REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

A break from innovation

The market niche occupied by the Mercedes E-Class is by far one of the busiest and most exciting in the entire automotive industry and to keep its place in the sun, two years ago it emerged with a host of innovations. In the styling department, its designers touched up the model’s lines, softening the hood angle, for example. This year, things are a bit less frenetic at Mercedes and only a few details have been changed on this lineup.An ideal driving position, detailed instrumentation, a high number of practical accessories (provided your budget can stretch that far). What is there to criticize? Well, a few things: the shift lever is as ugly as it is oversized; the trunk is only average-sized and shamefully deprived of a cargo net (unless you choose it as an option); visibility to the side isn’t excellent either, and it can make changing lanes a tricky business. Furthermore, when it’s raining hard the single windshield wiper has its work cut out for it. A brief comment on the number and cost of options: astronomical! Headlamp washers, orthopedic seats, reading lights for rear-seat passengers are all optional. Reach for the stars - and your wallet!With almost perfect weight distribution, the E achieves good balance. Even the recirculating ball steering system is extremely precise and the tight turning radius makes for very easy manoeuvring in the city. The firm suspension is completely comfortable and eliminates all roll when cornering. As for engines, the 3.2-liter V6 (E320) is remarkably peppy and a perfect partner for the smooth and well-calibrated 5-speed automatic transmission. And the 4.3- liter V8 (E430) is no slouch either. Only one fly in the ointment, the 5-speed automatic transmission chosen to match this engine is punished by a gas pedal that isn’t progressive enough (a flaw not found on the E320). As a result, at faster speeds the transmission gets "confused" and can’t seem to make up its mind on which gear to select. And what about the 5.4-liter V8? Fantastic! This engine has power to spare and offers astounding performance levels. How about brakes? Herculean strength is their main characteristic. All things considered, there can be no doubt that the improvements brought to the E-Class make it even more attractive than it already was.

PROS
Consistently high quality
Powerful brakes
Powerful engines

CONS
Limited trunk space
Lateral visibility
Long list of expensive options

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