-center play. Straight-line stability is impressive, though. Stopping power is potent, but by-wire brake pedal feel could be more linear. Low but audible coarse-surface tire thrum is evident. Wind rush is well-muffled. Engines rise to a classy full-throttle growl, but are almost silent otherwise. The E55 has a sportier exhaust note and slightly more rear-tire noise. Available 17- and 18-inch tires thump loudly over bumps. The CDI sedan suffers audible diesel "clatter" on cold starts and in lower-apeed acceleration, but is otherwise nearly as refined as a gas E320. Most controls are illuminated, and gauges are clear. But some operations aren't obvious, including a fussy audio system. Mercedes' navigation system is not the easiest to use. The in-dash CD changer's powered cover partly obscures its loading slot. The steering-column stalk for cruise control is too easily confused with the turn-signal/wiper stalk. Cabin decor is modern and tasteful, with top-notch materials and assembly. Six-footers have good front head room and plenty of leg space. Seats and the tilt/telescope steering wheel have ample power adjustments to tailor a good driving stance. Dynamic Drive seats (if installed) work subtly, but seem frivolous. Visibility is good, but bigger mirrors would ease lane changes. Back seats are supportive, but two adults make up the comfortable maximum. Head room is limited for six-footers. Toe space is only adequate. Leg space is restricted behind a tall front-seater. Entry/exit is cramped by narrow floor-level passages. The available "Panorama" sunroof steals no head space, but functions no better than a regular single-panel sunroof. Wagons have a rear-facing third-row seat, but it's toddler-sized. Sedans have a long, wide trunk with a flat floor. A conveniently low load sill helps, though trunk height isn't generous. Lid hinges cut into available space, but they're shielded to prevent cargo damage. In-cabin small-items storage ranks about average. Wagons have a long, wide, flat-floor cargo bay.

Value for the Money
Contemporary and sophisticated, rock-solid and confidence-inspiring on the road, the E-Class brims with worthwhile features and Mercedes' cachet. New-car prices have been steep, and secondhand valuations aren't exactly bargains. The air suspension and nonlinear drive-by-wire throttle-control system can be annoying. Overall, though, these sedans and wagons are appealing luxury-car Best Buys.