2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Road Test
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2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class ▼
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- MSRP: $48,075 -$78,550
- Invoice: $44,710 -$73,052
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Our road test for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class help you decide if a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/ Appr. Pkg. | E500 sdn | E55 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 6.4 |
No opportunity yet to test 2004 E500 with 7-speed transmission. Among sedans, E320 can feel languid until engine rpm rises, then it's smooth, quick: 7.3 sec 0-60 mph in our test. E500 feels faster, and is: 5.6 sec tested with 5-speed automatic. Inconsistent throttle response with 5-speed transmission; using manual-shift feature helps. E55 has unabated thrust from any speed; test car did 4.2 sec 0-60.
FUEL ECONOMY
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/ Appr. Pkg. | E500 sdn | E55 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4.6 |
Test E320s averaged 18-23.7 mpg, 5-speed-automatic E500s 19.4-22.4-mpg; the lower figures include gas-eating performance runs. Test E55s averaged 13.7-15.3 mpg depending on driving conditions. All require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/ Appr. Pkg. | E500 sdn | E55 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
Stable always, but best in base-suspension E320, which is comfortably controlled and absorbent on most any surface. E500 suffers body bounce and tire thump unless suspension set to softest mode. Better behaved is E55, which is firm but never punishing.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/ Appr. Pkg. | E500 sdn | E55 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.8 |
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, 4Matic brings additional measure of security. E500 steering feels too heavy at low speed, all models suffer too much on-center play. Straightline stability impressive. Potent stopping power, though brake-pedal feel could be more linear.
QUIETNESS
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/ Appr. Pkg. | E500 sdn | E55 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6.7 |
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 | E320 4Matic wgn w/ Appr. Pkg. | E500 sdn | E55 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Clear gauges. Most controls illuminated, but some operations aren't obvious, including fussy audio system. In-dash CD changer's powered cover partly obscures load slot. Four-zone temperature control available for E320, standard on others. Haven't yet tested current navigation system, but hold slim hope it's any less complex than prior setup. Steering-column stalk for cruise control 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 | E320 4Matic wgn w/ Appr. Pkg. | E500 sdn | E55 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.2 |
Six-footers get 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 | E320 4Matic wgn w/ Appr. Pkg. | E500 sdn | E55 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Supportive seat, but two adults the comfort maximum. Limited 6-footer head room. Toe space only adequate. Leg room restricted behind tall front-seater. Narrow floor-level passages cramp entry/exit. "Panorama" sunroof steals no head space, but functions no better than regular one-panel sunroof.
CARGO ROOM
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/ Appr. Pkg. | E500 sdn | E55 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Sedans have 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. Power liftgate a wagon option. Average in-cabin small-items storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/ Appr. Pkg. | E500 sdn | E55 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 5.8 |
Contemporary and sophisticated, rock-solid and confidence-inspiring on the road, the E-Class brims with worthwhile features and Mercedes cachet. Prices are steep, and the adjustable suspension and nonlinear throttle and brake feel detract some from driving enjoyment. But overall, these sedans and wagons are terrifically appealing luxury-car Best Buys.
Total Score
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/ Appr. Pkg. | E500 sdn | E55 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 66 | 70 | 65 | 60.8 |
Total Score: 68
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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