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2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review:
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Full Review
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2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review
The E-Class line offers sedans and wagons with 6- and 8-cyl power and rear- or all-wheel drive. E320 models have a 221-hp V6, E500s a 302-hp V8; high-performance E55s have a supercharged a 469-hp V8. All are available in either body style. Offered as a sedan is the E320 CDI with a 201-hp inline 6-cyl turbodiesel engine. Emissions regulations prevent the CDI's sale in California and four northeastern states. Due during the '05 model year is a 3.5-liter replacement for the E320's 3.2-liter V6. Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive is standard on E500 wagons, optional on other models except the CDI and E55. All have automatic transmission with manual shift gate. It's a 7-speed in the rear-drive E500 sedan, a 5-speed in other models. The E55 adds manual-shift steering-wheel buttons. All models include ABS and antiskid/traction control. E55 and E500s have an air-spring suspension with driver-adjustable shock-absorber firmness. It's not available for E320s and the CDI. E55s come with 18-inch wheels, E500s 17s, the other models 16s. The 17s and 18s are optional on certain E320s and E500s.
Front and rear side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and Mercedes' TeleAid assistance are standard. Options include steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps and Mercedes' Distronic cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance. Also available: voice-activated cell phone and navigation, heated/ventilated front seats, and massaging front seats. Mercedes' optional Keyless Go system uses a carry-along transmitter for unlocking and starting. Rear obstacle detection is available for sedans. So is Mercedes' full-length Panorama glass sunroof with a power tilt/slide panel above the front seats. The E55 has exclusive trim and sport suspension, exhaust, and seats. E500s and V6 E320s offer an Appearance Package with body cladding and unique wood trim.
Front and rear side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and Mercedes' TeleAid assistance are standard. Options include steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps and Mercedes' Distronic cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance. Also available: voice-activated cell phone and navigation, heated/ventilated front seats, and massaging front seats. Mercedes' optional Keyless Go system uses a carry-along transmitter for unlocking and starting. Rear obstacle detection is available for sedans. So is Mercedes' full-length Panorama glass sunroof with a power tilt/slide panel above the front seats. The E55 has exclusive trim and sport suspension, exhaust, and seats. E500s and V6 E320s offer an Appearance Package with body cladding and unique wood trim.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.
Our Best Buys include the Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Our Recommended picks include the Acura TL, Infiniti G35, and the Lexus ES 330.
Our Best Buys include the Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Our Recommended picks include the Acura TL, Infiniti G35, and the Lexus ES 330.
News
No major near-terms changes are expected for E-Class. A redesign is being mooted for the 2008-09 timeframe.
Meantime, Mercedes has released preliminary details on the 2006 R-Class ,the E-based crossover wagon that arrives this fall after some two years of auto-show previews. Initial models are a V6 R350 with 268 hp and as a V8 R500 with 302 hp. Both come with Mercedes' 7-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive, plus three rows of twin individual seats. Other shared standards include the expected ABS 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system with 4-wheel traction control, and full-length curtain side airbags. R350s come with 17-inch alloy wheels vs. 18s on R500s. Both offer AMG sport packages that include 19-inch wheels, plus uprated suspension and special trim. Other options include navigation system and a super-size sunroof. R-Class is a sort of Mercedes Chrysler Pacifica, except that no parts are shared with that American cousin. But the R-Class is American-built--at Mercedes' Vance, Alabama plant--alongside the redesigned M-Class and 2006 G-Class SUVs that share many of same underpinnings. Mercedes says R-Class is as an inch longer than its big S-Class sedan and some 10 inches lengthier than a Cadillac SRX. Due sometime later, sources say, is a high-performance R55 AMG with a 500-hp 6.3-liter V8. We'll have more R-Class info soon, so keep checking back with us.
Meantime, Mercedes has released preliminary details on the 2006 R-Class ,the E-based crossover wagon that arrives this fall after some two years of auto-show previews. Initial models are a V6 R350 with 268 hp and as a V8 R500 with 302 hp. Both come with Mercedes' 7-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive, plus three rows of twin individual seats. Other shared standards include the expected ABS 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system with 4-wheel traction control, and full-length curtain side airbags. R350s come with 17-inch alloy wheels vs. 18s on R500s. Both offer AMG sport packages that include 19-inch wheels, plus uprated suspension and special trim. Other options include navigation system and a super-size sunroof. R-Class is a sort of Mercedes Chrysler Pacifica, except that no parts are shared with that American cousin. But the R-Class is American-built--at Mercedes' Vance, Alabama plant--alongside the redesigned M-Class and 2006 G-Class SUVs that share many of same underpinnings. Mercedes says R-Class is as an inch longer than its big S-Class sedan and some 10 inches lengthier than a Cadillac SRX. Due sometime later, sources say, is a high-performance R55 AMG with a 500-hp 6.3-liter V8. We'll have more R-Class info soon, so keep checking back with us.
2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Fuel economy (V8 models) |
| Steering/handling | |
| Available all-wheel drive | |
| Build quality | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 49 | |
| Average Score | 61 | |
| High Score | 72 |
2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/09/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| E320 4-door sedan | $48,500 | $45,105 | $720 |
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| E320 CDI 4-door sedan | $50,350 | $46,826 | $720 |
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| AWD E320 4Matic 4-door sedan | $51,000 | $47,430 | $720 |
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| E320 4-door wagon | $50,750 | $47,198 | $720 |
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| AWD E320 4Matic 4-door wagon | $53,250 | $49,523 | $720 |
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| E500 4-door sedan | $57,800 | $53,754 | $720 |
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| AWD E500 4Matic 4-door sedan | $60,300 | $56,079 | $720 |
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| AWD E500 4Matic 4-door wagon | $61,400 | $57,102 | $720 |
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| E55 4-door sedan | $80,800 | $75,144 | $720 |
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| E55 4-door wagon | $82,600 | $76,818 | $720 |
Price note: AWD E500 adds $1300 Gas-Guzzler Tax. E55 adds $1700 Gas-Guzzler Tax. CDI not available in Calif., Mass., Maine, N.Y., Vt.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
E320
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine, 3.2-liter turbodiesel 6-cylinder engine (CDI), 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, emergency inside trunk release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
TeleAid assistance system, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, vinyl/leather upholstery, 10-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, memory system (front seats, mirrors, steering wheel), split folding rear seat (wagon), 3rd-row rear-facing folding seat (wagon), wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn signals and driver-side automatic day/night, passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/weatherband/CD player, analog clock, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage-door opener, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers w/heated nozzles, map lights, cargo cover (wagon), rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer (wagon), automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof rails (wagon), front and rear fog lights, rear air load-leveling suspension (wagon), 225/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
E500 adds to E320:
Powertrain
5.0-liter V8 engine, 7-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
4-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), leather upholstery.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Automatic and driver-adjustable air suspension w/level control, 245/45HR17 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
E55 adds to E500:
Powertrain
5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof, heated multicontour front seats, Harmon/Kardon sound system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: 3rd-row rear-facing seat (wagon).
Sport suspension, 245/40ZR18 front tires, 265/35ZR18 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Premium Pkg.
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E55
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$3,390
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$3,153
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Active-ventilated front seats w/automatic body-securing side bolsters, navigation system, 6-disc CD changer.
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Entertainment Pkg.
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E320, E500
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$970
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$902
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Harman/Kardon sound system, in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
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Heating Pkg.
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E320, E500
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$920
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$856
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Heated seats and steering wheel.
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Lighting Pkg.
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E320, E500, E55
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$1,200
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$1,116
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Steering-linked bi-xenon headlights w/washers.
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Rear Seat Pkg.
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E320/E500 sedan
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$540
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$502
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Split folding rear seat, ski sack.
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Appearance Pkg.
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E320
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$3,960
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$3,683
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E500
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$1,440
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$1,339
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Unique wood interior trim, full-leather upholstery (E320), blue-tinted glass, steering-linked xenon headlights w/washers, aerodynamic body cladding, 245/45HR17 tires. NA CDI.
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AMG Sport Pkg.
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E320/E500 sedan
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$4,900
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$4,557
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AMG styling kit, 245/40ZR18 front tires, 265/35ZR18 rear tires, unique alloy wheels. NA AWD, CDI.
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Moon Roof Pkg.
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E320/E500 sedan
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$1,550
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$1,442
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E320/E500 wagon
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$1,430
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$1,330
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Power sunroof, power rear sunshade (sedan), manual rear sunshades.
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Comfort Pkg.
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E55
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$1,650
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$1,535
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Active-ventilated front seats w/automatic body-securing side bolsters.
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designo Expresso/Graphite/Silver Edition
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E320, E500
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$6,275
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$5,836
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E55 sedan
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$5,450
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$5,069
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E55 wagon
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$
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$
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Unique interior trim, alcantara headliner (E55), special paint. E320, E500 require heated front seats.
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Safety |
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Rear-obstacle-detection system
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sedan
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$1,080
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$1,005
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Tire-pressure monitor
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E320, E500, E55
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$400
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$372
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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E320, E500, E55
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$1,220
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$1,135
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Distronic adaptive cruise control
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E55
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$3,070
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$2,855
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Power Panorama sunroof
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sedan
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$1,560
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$1,451
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Full leather upholstery
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E320
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$1,500
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$1,395
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Heated front seats
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E320, E500
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$680
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$632
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Active-ventilated front seats
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E320, E500
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$1,250
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$1,163
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E55 sedan
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$660
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$614
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Includes heated seats. E320 requires full leather upholstery.
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Drive Dynamic Seats
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E320, E500, E55
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$1,180
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$1,097
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Automatic body-securing side bolsters and massaging seatbacks. NA E55 wagon.
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3rd-row rear-facing seat
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E55 wagon
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$995
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$925
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Special wood interior trim
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E55
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$270
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$251
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Power rear-window sunshade
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E55 sedan
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$460
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$428
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Side sunshades
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E55
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$340
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$316
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In-dash 6-disc CD changer
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E320, E500, E55
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$420
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$391
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Satellite radio
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E320, E500, E55
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$699
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$650
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Requires monthly fee after 14th month.
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Cellular telephone
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E320, E500, E55
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$925
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$860
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Cellular telephone w/voice control
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E320, E500, E55
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$1,450
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$1,349
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Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
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E320, E500
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$520
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$484
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Keyless Go
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E320, E500, E55
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$1,060
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$986
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Power trunk closer
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sedan
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$500
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$465
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Power liftgate
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E320/E500 wagon
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$510
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$474
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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E320, E500, E55
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$680
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$632
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Some colors require special-order charge.
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Special-order charge
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E320, E500
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$1,150
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$1,150
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Fee for car ordered with one or more options requires special-order charge.
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2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4-door sedan | Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.4 | 112.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.7 | 191.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.3 | 71.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.2 | 58.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3691 | 3966 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.9 | 68.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.1 | 21.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.4 | 37.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.9 | 41.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.7 | 38.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.6 | 36.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | Turbodiesel dohc I6 | sohc V8 | Supercharged sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.2 /195 | 3.2 /197 | 5.0 /303 | 5.4 /332 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 221 @ 5600 | 201 @ 4200 | 302 @ 5600 | 469 @ 6100 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 232 @ 3000 | 369 @ 1800 | 339 @ 2700 | 516 @ 2650 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed automatic | 20/28 | 27/37 | 16/20 | 14/21 |
| 7-speed automatic | --/-- | --/-- | 17/25 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4-door sedan | Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | NA |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | NA |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 | NA |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | --/-- | Unlimited |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Desert Silver Paint, Charcoal Leather-Seating Inserts, Automatic Tailgate Open/Close, Entertainment Pkg. (Harman/Kardon Sound System, 6-Disc CD Changer), Heating Pkg. (Heated Steering Wheel and Front Seats), Sunroof Pkg. (Rear Lide-Windows Roller Blinds, Glass Sunroof) Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 16.79 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Kirk Bell In most instances, the E320 has acceptable power. Add 4Matic and the heavier wagon body style, and it feels too slow. Mark Bilek This is a great $42,000 car. Too bad it costs $58,000. M-B needs to get with the program or the rest of the automotive industry is going to pass them by. The car is a nice package, but just too much money, with weird controls, and a sleepy engine that doesn't get good mileage anyway. Tom Appel This is as perfect a car as we have tested. I'd take more power, but not a lot more. This is the answer to the age-old question, "What if you could only own one car..." |
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Also in the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Full Review
7.
8.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
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