Car Test
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R0307 | |
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January 2003 |
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| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | ||
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: E220 CDi Elegance Saloon | |
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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 on our backs. Safe stolid reliability goes a long way, but the truth is that the E-Class never came anywhere near the BMW 5-Series in terms of entertaining road manners. Its relaxed main-road progress could be undermined by the jitters at lower speed, too.
But now the new (slightly more expensive) saloon has 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 has so far eluded us, but apparently its Supercharger's power delivery is now more mechanically refined, thanks to contra-rotating balancer shafts in the sump. This 220CDi (turbo-charged) 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 more verve, but the standard suspension checks too abruptly over poorer 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. In fact, 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’re the one in the middle - a prominent centre hump and less leg room 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. Mercedes don’t have deadlocks (the company doesn’t believe in them). Nevertheless, 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 'Sensotronic' braking by wire. No, not cable brakes, but a computer that actuates the hudraulics to each wheel. |
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