What they said when the Mercedes-Benz E-Class was new… (Nov 28 2002)
GERMAN luxury car giant Mercedes-Benz is piling up the pleasure for owners and problems for rivals.
When it launched the new E class it immediately moved the benchmark for top end executive cars.
It proved that big cars do not have to be heavyweights, hard to handle and exorbitantly expensive.
Sold with Elegance or Avantgarde specifications at £41,840 and £42,340, the 5.0 litre four-speed, four-door saloon is packed with electronic features for comfort and capability.
Internally it can look and feel like an executive jet, but it is roomier than some planes and easier to park with a multitude of sensors and power assistance which makes it very agile.
The power-train is exceptionally responsive and refined with over 300bhp underfoot producing smart acceleration, strong mid-range pull and utterly composed motorway cruising.
Gearchanges are quick and smooth, the steering feels very well balanced and the brakes provide prodigious power and progressive feel. Secondary controls are all convenient and good to use, the instruments are large and clear. The heating and ventilation system is remarkably effective although it needs a lot of familiarisation.
Oddments room is plentiful throughout and the boot truly enormous. The cabin itself is extremely roomy with seats which offer excellent comfort and an enormous range of adjustment range, with the luxury of air conditioning and heating built into them as well.
Once on the move, the big Merc's ride comfort is extremely good. There's a slightly firm feel to the suspension which does not seem to in any way diminish the ability to absorb road shocks.
In fact, it handles like a much smaller car and its overall levels of grip are inspiring.
Top speed has been electronically limited to just under 160mph and it zips to 60mph in little more than six seconds while returning close to 25mpg overall – such efficiency is explained by the smooth lines and efficient power-train.
With the legendary MB residuals factored into the overall equation, the E 500 is a very attractive luxury car to own and an even better one to drive.
Words: Robin Roberts
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