2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 Sedan Review
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DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS
2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 Sedan
The 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a radical step for the
once-conservative German automaker. It brought sleek, youthful
styling to the company's core line, and introduced new technologies
in both manufacturing and the cars themselves. The results possibly
astounded even Mercedes-Benz. The E-Class was a major sales
success.
Even in an uncertain world economy, automotive product cycles
are not as long as they once were. The predecessor of the '96 E-
Class debuted in 1985, for a decade-long run. The E-Class gets a
major makeover for the 2003 model year. New bodywork is the
most apparent change, but there are changes under the skin as well.
The technology level has increased, with the electronic braking
system introduced in the company's premium SL roadsters finding
its first mass-production use in the new E. As before, two models
are offered. The E320 uses the 3.2-liter V6 engine familiar from
previous years, while the E500 has the 5.0-liter V8 shared by the
CL500 coupe and SL500 roadster.
I've just spent a week with a new E320. If its styling almost says
``coupe'', its interior space is definitely sedan, with first-class
accommodation for four. And, as before, the namesake 3.2-liter,
221-horsepower V6 provides plenty of refined power with a
modest appetite for fuel. Performance is enhanced by a more rigid
unibody structure and revised suspension, combining comfort with
agility. The newest Mercedes E-Class continues the revolution
started by the 1996 model, and raises the bar in the heart of the
luxury class.
APPEARANCE: Neat trick - the new E-Class sedan is marginally
larger in all dimensions than the previous version, yet it looks much
smaller. Thank the sleek coupe-like styling for that. The signature
quad elliptical headlights remain, but the front of the car is tilted
back more, with a lower, wider grille and sporty flared lower fascia.
As on the other Mercedes-Benz cars, the shape of the headlights is
carried back to the fender line, and the grille's top contours form
the central hood line. The sport look is enhanced by a sculpted
wedge shape from the side, with higher rear fenders, and slightly
flared wheel arches and rocker panels. The long, arched passenger
cabin is familiar, and blends well with the new bodywork. Large
rounded triangular taillights provide identification at night.
COMFORT: At a glance, the rounded contours of its restyled
interior makes the new E-Class sedan look a little smaller inside.
Optical illusion, it's actually quite spacious, and very comfortable
even in ``base-model'' E320 trim. There are few straight lines on the
dash or door panels, and careful use of light and medium colors and
different materials gives luxury ambiance. Light coming through the
dual panels of the optional ``Panorama'' sunroof imparts an airy
feeling, and the view, for all passengers (especially rear), is
fantastic. The standard front seats offer firm long-distance comfort
and support; ventilated, passive multi-contour, and ``Dynamic
Drive'' automatically-adjustable seats are also available. The new
instrument panel has substance to go with its style, with well-placed
instruments and controls and a new and surprisingly intuitive audio
panel. Functional storage is found in the locking dual-level glove
box, new dual-level console box with clamshell-opening top
compartment for the optional integrated cell phone and standard
TeleAid buttons, and small, useful spaces around the cabin. If the
front seat area looks smaller, the rear doesn't, and it isn't. There is
first-class room for two, with storage and amenities. Four-zone
climate control, optional in the E320 and standard in the E500,
gives both rear passengers control over their own interior climate.
There is plenty of trunk space, too.
SAFETY: The 2003 Mercedes E-Class has a stronger chassis
structure with larger front crumple zones, adaptive airbags, a
rollover sensor that can deploy side windowbags, and ``Tele Aid''
telematics to summon help in the event of a severe accident.
ROADABILITY: The revised 2003 E-Class chassis is even more
rigid than that of earlier models, and use of lightweight materials
had actually decreased the weight of the E320. The hood, front
fenders, trunk lid, and subframes are aluminum, and there is
increased use of high-strength steel as well. The new front
suspension is similar in design to that of the premium-luxury S-
Class, while the five-link rear suspension now uses aluminum
components. Suspension tuning is Euro-luxury, supple enough for
comfort on any surface, yet firm enough for control at speed on
demanding roads. A sophisticated computer-controlled air
suspension with rear-time adjustable spring and damping rates is
standard on the E500 and optional on the E320. Sounds
fascinating, although the standard E320 suspension is very good.
Electronic brake control, also inherited from the S-Class, is
standard in all E-Class sedans. Unlike a hydraulic system, pressure
to each wheel's brake can be regulated separately, for optimum
braking power. It also allows easier integration of antilock, stability
control, and traction control systems for increased safety. Stopping
power is first-rate.
PERFORMANCE: The 2003 E320's 3.2-liter V6 engine is
unchanged from last year, and there is absolutely no problem with
that. With 221 horsepower at 5700 rpm and, more importantly for
easy, efficient driving, 232 lb-ft of torque between 3000 and 4800
rpm, it's an ideal luxury car engine, smooth and refined with
immediately-available power at all engine and road speeds. Like
other current Mercedes-Benz engines, it is largely made of
aluminum alloy for light weight, and has single overhead cam heads
with three valves and dual spark plugs per cylinder for efficient
combustion and low emissions. Electronic throttle control includes
adaptive circuitry that changes throttle sensitivity depending on
how the car is driven - aggressive sport-type driving results in faster
throttle response, while a more sedate driving style will give slower,
smoother response. Adaptive logic is also featured in the five-speed
automatic transmission's electronic control circuitry, which
responds both to driving style and road conditions in order to select
the optimum shift strategy. Full manual control is easily-available in
``TouchShift'' mode.
CONCLUSIONS: The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class combines
style, comfort, and performance.
SPECIFICATIONS
2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 Sedan
Base Price $ 46,950
Price As Tested $ 52,790
Engine Type 90-degree 18-valve single overhead
cam aluminum alloy V6
Engine Size 3.2 liters / 195 cu. in.
Horsepower 221 @ 5700 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 232 @ 3000-4800 rpm
Transmission 5-speed electronically-controlled
automatic with adaptive shift logic
and ``TouchShift'' manual mode
Wheelbase / Length 112.4 in. / 190.3 in.
Curb Weight 3635 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 17.8
Fuel Capacity 20.6 gal.
Fuel Requirement 91 octane premium unleaded gasoline
Tires P225/55 HR16 Michelin MXV4
Brakes, front/rear vented disc / solid disc, anti-lock,
brake assist, and stability control
standard
Suspension, front/rear independent upper and lower control
arms with coil springs /
independent five-link
Drivetrain front engine, rear-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 19 / 27 / 23
0 to 60 mph 7.1 sec (mfg)
Coefficient of Drag (cd) 0.27
OPTIONS AND CHARGES
Brilliant Silver paint $ 655
Motorola V60 phone $ 1,595
Panorama sunroof $ 1,500
4-zone climate control $ 550
E5 Value Added Package - includes:
heated steering wheel and front seats $ 875
Destination and delivery $ 665