Vehicle Overview Mercedes-Benz introduced a new generation of its midsize E-Class sedan for 2003. A 221-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 powers the E320, while the E500 gets a 302-hp V-8. A high-performance E55 AMG model that's fitted with a 469-hp supercharged V-8 is also available. A wagon body style is offered, as is rear- or all-wheel drive. The E-Class is slotted between the German automaker's smaller C-Class and top-rung S-Class. Sport versions of the sedan and wagon are available, and rear-drive E500 models gained a seven-speed-automatic transmission for 2004. Bi-xenon active headlights are available. Exterior Moved to a new platform for 2003, the E-Class sedan displays more flowing lines than its predecessor and sports a lower, swept-back front end. Oval headlights are angled back more sharply, and a sculpted trunk replaced the former squared-off profile. The front fenders, hood, trunk lid and bolted-on frame members are made of aluminum. An Airmatic air suspension is standard on the E500 and optional on the E320. Interior Front-seat occupants in the five-passenger interior face a V-shaped console. The Sport edition features black bird's-eye maple trim rather than the brown walnut used in other models. Under the Hood The E320 gets a 221-hp, 3.2-liter V-6, while the E500 packs a 5.0-liter V-8 that cranks out 302 hp and 339 pounds-feet of torque. The supercharged 5.5-liter V-8 in E55 AMG models delivers 469 hp and 516 pounds-feet of torque. In the new E320 CDI sedan, a 3.2-liter inline-six-cylinder diesel produces 201 hp and 369 pounds-feet of torque. The rear-drive E500 uses a seven-speed-automatic transmission, but other models have a five-speed automatic. Safety Sensotronic brake control, which is a brake-by-wire system, promises faster, more surefooted emergency response. Antilock brakes and Mercedes-Benz's Electronic Stability Program are standard. Adaptive front airbags deploy at a lower force in less-severe collisions. Side-impact and side curtain-type airbags are standard. Driving Impressions Civility reigns behind the wheel of the E-Class. Everything about this car is smooth and luxurious. With its 2003 redesign, the E-Class lost most of the heavy feel that was unpleasantly noticeable on previous models. The refined E500 delivers lively acceleration, whether starting from a standstill, passing or merging. Trimmed in beautiful wood, the dashboard layout is a little too complicated for some tastes, and the tachometer should be a bit larger. A utomotive Ad Builder.com Vehicle Marketing Solutions
- City 16/hwy 20 (5.0L engine/5-speed auto trans)
- Atlas grey grille w/four chrome ribs chrome surround
- Variable-focus halogen headlamps
- Touch turn signals (flashes three times w/one touch)
- Front halogen foglamps
- Single red rear foglamp
- Programmable daytime running lamps
- Dual heated pwr mirrors
- Auto-dimming driver mirror
- Dual aero-blade infrared rain-sensing windshield wipers w/heated windshield washer system
- 10-way pwr front seats w/3-position memory drivers adjustable lumbar support
- Premium leather upholstery
- Center console
- Velour floor carpeting/mats
- Stainless-steel door sill trim
- Leather-trimmed steering wheel w/audio/multifunction display controls
- 4-way pwr tilt/telescoping steering column w/memory programmable easy-entry/ exit feature
- Hand-polished burl walnut wood trim
- COMAND cockpit management/data system
- Multifunction display in speedometer face
- Instrumentation
- Audible reminders & message
- Mercedes-Benz Maintenance System Plus display
- Pwr windows w/express down/up
- Pwr door locks w/drive away locking
- Cruise control
- Tele Aid GPS stolen vehicle recovery system w/remote door unlock automatic alarm notification alert
- SmartKey system
- SmartKey infrared-remote
- Universal garage door opener
- Anti-theft alarm system w/towaway protection
- Automatic quad-zone climate control
- Electrically heated rear window w/auto shut off based on time/exterior temp
- AM/FM/weatherband stereo w/CD player
- Illuminated glovebox
- Pop-open drawer in-dash
- Storage pocket w/motorized wood-trimmed door
- Pockets in all doors
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Dual visors w/illuminated vanity mirrors
- Front/rear courtesy lights w/delay shutoff
- Entrance lamps in all doors
- Night security illumination
- Automatic environmental comfort lighting
- (4) reading lamps
- Leather/burl walnut wood shift knob
- Driver & front passenger seatbacks pockets
- Front footwell parcel net
- Folding rear armrest w/enclosed storage dual cup holders
- Carpeted illuminated trunk w/tie-down hooks
- 5.0L (303) SOHC SMPI 24-valve aluminum-alloy V8 engine
- Dual path resonance intake manifold
- 5-speed automatic drive-adaptive transmission
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- 4-wheel electronic traction system (4-ETS)
- 4MATIC all wheel drive
- Independent double wishbone front suspension w/anti-dive geometry
- Independent 5-arm multilink rear suspension
- Airmatic dual control air suspension w/adaptive damping system (ADS II)
- Electronically controlled pneumatic spring struts integrated variable- rate shock absorbers coil springs
- Sports mode w/automatic 4-wheel level control
- 245/45HR17 performance tires
- 17 x 8 five-twin spoke aluminum wheels
- Speed sensitive pwr rack & pinion steering
- 4-piston 4-wheel pwr vented disc brakes
- Sensotronic brake control
- Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- 21.1 gallon fuel tank
- Driver & front passenger adaptive dual stage air bags w/Occupant Classification System (OCS)
- Front & rear side-impact air bags/air curtains
- 3-point driver/front passenger shoulder belts w/height adjustment & emergency tensioning retractor
- Rear 3-point seat belts w/outboard automatic height adjustment
- Rear lower anchors & tethers for children (LATCH)
- Illuminated emergency trunk release