2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Road Test
Archived Review
2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $48,500 -$82,600
- Invoice: $45,105 -$76,818
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class help you decide if a 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/Appr. Pkg. | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 6.6 |
Test E320 sedan felt sleepy on takeoff, but did 0-60 mph in a brisk 7.3 sec. Heavier E320 wagons and AWDs take a bit longer. Test turbodiesel CDI impressed at 6.8 sec despite mild lag in low-speed power delivery. No opportunity yet to time E500 sedan with 7-speed automatic, but Mercedes claims 5.9 sec 0-60; previous 5-speed test model took 5.6. Test E500 4Matic wagon did 5.8 sec, the potent E55 just 4.2 sec. Slightly "soft" throttle response aggravates 5-speed automatic's occasional reluctance to downshift for passing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/Appr. Pkg. | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 4.6 |
Test E320 sedans averaged 18-23.7 mpg. Among test 4Matic wagons, E320 returned 16.8-17.3 mpg, E500 just 13.1 with gas-eating performance runs. Test E55s averaged 13.7-15.3. Test E320 CDIs averaged 33.7 mpg in mostly highway driving, 27-29.2 with more city driving. All gas engines require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/Appr. Pkg. | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 6.9 |
Stable always, but best in CDI and base-suspension E320s, which are comfortably controlled and absorbent on most any surface. E320 Appearance Package includes 17-inch tires that amplify pavement blemishes and hurt ride. E500 suffers body bounce and tire thump unless suspension set to softest mode. E55 is firm but not punishing.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/Appr. Pkg. | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
Not as nimble as rival 5-Series BMWs, but all models corner with grippy assurance and modest body lean, especially with AWD. Antiskid system reassuring in snow and wet weather. E500 steering a bit heavy at low speed, and some testers say all models have too much on-center steering play, but straightline stability is great. Powerful brakes make short stops but suffer nonlinear pedal action.
QUIETNESS
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/Appr. Pkg. | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.8 |
Wind rush well-muffled. Low-but-audible coarse-surface tire thrum. E320 Appearance Package's 17-inch wheels thump loudly over bumps; ditto E55's 18s. Engines rise to classy full-throttle growl, are almost silent otherwise. E55 has sportier, louder exhaust note, slightly more rear-tire noise. CDI suffers audible diesel "clatter" on cold starts and in low-speed acceleration, but is otherwise nearly as refined as gas E320s.
CONTROLS
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/Appr. Pkg. | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Clear gauges. Most controls illuminated, but some markings unclear, including fussy audio system. Four-zone climate control no longer optional for V6 models, but still standard on V8s. Revised navigation system less daunting than prior M-B setups, but still needs study. Steering-column stalk for cruise control can be 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. | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.4 |
Six-footers get good head room, plenty of leg space. Seats and tilt/telescope steering wheel have ample power adjustments to tailor good driving stance. Available Dynamic Drive massaging seats work subtly, seem frivolous. Outward visibility good, but lane changes would be easier with larger door mirrors.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/Appr. Pkg. | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | 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. Wagons include rear-facing 3rd-row seat, but it's toddler sized. Available Panorama roof steals no head space, but functions no better than conventional sunroof.
CARGO ROOM
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/Appr. Pkg. | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
All models have long, wide, flat-floor cargo bays with conveniently low load sills. Sedan trunk isn't that tall, and lid hinges eat into space, though they're shielded to help avoid cargo damage. Roomy wagons offer useful power-liftgate option. Average in-cabin small-items storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/Appr. Pkg. | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 5.9 |
Contemporary and sophisticated, rock-solid and confident on the road, every E-Class brims with worthwhile features and Mercedes cachet. Prices are steep, and nonlinear throttle and brake response often annoy. But overall, these very appealing cars are solid Best Buys.
Total Score
| E320 sdn | E320 4Matic wgn w/Appr. Pkg. | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 66 | 72 | 69 | 61.6 |
Total Score: 70
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
