2005 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
This year marks the return of diesel power to the Mercedes-Benz line, with the new E320 CDI sedan. Carrying a common-rail direct-injection, 3.2-liter turbocharged inline-six within the engine bay, the turbodiesel sedan delivers 201 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. Unlike its E-Class siblings, 4Matic all-wheel-drive, appearance packages and dual-control air suspension are not available on the E320 CDI, nor is a wagon variant offered. Notably, Mercedes-Benz has dropped its complementary maintenance program for all 2005 E-Class models.

Advantages of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class:

• Perfectly balanced ride quality and handling
• Turbodiesel engine option
• Exceptional front seat comfort
• Quiet interior at any speed
• All-wheel drive available with most configurations

Objections to the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class:

• Touchy, non-linear electronic brake system
• Bland character
• Lacks useful cupholders

Editor's Advice:
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class possesses the key attributes required of a luxury car. It is exceptionally comfortable and quiet at any speed, with a perfect balance between supple ride qualities and superb handling. All of the engines are up to the task of motivating the E-Class; our favorite is the more fuel-efficient 3.2-liter V6 that also make the E-Class feel more responsive because there is less weight over the front wheels. But the E320 CDI, which promises 27-mpg city and 37-mpg highway, may replace that preference. We'll pass judgment once we've experienced it. We have only one major complaint with the E-Class, and it's about the brakes. Mercedes' brake-by-wire system has computer software gauging pedal pressure and sending electronic signals to tell the brakes what to do. The bugs haven't been worked out quite yet, as the pedal is difficult to modulate, grabby, and suffers reductions in braking power that are not commensurate with the amount that the pedal has been relaxed. It should be noted, however, that the brakes themselves work brilliantly – it's the way that they are applied that cause us pause. With a dizzying array of unusual features available for the taking, it's easy to jack up the price of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but how can you resist such tempting items as Drive Dynamic seats that automatically inflate according to the movement of the car, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, Distronic adaptive cruise control, and a navigation system that will play DVDs when the gear selector is in the parked position? If you've got the means, indulge. And with all-wheel-drive available for most models, it's hard not to recommend the handsome if not distinctive-looking Mercedes-Benz E-Class.