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2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review
A new V6 engine signals the arrival of the E350 model for 2006. The E-Class line offers diesel- and gas-powered engines and rear- or all-wheel drive. E350s have a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 and replace E320 models, which had a 221-hp 3.2 V6. The E320 CDI has a 201-hp 6-cyl turbodiesel. E500s have a 302-hp V8. High-performance E55s have a supercharged 469-hp V8. The CDI is a sedan; all others are available as sedans or wagons. Mercedes' 4Matic AWD is standard on E500 wagons and available in place of rear-drive on other models except the CDI and E55. CDI, E55, and 4Matic versions have a 5-speed automatic transmission. All other models have a 7-speed automatic. Both transmissions have a manual shift gate; E55 adds manual-shift steering wheel buttons. Emissions regulations prevent the CDI's sale in California and four northeastern states. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. Standard on E55 and E500 models, optional on E350s is an air suspension with driver-adjustable shock absorbers.

Front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags with rollover sensors, and Mercedes' Tele Aid assistance are standard. Options include steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps and adaptive cruise control. Also available: voice-activated cell phone, navigation system, heated/cooled front seats, and massaging front seats. Mercedes' optional Keyless Go system uses a pocket transmitter for unlocking and engine 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 sport suspension, exhaust, and seats.

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 Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti M. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 330, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include Lexus GS, Lincoln Zephyr, and Mercedes-Benz CLS.
News
Mercedes' second best-selling model line gets a major updating for 2007. Besides revised styling front and rear, the big news concerns three new engines. First, the new 5.4-liter V8 introduced with the large redesigned '07 S-Class changes E500s into E550s with 382 hp, 80 more than before. Similarly, the high-performance E55 becomes an E63 packing the AMG division's new 6.2-liter V8; horsepower jumps by 38 to 507. Last but not least, there's a revised diesel V6 E320 with Mercedes' new "Bluetec" system that's said to meet stiffer U.S. emissions standards for diesel cars in most states. This, too, has more horsepower at 210, up from 201. Also new for all '07 E-Class models is Mercedes' Pre-Safe "anticipatory safety system" as standard equipment; it was previously unavailable.

The 2007 update should carry the E-Class through the next three model years, possibly four, after which a redesign takes place. Details are scant right now, but the replacement will almost surely be a bit larger and will borrow styling cues from the redesigned '07 S-Class sedan.
2006 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

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
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score
48
Average Score
61
High Score
72
2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/23/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
E350 4-door sedan $50,050 $46,546 $775
E320 CDI 4-door sedan $51,050 $47,476 $775
AWD E350 4Matic 4-door sedan $52,550 $48,872 $775
E350 4-door wagon $52,300 $48,639 $775
AWD E350 4Matic 4-door wagon $54,800 $50,964 $775
E500 4-door sedan $58,400 $54,312 $775
AWD E500 4Matic 4-door sedan $60,900 $56,637 $775
AWD E500 4Matic 4-door wagon $62,000 $57,660 $775
E55 4-door sedan $81,800 $76,074 $775
E55 4-door wagon $82,600 $76,818 $775
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
E350/320 CDI
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine (E350), 3.2-liter turbodiesel 6-cylinder engine (E320 CDI), 7-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (E350), 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (E320 CDI), traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags w/deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tele Aid 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, load-leveling suspension (wagon), 225/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
E500 adds to E350/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, Harman/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
Premium Pkg.
E320, E350
$2,950
$2,744
E500
$3,550
$3,302
E55
$3,650
$3,394
Power sunroof, heated front seats, ventilated front seats (E500), automatic body-securing side bolsters (E55), navigation system, Harman/Kardon sound system, 6-disc CD changer, power rear sunshade (sedan), side sunshades (wagon).
Premium Pkg. w/Panorama Sunroof
E320/E350 sedan
$3,500
$3,255
E500 sedan
$4,100
$3,302
E55 sedan
$4,200
$3,906
Power panorama sunroof, heated front seats, ventilated front seats (E500, E55), automatic body-securing side bolsters (E55), navigation system, Harman/Kardon sound system, 6-disc CD changer, power rear sunshade.
Lighting Pkg.
E350/320 CDI, E500, E55
$990
$921
Steering-linked bi-xenon headlights w/washers.
Appearance Pkg.
E350
$4,000
$3,720
E500
$1,460
$1,358
Unique wood interior trim, full-leather upholstery (E350), blue-tinted glass, steering-linked xenon headlights w/washers, aerodynamic body cladding, automatic and driver-adjustable air suspension w/level control (E350), 245/45HR17 tires.
Sport Pkg.
E350 sedan
$2,250
$2,093
E500 sedan
$1,275
$1,186
Uprated brakes, full leather upholstery (E350), blue-tinted glass, headlight washers, unique interior and exterior trim, 245/40ZR18 front tires, 265/35ZR18 rear tires, special alloy wheels. NA AWD.
Sunroof Pkg.
E320, E350, E500
$1,500
$1,395
Power sunroof, power rear sunshade (sedan), manual rear sunshades (wagon).
designo Expresso/Graphite/Silver Edition
E320, E350, E500
$6,350
$5,906
E55
$5,500
$5,115
Unique interior trim, alcantara headliner (E55), special paint. E320, E350, E500 require heated front seats.
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system
sedan
$1,100
$1,023
Comfort and Convenience Features
Distronic adaptive cruise control
E55
$3,110
$2,892
Full leather upholstery
E320, E350
$1,520
$1,414
Heated front seats
E320, E350, E500
$690
$642
Split folding rear seat
E320/E350/E500 sedan
$300
$279
3rd-row rear-facing seat
E55 wagon
$995
$925
Special wood interior trim
E55
$290
$270
In-dash 6-disc CD changer
E350/320 CDI, E500, E55
$430
$400
Satellite radio
E350/320 CDI, E500, E55
$500
$465
Requires monthly fee after 6th month.
Cell phone w/voice control
E350/320 CDI, E500, E55
$1,450
$1,348
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
E320, E350, E500
$530
$493
Keyless Go
E350/320 CDI, E500, E55
$1,080
$1,004
Power trunk closer
sedan
$510
$474
Power liftgate
E350/E500 wagon
$520
$484
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
E350/320 CDI, E500, E55
$690
$642
Some colors require special-order charge.
Steering-linked bi-xenon headlights
E350/E500 sedan
$690
$642
Requires Sport Pkg.
2006 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. 189.7 190.9
Overall Width, in. 71.3 71.7
Overall Height, in. 57.0 58.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 3760 3990
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. 39.1 39.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.9 41.9
Rear Head Room, in. 37.8 39.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.6 36.0
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc V6 Turbodiesel dohc I6 sohc V8 Supercharged sohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.5 /213 3.2 /197 5.0 /303 5.4 /332
Horsepower @ rpm. 268 @ 6000 201 @ 4200 302 @ 5600 469 @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 258 @ 2400 369 @ 1800 339 @ 2700 516 @ 2650
Availability Standard Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
       
5-speed automatic 18/24 27/37 16/20 15/21
7-speed automatic 19/27 --/-- 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 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4 4
Rollover Resistance 5 5
Side Impact, Driver 5 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5 5
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

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2006 Mercedes Benz E350
Trim Level:  E350/320 CDI
Arrival Date:  07/25/2005
Engine:  dohc V6
Bodystyle:  4-door sedan
Transmission:  5-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $52,550
Price as Tested:  $56,600
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  1814
Mileage at End of Test:  2703
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  44.169 gals.
 

Major Options:  Brilliant Silver Paint, 6-Disc CD Changer, Heated Front Seats, Sunroof Pkg. (Glass Sunroof, Power Rear Window Shade, Rear Side-Window Roller Blinds)

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  20.13 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Mark Bilek Mercedes' E-Class is still the benchmark by which all other luxury sedans are measured--some better, most worse. There aren't many things the E can't do well, but Mercedes better be careful with pricing because a lot of good competitors cost thousands less.

Rick Cotta E-Class has long been an example of how a luxury car should be, and this year's more powerful base engine does nothing to change that. But the E is no longer a great value. The redesigned Infiniti M35/45 and Lexus GS300/430 seem to offer more for the money, with the E's only real advantage coming in the form of an AWD V8 not (yet) offered by the others.

Tom Appel E-Class is still the benchmark, and the new V6 only makes it better.

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