Background: Mercedes-Benz reworks its most popular vehicle as its bread and butter E-Class sedan gets totally remodeled in 2003. The last time the cornerstone E-Class underwent a next-generation makeover was during the 1996 model year. The 2003 incarnation is slightly higher and wider than the previous generation. The wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) is also longer, resulting in an even smoother glide. Even though the rear-wheel-drive E-Class is one of Mercedes’ largest offerings, it’s not necessarily the most expensive. One could easily spend approximately $104,165 for a CL 55 premium luxury coupe with the high-output AMC package or more than $115,000 for the S600 premium luxury sedan. By contrast, the E-Class line of full-size luxury starts at around a mere $47,000. Mercedes-Benz incorporates a marketing scheme consisting of nine unique models or “Classes” of vehicles. Each Class has several trim levels to choose from within its ranks. Of all nine Classes, the full-size luxury E-Class represents the largest piece of the pie; approximately 25 percent of all Mercedes-Benz sales in the United States are attributed to the four-door E-Class. Contrast that with the newest Class, the rugged G-Class SUV (the Mercedes-Benz’ answer to the Land Rover) which sells less than 2,000 units a year or about 1 percent of total U.S. sales. What would a new Mercedes introduction be without a few advances. Mercedes now features electronic braking in the E-Class. This innovation made its world debut in the 2003 SL roadster earlier this year, and works in tandem with a hydraulic power supply providing a faster, more sure-footed braking response. Within a split second, the system can change braking pressure at each wheel individually over different surfaces. Optional distronic cruise control automatically maintains a preset distance behind the car in front with the help of radar sensors. The system slows and accelerates the vehicle automatically when activated. During the 2001 calendar year, Mercedes-Benz sold 206,638 vehicles throughout its 300 dealers nationwide, an all-time sales record. Quite an improvement from 1993 when just 61,899 cars were sold. However, Mercedes still trails German rival BMW for sales supremacy here in the United States. The E-Class was the volume leader for Mercedes last month, with 5,511 units sold, a 78 percent increase from November of 2001.
Engine and trim level: The E-Class incorporates two body styles, sedan and wagon, although only the sedans undergo a major makeover in 2003. The wagon retains the 2002 model year styling. The two E-Class sedans get their name from the engine’s displacement number. The larger 5.0-liter V-8 engine is behind the E500 name while the 3.2-liter V-6 powertrain provides the creative thinking behind the E320. The V-6 engine delivers 221 horsepower and is a carry-over from 2002. The E500 uses the same 302 horsepower powertrain in the CL500, S500 and SL 500. In 2002, the V-8-powered E-Class was referred to as the E430 because of the outgoing 4.3-liter engine. Both utilize a chain-driven single overhead camshaft design with a twin-spark, three valve-per-cylinder arrangement. The V-6 E320 generates 19 miles per gallon in city travel and 27 m.p.g. highway. When opting for V-8 power provided in the E500, mileage estimates slow to 16 m.p.g. city and 23 m.p.g. highway. The tank holds 20.6 gallons of premium unleaded fuel recommended for optimal performance. Both engines connect to a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with a “Touch Shift” feature that allows drivers to manually shift gears without using a clutch.
Price: Mercedes-Benz supplied the Daily Herald with both E-Class sedans, an E320 with tan leather interior and E500 with black leather. The E500 had a starting price of $54,850. Options including a Motorola phone ($1,595), sunroof ($1,500), heated front seats and steering wheel ($875) and a few other assorted goodies brought the bottom line to $61,185 with the $665 destination charge. According to the window sticker, the V-8 engine qualifies for the 2003 gas guzzler tax, contributing $1,000 to the $61,185 figure. The E320 has at starting price of $46,950. With options such as Distronic cruise control ($2,950), dual control suspension ($1,575), Motorola V60 phone ($1,595) and Xenon headlamps with washing system, the price added up to $56,090 with destination charge. The 2003 E-Class wagon starts at $49,915 and is available only with the six-cylinder powertrain, thus the name E320 wagon. Mercedes’ key German rival, BMW, markets its own high-volume luxury sedan under the 5-Series umbrella. Like the E-Class, the 5-Series offers sedan and wagon bodystyles. Three sedan versions are available, two V-6 offerings (525I, 530I) and one V-8 version (540I). The V-8 version has the choice of manual or automatic transmission while the V-6 version is a manual exclusive. The 5-Series pricing starts at $38,295 for a 525I while a 540 I with automatic transmission lists at $52,495.
Equipment: The luxurious E-Class offers a host of standard features - a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, four wheel independent suspension, heated side-view mirrors, power windows, power locks, cruise control, speed-sensitive power steering, automatic climate control with air conditioning, rear window defogger, 10-speaker AM-FM-compact disc player, front fog lights and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Optional in both models are heated seats, heated steering wheel and ventilated seats that help cool front riders during times of the year when the outside temperature in Chicagoland reaches 80 degrees. A global positioning satellite navigation system is also optional in both models. The E500 distinguishes itself with standard Airmatic, dual control air suspension. Through sensors, this system chooses the best air spring and shock absorber settings for optimal ride and comfort. This system remains optional in the E320.
Inside: While this full-sized E-Class gets promoted as a five-seater, interior room is still not as generous as some domestic full-size offerings. Two adults fit in optimal comfort in back and keep in mind, the rear-wheel-drive transaxle runs the interior length of the floor, making room even more snug for center passengers. Both front and rear riders benefit from large, convenient ceiling reading lights. In front, Mercedes locates the cruise control on an appendage above the turn signal stalk which also controls the front windshield wipers. Headlights are activated via a dial on the dashboard’s far left side. The parking brake is foot operated while the ignition cylinder is on the dashboard just to the right of the steering column. Between the front bucket seats is an arm rest with built-in cell phone holder and a clumsy bi-level, dual beverage holder that pops up from under a flip-top cover. The middle-mounted automatic transmission shifter is directly ahead and a covered ash tray is nearby, too. The easy-to-glance at instrument panel with white nighttime backlighting has three center circles flanked by two bar-type gauges. The left bar gauge indicates how much fuel is left in the tank while the right bar monitors engine temperature. The center speedometer circle has a digital message center with outside temperature, trip odometer, mileage-to-empty estimates and other useful tidbits. Also along the button is a secondary gearshift indication and odometer readout. To the left of the speedometer is an nice-sized analog clock (the type with hands and a face) while a tachometer is placed directly to the right of the speedometer. The driver’s door is home to many electronic controls operating power window switches for all four windows, the interior trunk release latch and both power mirrors. A nice touch on both the driver and front passenger door are large knobs for moving bucket seats and backrests in 10 directions, a much more convenient location than under or to the side of the seat. Both doors also include buttons for three memory seat positions. The center dash includes climate control functions. The system incorporates two dials for each front rider to control the fan direction of his or her comfort zone. Vertical buttons take interior temperatures up or down while two horizontal buttons send fan speed higher or lower. Air conditioning along with front and rear window defrosting controls are in this region, too. A digital readout lists the temperature settings for both sides. A burled walnut strip whips through the dashboard separating the top dash from the bottom and extends onto the doors. The 10-speaker stereo system with compact disc player and interconnected phone system occupy the lower portion. The car phone key pad doubles as the stereo pre-set buttons. A window display alerts the driver as to which station is being listened to, but switching from AM to FM and back again takes more steps than need be.
Outside: Mercedes takes a conservative, yet elegant approach to styling. A wedge-like profile, popular in two-door coupes, is utilized to present an inspired ambiance. In front is the tri-star Mercedes hood ornament while chrome horizontal slats are key to the grille design. New larger, oval-shaped headlights that tilt back with the rest of the front end, flank the grille. The last generation had lights with an unusual dual chamber design connecting with one another. All four exterior strap-like door handles feature chrome enhancements. Both the wheelbase and overall length were increased by .9 inches this year. Another nice touch are the outside mirrors than not only fold in, or breakaway when encountering a larger object, but include another set of turn signal flashers so those driving on either side get a heads up as to your intentions. The hood, front fenders, trunk lid and bumper crossbars are derived from light-weight aluminum. Sixteen-inch tires come standard in the E320 while 17-inch tires adorn the E500. Both are the all-season variety. The trunk has interior hinges that guide the lid shut. Many times these curved metal pieces can crunch packages in their path, but Mercedes incorporates padded housing which these hinges guide into, eliminating the dilemma. Later in the model year, E-Class sedans will offer an optional power trunk closer.
Safety: The E-Class utilizes an impressive eight air bags including front and rear head air bags, front and rear side air bags and front air bags that deploy with lower force in less severe accidents and higher force in more serious conditions. That’s just for starters. Mercedes takes great pride in presenting many of the latest safety features. Also included is four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction/stability control, rear door child safety locks, emergency trunk release latch, remote anti-theft alarm system, remote keyless entry and daytime running lights. Two items help drivers avoid perils when starting out. The passenger-side outside mirror tilts downward when the transmission is shifted into reverse so drivers have a better perspective as to what’s directly behind them. Also included is “Parktronic” parking assist that warns drivers with a beeping sound when obstacles are detected in front of or behind the car when moving slowly from a parking space.
Warranty: Mercedes offers a four-year/50,000 mile (whichever comes first) warranty on powertrains and basic materials. The 24-hour roadside assistance is good for as long as the Mercedes is owned and works with the Tele Aid telecommunications service connecting occupants with a 24-hour manned center. This system was first introduced in 1999 and is available in all Mercedes vehicles. The rust/corrosion warranty is good for four years or 50,000 miles.
Final thoughts: One general consumer complaint against rear-wheel drive vehicles in the past was that they were prone to slide more easily on slippery pavement when compared to front-wheel drive counterparts. With advancements in traction control and other high-tech anti-slide nuances, the rear-wheel drive E-Class handled very well in the recent snow fall that befell Chicagoland. Expect more rear-wheel drive platforms to arrive from domestic automakers in the not-so-distant future, including the Chrysler arm of DaimlerChrysler and General Motors. In fact, Cadillac’s new CTS sedan introduced in the 2002 model year featured the smoother handling rear-wheel drive. The key difference between the two E-Class offerings is the engine size. Those who can’t live without V-8 power will enjoy the E500 but I thought the V-6 powered E320 was plenty spunky. |