Vehicle Highlights

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.

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.