2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class SXT

From the crisply imaginative rendering of its instrument cluster to the day-night differences of behavior at the click of its suspension switch to the often-surprising feel of its controls, every detail of the new Benz grabs our attention and holds it for miles and miles. This is a surpassingly interesting car., , Interesting is good. Interesting and unfailingly correct would be even better., , We can't go that far, so the all-new E320 tops the old BMW by one point. , , Like the BMW, this Benz has an optional Sport package, this one featuring a three-position switch near the shifter, allowing you to choose "auto" or two software programs more restrictive of body motions. This feature really pays off. The auto position seems to pave the road, masking small disturbances almost completely. The stiffer programs give the E320 a quick-footed feel--you know how a boxer moves in the ring--and unshakable aplomb in the twisties. The extra-grippy Continental SportContact 2 tires share part of the credit; skidpad adhesion topped all others at 0.84 g. Engine power is smooth, luxuriously quiet, and medium strong. Based on quarter-mile results, the Benz is fifth out of seven in acceleration. In stopping distance it's best of all., , This car has an incredible amount of computer manipulation in the feel of the brakes and steering and in its throttle response. All of that is much less successful than the computer's suspension interventions. The steering effort goes up at times, to a degree not anticipated by the driver. Moreover, crosswinds produce exceptionally large force variations at the wheel rim when you're trying to hold the car straight. Brake response is nonlinear, seeming to increase retardation midway to a stop sign. And sometimes throttle response at very low speeds is so soggy we thought the brake was on., , Generally, we very much liked the solid feeling of the body structure. This car feels valuable. M-Bs traditionally have had wide panel gaps around the doors and lids. They're much closer in this new car, but both the hood and the deck were inaccurately aligned in their openings. The back seat was relatively uncomfortable, too, as its firm cushion contours try to force occupants into a slouchy position. , , The interior has the look of fine jewelry about it, with delicate chrome bezels and pleasing textures throughout. More than any of the others, this car looks rich enough to justify its price. . Knockouts are rare. The E320 wins this one on a close decision