What's New In The ALL New Mercedes Benz E420

08/27/96

One look and one test drive will tell you that the 1997 Mercedes Benz E420 is an all new performance sedan from the ground up.

The Look: Distinctive, "rakish" Mercedes Benz grill treatment. Rounded headlights, round corners resulting in a drag coefficient of just 0.29 which we are told is among the best of any car sold in the U.S. Exclusive 5-hole mag wheel design further sets off the unique styling.

Engine: V8 double overhead cam aluminum engine putting out 275 HP and 295 lbs./ft. of torque. It utilizes electronically controlled variable intake valve timing to optimize low-end and mid-range torque, which gives it a seamless flow of power--and you have got to drive it to witness this sensation. The big 5 passenger E420 accelerates 0-60 in 6.7 seconds.

Five speed automatic transmission: The all new automatic trans uses electronic controls to "learn" its owners driving style and adopt the shift pattern to it. Part of our road test was the weekend "errands" type of around-town driving . . . no hot rodding or highway trips and the car practically drove itself. The EPA rating is 18mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Price: $49,900, down $2,600 from last year's model.

Competition: BMW 540i/740i Lexus LS400 Jaguar XJ6 Cad Seville

Bill Maloney -- The Auto Channel