Car Test
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R0248 | |
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June 2002 |
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| First Drive | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: E220 CDi Classic | |
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Were we seriously to criticise the old E-Class saloon or estate version, we would have a host of satisfied owners to answer to. Safe, stolid reliability goes a long way, but the truth is that the E-Class never came anywhere near BMW’s 5 Series in terms of entertaining road manners. Its relaxed main-road progress could be undermined by the jitters at lower speed too.
The new (slightly more expensive) saloon has just arrived, with an upgraded specification: alloy wheels, full climate control and generous safety features are standard on the “basic” Classic version, for example. Look seriously at this trim level if your performance requirement is modest- both of the smaller-engine options (petrol and diesel) are worthy of serious consideration, at still sensible money. The 200 Kompressor isn’t launched just yet, but apparently its supercharged power delivery is now more mechanically refined, thanks to contra-rotating balance shafts in the sump. The 220 CDi (Turbocharged) diesel shares this feature and it works a treat, giving exemplary mechanical manners. Our car was an automatic (most E Class Mercedes are), but remember, if fuel economy and/or emissions are important to you, you’ll do better with a manual Merc. The new E Class has tried hard to throw off its dowager image. It certainly steers and corners with a lot more verve, but the standard suspension checks too abruptly over secondary roads. There is a solution, however- opt for the airmatic suspension (for £1240 extra) and any complaints will be quelled, as will the bumps. It’s clever because a console switch enables the firmer ride to be restored, should the mood take you. This system looks especially attractive on the estate car (due later), as well. The driver’s cockpit is a modicum of elegant ergonomics, with plenty of adjustments to wheel and seat including lumber thrust (the previous model didn’t have it, but sorely needed it.) The cabin is much improved in both style and function, and there are no complaints about back seat comfort either- unless you’re very long legged or you want to carry three adults there- a prominent centre hump and less legroom than before are apparent. This new saloon’s boot is significantly longer instead, but tilting rear backrests (run-of-the-mill on cheaper rivals) still cost extra on this Classic version. Mercedes don’t have deadlocks (they don’t believe in them), but otherwise, both security and safety are taken very seriously; the E-Class is the first volume –car to incorporate “Sensotronic” braking by wire. No-not cable brakes, but a computer that actuates the hydraulics to each wheel. |
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