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Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan sets new mark for style, comfort
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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Pedestrians in the German hamlet of Marbach, located near Stuttgart on the Lauter River which winds through Swabian hills, surrounded the handsome new sedan as it parked at the curb. Cameras emerged from pockets, people posed in front of that distinctive grille offset by bold oval headlamps, and photos were snapped, one after the next.
Obviously, those Germans recognize a dramatic new automotive design when they see one.
The fact that this mid-size sedan also wore the familiar tri-star mark of Mercedes-Benz -- attributed around the world as a symbol of German automotive expertise -- made the new design even more meaningful because a Mercedes on the streets of Germany seems as common a sight there as does a Ford or Chevy on roads in the United States.
And it has been a long time -- ten years, in fact -- since the last significant facial changes came to the staple sedan in the Mercedes fleet.
Now labeled as E-Class with three digits attached to signify engine size as expressed in liters, the Mercedes models of 1996 measure to mid-size standards and represent the work of 38 months worth of design and production, with noteworthy improvements not only invested in overt styling but new engineering and safety systems too, plus more interior space and perks for comfort and convenience.
The E320, first E-Class car to reach the American market, packs a 6-cylinder gasoline-powered engine and new mechanical features which make it more agile and athletic to drive. This staple will be followed by the E300, a diesel-powered variation, and -- with 1997 label -- another spin-off with 275 hp V8 engine that will be called the E420.
For an advanced peek at these cars, I spent several days last June driving more than 500 miles in pre-production prototypes over a meandering course that led from the Stuttgart headquarters of Mercedes-Benz to the Danube River in southern Germany, up Austrian Alps and over Bavarian foothills to Munich.
These experiences steering the new E-Class sedans on fast-paced German autobahns, rural back roads, city streets and narrow lanes winding through alpine villages could be summarized by an opinion that with this new design Mercedes has created a new standard for performance and luxury in the mid-size class of imports.
The E320, seeming strong yet sedate, acts aggressive.
It's bigger than its predecessor in wheelbase and track, as well as overall length, width and height. Inside, the expansion creates more space for riders, particularly in the rear seat where legroom improves by 2.6 inches.
It's a safer car now too, thanks to structural changes such as longer crumple zones, reinforcements in the rigid safety cell surrounding the passenger compartment, longer conical side rails and 1-piece side panels which increase crumple space to offset side impact, plus the addition of front seat side airbags as well as the two frontal airbags.
Anti-lock brakes and a traction control device show up on the long list of standard features.
European cars emphasize active safety features -- mechanical equipment which works quickly and precisely so an alert driver may take actions to possibly avoid an accident through skillful maneuvering of the vehicle.
For the E320, adding exacting new hardware like rack and pinion steering and a new front suspension with double wishbone arrangement end up making E320 more lively and active when navigating through road curves and hazards.
As for power, there's more than enough now, even for a weighty sedan.
The E320 gasoline-powered engine, an in-line-6 composed of a silicon-aluminum alloy, stocks dual overhead cam, four valves in each cylinder, and a Bosch Motronic engine management system.
It delivers up to 217 hp, plus assertive acceleration.
The E300 carries a direct-injection diesel in-line-6, the same as appeared in the previous model. This engine -- popular in Europe where gasoline sells for at least a dollar more per gallon than diesel fuel -- musters 134 hp.
Both the E320 and E300 employ a 4-speed automatic transmission which uses both hydraulic and electronic controls and provides a wide ratio of gear ranges.
Inside the sedan, firm but enormously comfortable front bucket seats stand between a center console. Rich leather covers seats on E320, while cloth fabric appears in the E300 where leather lists as an option.
Driver's seat conforms to fit the body through various tailored movements, including an inflatable air chamber which adjusts the length of the seat cushion. A standard package of electronic controls can store seat adjustment preferences for up to three different drivers, as well as the settings for headrest height and positions of steering wheel and twin side mirrors.
Three bold analog gauges in the instrument cluster include the central speedometer, tachometer to the right and on the left a combination of fuel and coolant temperature gauges. Displays in LCD format indicate clock, odometer, trip odometer and outside temperature readings.
A power glass sunroof that slides or pops up shows up as an option on all E Class models. Controls appear in a mini-console positioned above the center rearview mirror.
An automatic climate system, security with remote entry features, and a high-performance sound package with AM-FM stereo and cassette deck linked to eight speakers are standards across the line, but a new 200-watt Bose audio, custom tailored to the E Class interior, is optional.
Despite all of the luxury and performance features, that distinctive new exterior styling of the E Class is what turned so many German heads and created animated gestures.
Focal point becomes the dazzling twin-headlamp face.
In the words of Bruno Sacco, who heads the Mercedes design team, "The E-Class contains striking innovative features and at the same time preserves a healthy balance between tradition and modernity." It's exciting but safe.
The strategy goes like this: Those who appreciate that refined less-is-more image of previous Mercedes E-Class models will not be turned off by the new design, yet enough appears innovatively different so new potential buyers may be lured by these sleek new shapes and forms.
Examine the price chart when compared to all luxury import competitors, and these new E-Classers sell themselves. The E320 remains a buy at $43,500, with E300 tucking down to $39,900 and E420 stunning at $49,900.
1996 MERCEDES-BENZ E320
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1996 MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS Specs |
| Description: |
Mid-size luxury sedan |
| Model Options: |
Mid-size luxury sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
111.5 inches |
| Overall Length: |
189.4 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 3.0-liter I-6 24v
DOHC 3.2-liter I-6 24v
DOHC 4.2-liter V-8 32v
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| Transmission: |
I-6: Auto/4
V-8: Auto/5 |
| Drive: |
Rear |
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 (front) + 2 (side) |
| Gas Mileage: |
I-6: 19/26 mpg |
| Price: |
E300: $39,900, E320: $43,500, E420: $49,900 |
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