2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Road Test
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2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class ▼
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- MSRP: $50,050 -$82,600
- Invoice: $46,546 -$76,818
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Our road test for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class help you decide if a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| E350 4Matic sdn | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | E55 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 6.7 |
E350 4Matic stately from a stop, but gathers speed quickly. Though generally smooth, transmission periodically suffered jerky gear changes at low speeds. Mercedes quotes 6.5 sec 0-60 mph for sedan. Test CDI impressed at 6.8 sec, despite mild lag in low-speed power delivery. No opportunity yet to time E500 sedan, but test E500 4Matic wagon did 5.8 sec. Test E55 took just 4.2 sec.
FUEL ECONOMY
| E350 4Matic sdn | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | E55 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 4.6 |
Test E350 4Matic averaged 20.1 mpg. E500 4Matic wagon averaged 13.1 mpg in test that included gas-eating performance runs. Test E55s averaged 13.7-15.3. Test E320 CDIs averaged a thrifty 33.7 mpg in mostly highway driving, 27-29.2 with more city driving. All gas engines require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| E350 4Matic sdn | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | E55 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 6.7 |
Stable always, but for best blend of comfort and control look to CDI and base-suspension E350s. Available 17-inch tires 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
| E350 4Matic sdn | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | E55 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7.1 |
Not as nimble as rival 5-Series BMWs, but corners are handled with grippy assurance and modest body lean. 4Matic a huge traction plus in snow. 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 deliver short stops.
QUIETNESS
| E350 4Matic sdn | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | E55 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6.8 |
Wind rush well-muffled. Low, but audible, coarse-surface tire thrum. The 17-inch wheels thump loudly over bumps; ditto E55's 18s. Mercedes' gas 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 a gas engine.
CONTROLS
| E350 4Matic sdn | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | E55 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Clear gauges. Most controls illuminated, but some markings unclear, including fussy audio system. Navigation system not daunting, but still requires prior study to operate while driving. 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)
| E350 4Matic sdn | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | E55 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. Mercedes' available drive-dynamic massaging seats work subtly, seem frivolous. Outward visibility good, but lane changes would be easier with larger door mirrors.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| E350 4Matic sdn | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | E55 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Supportive seat, but two adults the comfort maximum. Limited six-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
| E350 4Matic sdn | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | E55 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 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. Available split folding rear seat unusual in this class. Roomy wagons offer useful power-liftgate option. Average in-cabin small-item storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| E350 4Matic sdn | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | E55 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 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 can annoy. But overall, these very appealing cars are solid Recommended picks.
Total Score
| E350 4Matic sdn | E320 CDI | E500 sdn | E55 sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 72 | 68 | 68 | 61.4 |
Total Score: 70
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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